Dental Salary Data · BLS OEWS May 2025
Dentist Salary in Knoxville
The median dentist earns $157,900 a year in the Knoxville metro, with the middle half between $106,570 and $251,560.[1]
25th percentile
$106,570
Lower end of the middle half
Median
$157,900
Half earn more, half earn less
75th percentile
$251,560
Upper end of the middle half
Knoxville runs about 27% lower than the Tennessee median and ranks 7th of 8 Tennessee metros. It is about 8% lower than the national median.
Knoxville pay range vs. Tennessee and the U.S.
| Percentile | Metro annual | Tennessee annual | U.S. annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $84,360 | $84,360 | $86,250 |
| 25th percentile | $106,570 | $133,710 | $125,710 |
| Median | $157,900 | $215,290 | $170,950 |
| 75th percentile | $251,560 | $269,120 | $224,040 |
| 90th percentile | $259,320 | $311,900 | $319,630 |
| Mean (average) | $174,200 | $210,700 | $191,350 |
220
0.51
0.64
For dental pros in Knoxville
Build a free resume and get matched to practices that fit you.
Dentist salary in Knoxville: FAQ
How much do dentists make in Knoxville?
The median dentist salary in the Knoxville metro area is $157,900, with the middle half earning between $106,570 and $251,560 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). The full range runs from $84,360 at the 10th percentile to $259,320 at the 90th.
Is Knoxville higher or lower than the rest of Tennessee?
Knoxville runs about 27% lower than the Tennessee state median for dentists. It ranks 7th of 8 Tennessee metro areas by median pay. (DSO Hire calculation from BLS figures.)
How does Knoxville compare nationally?
Dentist pay in Knoxville is about 8% lower than the U.S. median. (DSO Hire calculation from BLS figures, not adjusted for cost of living.)
How many dentists work in the Knoxville area?
BLS estimates 220 dentists were employed in the Knoxville metro area in May 2025. Its location quotient is 0.64, so the role is less concentrated than the national average.
Other Tennessee metros