Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Clarksville, TN: $22.84 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Clarksville, TN runs $22.84 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,496 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Clarksville's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.11 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,498 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Clarksville, TN, the projected dental assistant hourly pay for 2026 is $22.84, a figure that slightly lags behind the national median of $23.84. This hourly rate offers compelling opportunities for part-time workers and those in per-diem roles, especially in diverse clinical settings ranging from general dentistry to specialized pediatric and orthodontic practices. For entry-level dental assistants, starting wages in the $18.19 per hour range gradually rise to top earners who may see hourly compensation as high as $29.41. With this official BLS data in mind, aspiring dental assistants can consider how their working hours—whether a traditional schedule or flexible per-diem assignments—affect their overall remuneration in the healthcare market.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.19 | $145.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.19 | $153.55 |
| Median (P50) | $22.84 | $182.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.00 | $208.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.41 | $235.24 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Clarksville
Based on $22.84/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.84/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Clarksville, TN can expect to earn approximately $47,497 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,402. With a cost-of-living index of 90.95 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Clarksville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Clarksville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $913.41 | $3,958 | $47,497 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $548.04 | $2,375 | $28,498 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $365.36 | $1,583 | $18,999 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Clarksville) | $22.84 |
| Dental Hygienist (National Avg) | $42.45 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $20.14 |
| Pharmacy Technician (National Avg) | $19.27 |
| Phlebotomist (National Avg) | $20.36 |
Dental Assistants in Clarksville, TN earn a median of $47,496 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.20% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 0.30% below the Tennessee state average of $47,639.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.84/hr = $28,498/year (purchasing power: $31,335).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,497/year (purchasing power: $52,225).
CoL index: 90.947 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.99/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.14/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.84/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Clarksville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.99/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.46/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.05/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.61/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.75/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.19/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.14/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.84/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.55/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Clarksville grew 23.1% from $17.99/hr (2019) to $22.14/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.55/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem dental assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Clarksville metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.14% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Dental Assistant in Clarksville
Evaluating the potential for earnings as a part-time dental assistant reveals an interesting contrast to full-time colleagues. A dental assistant working three days a week could take home approximately $28,400 annually, demonstrating the income variability based on work schedules. The per diem dental assistant pay in Clarksville can fluctuate significantly, with rates typically ranging between $22 and $35 per hour for general responsibilities, while those in specialized roles such as oral surgery or orthodontics may earn between $28 and $45. Salary expectations can also differ based on the employer type in the area, as general dental practices and larger DSO chains might offer varying hourly rates and benefits packages. When negotiating salaries, particularly in temp positions, it is crucial for dental assistants to weigh the trade-offs between higher pay and additional benefits like health insurance. Understanding local industry trends and knowing the worth of specialized credentials can also provide leverage during discussions.
More salary data for Clarksville, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Clarksville in 2026?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.14% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for dental assistants in Clarksville. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.14%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for dental assistants (SOC 31-9091).
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH, a licensed dental assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov