Average Dental Assistants Salary in Knoxville, TN
Dental Assistants in Knoxville, TN, earn an average annual salary of $45,040. This figure is slightly below the national average of $48,760, a common occurrence in markets where local economic factors and demand dynamics may influence compensation levels. While the nominal pay is lower, understanding the local cost of living is crucial for a complete financial picture.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $45,040 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $56,490.
- Outlook: Knoxville's dental assistant job market appears stable, supporting a local workforce of 780 professionals. The location quotient of 0.77 suggests a slightly lower concentration of dental assistants compared to the national average, indicating a potentially steady demand that aligns with the general population's needs rather than an over-saturation.
Salary Overview
The average Dental Assistants in Knoxville, TN earns-7.6%below the national average.
$21.7
$866
$3,753
Dental Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Knoxville Dental Assistants is not provided, it's reasonable to assume a trend of salary growth mirroring national patterns over the past four years. Economic recovery, increased demand for dental services, and inflation typically drive modest annual increases in compensation for healthcare support roles.
Dental Assistants Salary Distribution in Knoxville, TN
Salary progression for Dental Assistants in Knoxville typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or advanced certifications can command significantly higher salaries, potentially reaching into the upper percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles reflects the value placed on accumulated knowledge and proficiency.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $37,010 | $17.8 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $33,780 | $16.2 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $46,100 | $22.2 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $56,300 | $27.1 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $56,490 | $27.2 |
Detailed Dental Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$45,040
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$45,040
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $45,040 in Knoxville aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Dental Assistant's salary in Knoxville is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the slightly lower nominal salary is effectively balanced by the local cost of goods and services.
Job Market Context
780
Total Jobs
1.864
Per 1K Jobs
0.77
Location Quotient
Knoxville, TN has 0.77x the national average concentration of Dental Assistants jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
With a location quotient of 0.77, Knoxville exhibits a slightly lower concentration of Dental Assistants than the national average. This suggests that the job market is neither overly saturated nor exceptionally competitive, presenting a balanced environment for job seekers where opportunities are likely available without intense competition.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Dental Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Morristown, TN Dental Assistants Salary | $42,280↓ 6% | 40 mi |
| Cleveland, TN Dental Assistants Salary | $42,540↓ 6% | 75 mi |
| Asheville, NC Dental Assistants Salary | $50,970↑ 13% | 83 mi |
| Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA Dental Assistants Salary | $43,030↓ 4% | 87 mi |
| Johnson City, TN Dental Assistants Salary | $46,420↑ 3% | 91 mi |
Comparing salaries near Knoxville, TN
Hiring Dental Assistantss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Dental Assistants make in Knoxville, TN?
The median annual salary for a Dental Assistants in Knoxville, TN is $45,040. This typically ranges from $37,010 for entry-level positions to $56,490 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Knoxville, TN is 7.6% lower than the national median of $48,760.
Is Knoxville, TN a lucrative place for Dental Assistants?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.Dental Assistants in Knoxville earn $45,040 annually, which is below the national average of $48,760. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the purchasing power is comparable.
Is Knoxville, TN a good place to live for Dental Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Knoxville, TN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Knoxville, TN?
Some top paying nearby cities include Morristown, TN ($42,280) and Cleveland, TN.
How does Knoxville's Dental Assistant salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Dental Assistants in Knoxville, TN is $45,040, which is approximately $3,720 less than the national average of $48,760.
What is the cost of living in Knoxville, TN for Dental Assistants?
Knoxville, TN has a cost of living index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means that the expenses for goods and services are comparable to the rest of the country.
How concentrated are Dental Assistants in Knoxville compared to the rest of the US?
The location quotient for Dental Assistants in Knoxville is 0.77, indicating that the profession is slightly less concentrated in Knoxville than the national average.
What is the total number of Dental Assistants employed in Knoxville?
There are approximately 780 Dental Assistants employed in the Knoxville, TN area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 780 employees in the Knoxville, TN area with a job density of 1.864 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Dental Assistants Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Knoxville, TN
- All Occupations Salary in Knoxville, TN
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Knoxville, TN
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Knoxville, TN
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Knoxville, TN
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Knoxville, TN
- Production Occupations Salary in Knoxville, TN
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Knoxville, TN
- Management Occupations Salary in Knoxville, TN
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Knoxville, TN
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Knoxville, TN
- Browse All Jobs in Knoxville, TN →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Dental Assistants • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Knoxville, TN