Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in La Vergne, TN: $21.89 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in La Vergne, TN runs $21.89 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $45,515 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against La Vergne's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.84 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,314 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In La Vergne, TN, the dental assistant hourly pay is projected to be $21.89 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $23.84. This median rate creates a solid foundation for part-time and per-diem workers, who often find opportunities in general dentistry practices, orthodontic offices, or even pediatric clinics. With an hourly range expanding from $17.85 for entry-level positions to $27.40 for highly experienced dental assistants, the potential for growth in this career is evident. Entry-level professionals seeking part-time work, such as three days a week, can expect to earn a set income while also enjoying the flexibility of their schedule. These hourly projections are estimated from annual salary figures, making them particularly relevant for those considering positions in various dental environments within the region.
About the La Vergne 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) | $17.85 | $142.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.65 | $165.19 |
| Median (P50) | $21.89 | $175.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.08 | $208.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $27.40 | $219.23 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in La Vergne
Based on $21.89/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.89/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in La Vergne, TN can expect to earn approximately $45,524 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,264. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in La Vergne.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in La Vergne
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $875.45 | $3,794 | $45,524 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $525.27 | $2,276 | $27,314 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $350.18 | $1,517 | $18,209 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (La Vergne) | $21.89 |
| 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 La Vergne, TN earn a median of $45,515 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.20% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 4.50% below the Tennessee state average of $47,659.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.89/hr = $27,314/year (purchasing power: $29,754).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $45,524/year (purchasing power: $49,590).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.69/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.22/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.89/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in La Vergne (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.69/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.18/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.07/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.79/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.54/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $16.86/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.22/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.89/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.57/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in La Vergne grew 19.9% from $17.69/hr (2019) to $21.22/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.57/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 La Vergne 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 La Vergne
To put things in perspective, a part-time dental assistant working 24 hours a week could take home about $27,270 annually, compared to full-time workers earning significantly more. Per-diem dental assistant pay in La Vergne typically ranges from $22 to $35 per hour; however, specialized settings such as oral surgery and orthodontics can demand rates of $28 to $45. Agencies like Cloud Dentistry and GoTu allow dental assistants to fill in for single-day shifts, creating additional earning potential for those who prefer a flexible work style. Hourly pay structures can also differ significantly depending on the type of employer, as general dental practices often have different scales compared to specialty offices or dental schools. For some dental assistants, the choice between lower hourly rates at a practice that offers benefits versus a higher rate without health insurance becomes an essential consideration. Therefore, effective negotiation strategies can help La Vergne dental assistants secure favorable hourly rates while evaluating the full spectrum of compensation and benefits available in this evolving industry.
More salary data for La Vergne, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in La Vergne in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in La Vergne?
Are dental assistants in La Vergne paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in La Vergne?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in La Vergne?
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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 La Vergne. 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 La Vergne 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