Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Franklin, TN: $23.78 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Franklin, TN runs $23.78 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,462 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Franklin's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.91 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,683 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Franklin, Tennessee, the projected dental assistant hourly pay in 2026 stands at $23.78, which is slightly below the national median hourly rate of $23.84. This rate provides a solid foundation for both full-time and part-time workers, particularly those engaging in per-diem roles within various dental settings such as general dentistry operatories and pediatric exam rooms. For a dental assistant working three days a week, with a typical 24-hour schedule, the compensation reflects both entry-level and experienced positions, with hourly earnings ranging from $18.95 for those starting off to $30.80 for top earners. These figures are derived from comprehensive salary data, largely reliant on yearly salary estimations, serving to inform both prospective and current dental assistants about their hourly earning potential in Franklin's evolving dental market.
About the Franklin Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.95 | $151.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.20 | $177.57 |
| Median (P50) | $23.78 | $190.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.92 | $231.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.80 | $246.38 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Franklin
Based on $23.78/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.78/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Franklin, TN can expect to earn approximately $49,471 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,541. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Franklin.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Franklin
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $951.36 | $4,123 | $49,471 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $570.82 | $2,474 | $29,683 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $380.55 | $1,649 | $19,788 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Franklin) | $23.78 |
| 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 Franklin, TN earn a median of $49,462 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.24% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 3.80% above the Tennessee state average of $47,651.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.78/hr = $29,683/year (purchasing power: $32,334).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,471/year (purchasing power: $53,890).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.23/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.06/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.78/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Franklin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.23/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.75/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.55/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.50/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.33/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.27/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.06/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.78/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.53/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Franklin grew 19.9% from $19.23/hr (2019) to $23.06/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.53/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 Franklin 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 Franklin
Part-time dental assistants can experience varying earning potential depending on their work arrangements. For instance, a dental assistant working 24 hours a week could potentially take home around $29,490 annually if earning $23.78 per hour, significantly less than a full-time counterpart. In the per-diem sector, where dental assistants often flex their schedules with agencies, pay ranges commonly fall between $22 to $35 per hour, with specialties such as oral surgery and orthodontics drawing in rates as high as $28 to $45 per hour. Factors influencing hourly rates in Franklin include the type of employer—general practices, pediatric offices, and oral surgery centers often have different compensation structures. While some dental assistants may opt for roles with lower hourly rates in exchange for health benefits, others might prefer higher pay without benefits, making negotiation skills in this competitive environment crucial. Understanding the specific dynamics of dental assistant hourly pay in Franklin can empower professionals seeking to optimize their earnings across various employment scenarios.
More salary data for Franklin, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Franklin in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Franklin?
Are dental assistants in Franklin paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Franklin?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Franklin?
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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 Franklin. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Franklin is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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