Dental Salary Data · BLS OEWS May 2025
Dental Assistant Salary in Knoxville
The median dental assistant earns $46,790 a year in the Knoxville metro, with the middle half between $45,220 and $59,710.[1]
25th percentile
$45,220
Lower end of the middle half
Median
$46,790
Half earn more, half earn less
75th percentile
$59,710
Upper end of the middle half
Knoxville runs about the same as the Tennessee median and ranks 3rd of 10 Tennessee metros. It is about 3% lower than the national median.
Knoxville pay range vs. Tennessee and the U.S.
| Percentile | Metro annual | Tennessee annual | U.S. annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $37,810 | $37,810 | $37,130 |
| 25th percentile | $45,220 | $44,440 | $44,340 |
| Median | $46,790 | $46,720 | $48,070 |
| 75th percentile | $59,710 | $59,270 | $58,090 |
| 90th percentile | $60,140 | $61,260 | $62,250 |
| Mean (average) | $49,500 | $49,670 | $50,200 |
1,030
2.42
0.97
For dental pros in Knoxville
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Dental Assistant salary in Knoxville: FAQ
How much do dental assistants make in Knoxville?
The median dental assistant salary in the Knoxville metro area is $46,790, with the middle half earning between $45,220 and $59,710 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). The full range runs from $37,810 at the 10th percentile to $60,140 at the 90th.
Is Knoxville higher or lower than the rest of Tennessee?
Knoxville runs about the same as the Tennessee state median for dental assistants. It ranks 3rd of 10 Tennessee metro areas by median pay. (DSO Hire calculation from BLS figures.)
How does Knoxville compare nationally?
Dental Assistant pay in Knoxville is about 3% lower than the U.S. median. (DSO Hire calculation from BLS figures, not adjusted for cost of living.)
How many dental assistants work in the Knoxville area?
BLS estimates 1,030 dental assistants were employed in the Knoxville metro area in May 2025. Its location quotient is 0.97, so the role is close to the national average.
Other Tennessee metros