Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Hendersonville, TN: $22.26 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Hendersonville, TN runs $22.26 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $46,290 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Hendersonville's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.25 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,777 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hendersonville, the projected median dental assistant hourly pay stands at $22.26, which is slightly below the national median of $23.84 per hour. For those working part-time, such as in general dentistry or pediatric settings, this translates to a reliable income that can be sufficient for those balancing other commitments. Part-time workers typically clock in around three days a week, allowing them to earn a significant yet flexible income. Entry-level positions might start at $17.49 per hour, while experienced professionals can reach up to $28.58 per hour, depending on their specific roles and responsibilities in various settings like orthodontic practices or oral surgery suites. These figures represent estimated rates derived from annual salary data, reflecting the diverse options available for dental assistants in Hendersonville.
About the Hendersonville 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) | $17.49 | $139.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.10 | $160.82 |
| Median (P50) | $22.26 | $178.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.85 | $214.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.58 | $228.64 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hendersonville
Based on $22.26/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.26/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hendersonville, TN can expect to earn approximately $46,296 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,709. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Hendersonville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hendersonville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $890.30 | $3,858 | $46,296 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $534.18 | $2,315 | $27,777 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $356.12 | $1,543 | $18,518 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Hendersonville) | $22.26 |
| 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 Hendersonville, TN earn a median of $46,290 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.63% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 2.90% below the Tennessee state average of $47,673.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.26/hr = $27,777/year (purchasing power: $30,259).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $46,296/year (purchasing power: $50,431).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.99/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.58/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.26/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Hendersonville (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 | $18.49/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.36/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.12/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.89/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.15/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.58/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.26/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.96/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Hendersonville grew 19.9% from $17.99/hr (2019) to $21.58/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.96/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 Hendersonville 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 Hendersonville
Exploring the landscape of part-time and per diem work can reveal substantial differences in income. A dental assistant working a 24-hour week in Hendersonville could earn approximately $27,460 annually, while full-time employment could significantly boost earnings. Per-diem dental assistants often charge between $22 and $35 per hour, with specialized roles in oral surgery or orthodontics increasing those rates to $28 to $45 per hour. The variability in hourly rates can reflect differences in employer types, with general practices or dental service organizations like Heartland or Aspen typically offering more standardized pay compared to specialty offices. This creates a trade-off where some dental assistants might opt for slightly lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance, while others may choose higher pay without those perks. For those considering negotiation within Hendersonville, emphasizing credentials such as DANB certification or expanded function authority can enhance leverage when discussing hourly compensation.
More salary data for Hendersonville, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Hendersonville in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Hendersonville?
Are dental assistants in Hendersonville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Hendersonville?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Hendersonville?
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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 Hendersonville. 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 Hendersonville 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