Average Dental Hygienists Salary in Chattanooga, TN-GA
Dental Hygienists in Chattanooga, TN-GA earn an average annual salary of $80,060. This figure is notably below the national average of $94,050, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially lower demand contribute to this compensation difference. While the cost of living is average, the salary reflects a specific regional economic landscape for this profession.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $80,060 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 32.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $98,660.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 380 Dental Hygienists and a Location Quotient of 0.98, the job market in Chattanooga, TN-GA is stable and closely mirrors the national concentration of this role. The presence of 1.394 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for these professionals, suggesting a steady employment outlook.
Salary Overview
The average Dental Hygienists in Chattanooga, TN-GA earns-14.9%below the national average.
$38.5
$1,540
$6,672
Dental Hygienists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Dental Hygienists in Chattanooga have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic factors and increasing demand for dental care likely contribute to a positive, albeit moderate, upward trajectory in compensation for experienced professionals in the region.
Dental Hygienists Salary Distribution in Chattanooga, TN-GA
Salary progression for Dental Hygienists in Chattanooga 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 extensive experience can command salaries significantly higher than the average. The gap between entry-level and senior-level salaries signifies clear career advancement opportunities within the profession.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $64,520 | $31 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $60,045 | $28.9 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $79,420 | $38.2 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $100,075 | $48.1 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $98,660 | $47.4 |
Detailed Dental Hygienists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$80,060
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$80,060
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $80,060 in Chattanooga, TN-GA aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Dental Hygienist's salary in Chattanooga is equivalent to the national average, making it a financially neutral location for relocation from a cost-of-living perspective.
Job Market Context
380
Total Jobs
1.394
Per 1K Jobs
0.98
Location Quotient
Chattanooga, TN-GA has 0.98x the national average concentration of Dental Hygienists jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.98 indicates that Chattanooga, TN-GA has a job market for Dental Hygienists that is almost perfectly aligned with the national average in terms of concentration. This suggests a balanced market where the profession is neither significantly over- nor under-represented, implying a competitive but accessible job landscape for qualified individuals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Dental Hygienists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Cleveland, TN Dental Hygienists Salary | $77,300↓ 3% | 23 mi |
| Dalton, GA Dental Hygienists Salary | $77,650↓ 3% | 26 mi |
| Rome, GA Dental Hygienists Salary | $75,520↓ 6% | 55 mi |
| Huntsville, AL Dental Hygienists Salary | $59,880↓ 25% | 83 mi |
| Gadsden, AL Dental Hygienists Salary | $52,850↓ 34% | 85 mi |
Comparing salaries near Chattanooga, TN-GA
Hiring Dental Hygienistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Dental Hygienists make in Chattanooga, TN-GA?
The median annual salary for a Dental Hygienists in Chattanooga, TN-GA is $80,060. This typically ranges from $64,520 for entry-level positions to $98,660 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Chattanooga, TN-GA is 14.9% lower than the national median of $94,050.
Is Chattanooga, TN-GA a lucrative place for Dental Hygienists?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the average salary of $80,060 is below the national average of $94,050, indicating less lucrative compensation in this specific region.
Is Chattanooga, TN-GA a good place to live for Dental Hygienists?
The Cost of Living Index in Chattanooga, TN-GA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Chattanooga, TN-GA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Cleveland, TN ($77,300) and Dalton, GA.
How does Chattanooga's Dental Hygienist salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Dental Hygienists in Chattanooga, TN-GA is $80,060, which is lower than the national average of $94,050.
What is the Cost of Living in Chattanooga, TN-GA?
Chattanooga, TN-GA has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.
How concentrated is the Dental Hygienist job market in Chattanooga?
The job market is nearly aligned with the national average, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.98, suggesting a balanced presence of Dental Hygienists.
What is the total number of Dental Hygienists in Chattanooga?
There are approximately 380 Dental Hygienists employed in the Chattanooga, TN-GA area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 380 employees in the Chattanooga, TN-GA area with a job density of 1.394 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 Hygienists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Chattanooga, TN-GA