Knoxville vs Spring Hill: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Knoxville, TN and Spring Hill, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Knoxville, TN | Spring Hill, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,259▲ | $47,396 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.20▲ | $22.78 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,997▲ | $35,186 |
| 25th Percentile | $46,640▲ | $42,333 |
| 75th Percentile | $61,585▲ | $58,525 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $62,028 | $62,928▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,030▲ | 14 |
Verdict
Knoxville, TN offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Spring Hill.
The salary gap between Knoxville and Spring Hill is $863 (1.82%). Knoxville's median is -2.66% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Knoxville spans $23,031,Spring Hill spans $27,742. Spring Hill 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, Knoxville ($52,133 effective) pays 0.97% more than Spring Hill ($51,630 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Knoxville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($48,259/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,030 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $52,133)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Spring Hill if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($62,928)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Knoxville grew 20.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 25.8% growth in Spring Hill over the same period.
Knoxville, TN
$38,790 (2019) → $46,790 (2025)
Spring Hill, TN
$36,520 (2024) → $45,953 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Knoxville, TN
Spring Hill, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Knoxville or Spring Hill?
What is the hourly rate difference between Knoxville and Spring Hill?
Should I relocate from Knoxville to Spring Hill as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Knoxville vs Spring Hill?
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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