Average Dental Assistants Salary in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN
Dental Assistants in the Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN area earn an average annual salary of $49,450. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $48,760, indicating a marginally more favorable compensation landscape in this metropolitan region. Local economic factors and demand within the healthcare sector likely contribute to this slight premium.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $49,450 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $61,430.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 2,370 Dental Assistants, the Nashville area demonstrates a significant presence in this profession. The Location Quotient of 0.89 suggests that while the concentration of Dental Assistants is slightly below the national average, the absolute number indicates a robust and active job market. This suggests steady demand and opportunities for skilled professionals within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Dental Assistants in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN earns+1.4%above the national average.
$23.8
$951
$4,121
Dental Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Dental Assistant salary growth in Nashville is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a trend of moderate salary increases over the past four years, mirroring national patterns in the healthcare sector. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for dental services, and evolving responsibilities for Dental Assistants typically drive such upward salary adjustments.
Dental Assistants Salary Distribution in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN
Career progression for Dental Assistants in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN typically correlates with experience and specialization. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles of the salary range, while seasoned professionals with expanded duties or certifications can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies substantial earning potential as expertise grows.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $39,780 | $19.1 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $37,088 | $17.8 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $46,260 | $22.2 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $61,813 | $29.7 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $61,430 | $29.5 |
Detailed Dental Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$49,450
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$49,450
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $49,450 in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN aligns perfectly with the national Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Dental Assistant's salary in this area is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the nominal salary offers a standard of living comparable to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
2,370
Total Jobs
2.165
Per 1K Jobs
0.89
Location Quotient
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN has 0.89x 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.
The Location Quotient of 0.89 for Dental Assistants in Nashville indicates a slightly lower concentration of these professionals compared to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is well-established, the market may not be oversaturated, potentially offering a competitive environment for job seekers with the right qualifications and experience.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Dental Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area Dental Assistants Salary | $43,810↓ 11% | 29 mi |
| South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area Dental Assistants Salary | $42,010↓ 15% | 29 mi |
| West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area Dental Assistants Salary | $43,110↓ 13% | 29 mi |
| North Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area Dental Assistants Salary | $42,620↓ 14% | 29 mi |
| Clarksville, TN-KY Dental Assistants Salary | $44,470↓ 10% | 42 mi |
Comparing salaries near Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Dental Assistants make in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN?
The median annual salary for a Dental Assistants in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN is $49,450. This typically ranges from $39,780 for entry-level positions to $61,430 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN is 1.4% higher than the national median of $48,760.
Is Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN a lucrative place for Dental Assistants?
Yes, with a slight edge over the national average.Dental Assistants in this area earn slightly more than the national average, and the cost of living is on par, offering good value for their income.
Is Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN a good place to live for Dental Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN?
Some top paying nearby cities include East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area ($43,810) and South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Nashville Dental Assistant salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Dental Assistants in Nashville is $49,450, which is slightly higher than the national average of $48,760.
What is the Cost of Living in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN?
The Cost of Living Index for this region is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning expenses are neither significantly higher nor lower than the typical US city.
How many Dental Assistants work in the Nashville area?
There are approximately 2,370 Dental Assistants employed in the Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN metropolitan area.
Is the job market for Dental Assistants competitive in Nashville?
With a Location Quotient of 0.89, the market is slightly less concentrated than the national average, suggesting a potentially balanced or favorable job market for qualified Dental Assistants.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,370 employees in the Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN area with a job density of 2.165 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Dental Assistants • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN