Dental Assistant Pay

Memphis vs Tullahoma: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)

Compare dental assistant salaries between Memphis, TN and Tullahoma, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Memphis, TN
$49,713
$23.90/hr
Tullahoma, TN
$44,031
$21.16/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMemphis, TNTullahoma, TN
Median Salary$49,713$44,031
Hourly Rate$23.90$21.16
Entry Level (P10)$38,100$36,946
25th Percentile$41,926$41,113
75th Percentile$60,863$51,587
Top Earner (P90)$63,730$53,291
Total Employed1,2004
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Memphis ($49,713) and Tullahoma ($44,031) dental assistant salaries.MemphisTullahomaMedian Salary$49,713$44,031Entry Level (P10)$38,100$36,946Top Earner (P90)$63,730$53,291US Median $49,579

Verdict

Memphis, TN offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Tullahoma.

The salary gap between Memphis and Tullahoma is $5,682 (12.90%). Memphis's median is +0.27% compared to the US national median of $49,579.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Memphis spans $25,630,Tullahoma spans $16,345. Memphis has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Memphis
P10 (Entry)$38,100
P25$41,926
Median$49,713
P75$60,863
P90 (Top)$63,730
Tullahoma
P10 (Entry)$36,946
P25$41,113
Median$44,031
P75$51,587
P90 (Top)$53,291

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Memphis ($53,931 effective) pays 12.44% more than Tullahoma ($47,964 effective).

Memphis
Nominal: $49,713
CoL Index: 92.179
Adjusted: $53,931
Tullahoma
Nominal: $44,031
CoL Index: 91.8
Adjusted: $47,964

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Memphis if…

  • Higher median salary ($49,713/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($63,730)
  • Larger job market (1,200 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $53,931)
  • You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle

Choose Tullahoma if…

  • You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Memphis grew 38.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 25.8% growth in Tullahoma over the same period.

Memphis, TN

+38.7%

$34,760 (2019) → $48,200 (2025)

Tullahoma, TN

+25.8%

$33,927 (2024) → $42,691 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays dental assistants more: Memphis or Tullahoma?

Memphis has a higher median dental assistant salary at $49,713/year, compared to Tullahoma at $44,031/year — a difference of $5,682 (12.90%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Memphis and Tullahoma?

Memphis dental assistants earn $23.90/hr while Tullahoma hygienists earn $21.16/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Memphis to Tullahoma as a dental assistant?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Memphis and Tullahoma. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Memphis = $53,931, Tullahoma = $47,964), job availability (1,200 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Memphis vs Tullahoma?

Entry-level (10th percentile) dental assistants earn $38,100 in Memphis and $36,946 in Tullahoma. The Memphis area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

MG

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.

Clinically reviewed by James Thompson, CDAData verified by Aisha Patel, CDA, MA

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