Nashville vs Oak Ridge: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Nashville, TN and Oak Ridge, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Nashville, TN | Oak Ridge, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $50,064▲ | $46,756 |
| Hourly Rate | $24.07▲ | $22.47 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,039▲ | $36,168 |
| 25th Percentile | $46,454▲ | $42,795 |
| 75th Percentile | $62,410▲ | $55,470 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $71,084▲ | $60,986 |
| Total Employed | 2,730▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Nashville, TN offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Oak Ridge.
The salary gap between Nashville and Oak Ridge is $3,308 (7.08%). 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 Nashville spans $31,045,Oak Ridge spans $24,818. Nashville has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Nashville ($51,967 effective) pays 2.03% more than Oak Ridge ($50,932 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Oak Ridge if…
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Nashville grew 23.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 25.8% growth in Oak Ridge over the same period.
Nashville, TN
$39,470 (2019) → $48,540 (2025)
Oak Ridge, TN
$36,027 (2024) → $45,333 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Nashville, TN
Oak Ridge, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Nashville or Oak Ridge?
What is the hourly rate difference between Nashville and Oak Ridge?
Should I relocate from Nashville to Oak Ridge as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Nashville vs Oak Ridge?
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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