Cookeville vs Nashville: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Cookeville, TN and Nashville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cookeville, TN | Nashville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $45,282 | $50,064▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $21.77 | $24.07▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,568 | $40,039▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $42,442 | $46,454▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $53,780 | $62,410▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $56,145 | $71,084▲ |
| Total Employed | 7 | 2,730▲ |
Verdict
Nashville, TN offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Cookeville.
The salary gap between Cookeville and Nashville is $4,782 (10.56%). Nashville's median is +0.98% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cookeville spans $19,577,Nashville spans $31,045. Nashville has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dental assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Nashville ($51,967 effective) pays 5.35% more than Cookeville ($49,327 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cookeville if…
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Nashville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($50,064/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($71,084)
- ✓Larger job market (2,730 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,967)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Cookeville grew 25.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 23.0% growth in Nashville over the same period.
Cookeville, TN
$34,890 (2024) → $43,903 (2025)
Nashville, TN
$39,470 (2019) → $48,540 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cookeville, TN
Nashville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Cookeville or Nashville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cookeville and Nashville?
Should I relocate from Cookeville to Nashville as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Cookeville vs Nashville?
Related Comparisons
Written by Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH
Career Analyst
Maria Gonzalez has over 10 years of experience in dental assisting. She specializes in pediatric dentistry. She works in a private dental practice.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.14% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH, a licensed dental assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov