Average Dentists, General Salary in Tennessee
General Dentists in Tennessee earn an average annual salary of $191,880, which is slightly below the national average of $196,440. This difference can be attributed to various regional economic factors, including the overall demand for dental services and the state's specific economic landscape. Understanding these local dynamics is crucial for dental professionals considering practice in the Volunteer State.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $191,880 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 14.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $287,820.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,470 General Dentists and a Location Quotient of 0.61, Tennessee's market shows a concentration below the national average. This suggests that while the profession is established, there may be opportunities for growth and less intense competition compared to more saturated regions. The number of jobs per 1,000 workers (0.448) indicates a steady, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for dental services statewide.
Salary Overview
The average Dentists, General in Tennessee earns-2.3%below the national average.
$92.3
$3,690
$15,990
Dentists, General Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past four years, it's reasonable to assume that the average salary for General Dentists in Tennessee has seen a consistent upward trend, mirroring national patterns of salary growth in healthcare professions. Factors such as inflation, increasing demand for specialized dental procedures, and advancements in dental technology likely contribute to this gradual but positive salary progression for practitioners across the state.
Dentists, General Salary Distribution in Tennessee
Salary progression for General Dentists in Tennessee typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions might start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and a strong patient base can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior salaries reflects the career advancement and increased earning potential available through dedication and skill development in the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $76,650 | $36.9 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $143,910 | $69.2 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $154,460 | $74.3 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $239,850 | $115.3 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $287,820 | $138.4 |
Detailed Dentists, General Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$191,880
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$212,257
Adjusted for COL (90.4)
The average annual salary of $191,880 in Tennessee presents a favorable financial outlook when considering the local cost of living. With a Cost of Living Index of 90.4, Tennessee is more affordable than the national average (100). This means that the nominal salary of $191,880 likely offers a higher effective purchasing power for dentists residing and practicing in the state, making it an attractive location from a financial perspective.
Job Market Context
1,470
Total Jobs
0.448
Per 1K Jobs
0.61
Location Quotient
Tennessee has 0.61x the national average concentration of Dentists, General jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
Tennessee's Location Quotient of 0.61 for General Dentists indicates that the profession is less concentrated in the state compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market may be less saturated, potentially offering more opportunities for new practitioners or those looking to establish or expand their practices. While not a high-demand hotspot, the lower concentration implies a stable environment with consistent need for dental care.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Dentists, General
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN Dentists, General Salary | $201,870↑ 5% | 29 mi |
| Clarksville, TN-KY Dentists, General Salary | $182,320↓ 5% | 67 mi |
| Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL Dentists, General Salary | $205,980↑ 7% | 84 mi |
Comparing salaries near Tennessee
Hiring Dentists, Generals?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Dentists, General make in Tennessee?
The median annual salary for a Dentists, General in Tennessee is $191,880. This typically ranges from $76,650 for entry-level positions to $287,820 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Tennessee is 2.3% lower than the national median of $196,440.
Is Tennessee a lucrative place for Dentists, Generals?
Yes, with a favorable cost of living.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, Tennessee's lower cost of living index of 90.4 enhances the purchasing power of the $191,880 average salary, making it financially advantageous.
Is Tennessee a good place to live for Dentists, Generals?
With a Cost of Living Index of 90.4 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Tennessee?
Some top paying nearby cities include Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN ($201,870) and Clarksville, TN-KY.
How does the cost of living in Tennessee compare to the national average for dentists?
Tennessee boasts a cost of living index of 90.4, which is 9.6% lower than the national average. This means your $191,880 salary in Tennessee goes further than the national average salary in a location with a cost of living index of 100.
What is the concentration of General Dentists in Tennessee?
The Location Quotient for General Dentists in Tennessee is 0.61, indicating that the profession is less concentrated in the state compared to the national average. This suggests a potentially less competitive market.
How many General Dentists are there in Tennessee?
There are approximately 1,470 General Dentists employed in Tennessee, representing 0.448 jobs per 1,000 workers in the state's overall workforce.
Does experience impact a dentist's salary in Tennessee?
Yes, like most professions, experience significantly influences a General Dentist's salary in Tennessee. Senior dentists with established practices and extensive experience typically earn considerably more than those just starting their careers.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,470 employees in the Tennessee area with a job density of 0.448 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Dentists, General • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Tennessee