Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Murfreesboro, TN: $23.64 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Murfreesboro, TN runs $23.64 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,177 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Murfreesboro's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.75 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,502 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Murfreesboro, TN, dental assistants can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $23.64, which is slightly below the national hourly median of $23.84. This rate provides competitive compensation for dental assistants working in a variety of settings, including general dentistry, pediatric clinics, and orthodontic practices. Those working part-time, for instance three days a week, can anticipate earnings that are conducive to flexible schedules while still providing substantial income. The hourly pay range for this profession varies significantly, starting at $18.26 for entry-level positions to as much as $31.02 for more experienced dental assistants or those in specialized roles. These figures are essential for understanding both the immediate financial benefits and the long-term career potential in Murfreesboro's dental industry.
About the Murfreesboro 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) | $18.26 | $146.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.69 | $173.52 |
| Median (P50) | $23.64 | $189.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.35 | $234.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.02 | $248.20 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Murfreesboro
Based on $23.64/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.64/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Murfreesboro, TN can expect to earn approximately $49,171 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,368. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Murfreesboro.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Murfreesboro
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $945.59 | $4,098 | $49,171 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $567.35 | $2,459 | $29,502 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $378.24 | $1,639 | $19,668 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Murfreesboro) | $23.64 |
| 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 Murfreesboro, TN earn a median of $49,177 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.81% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 3.20% above the Tennessee state average of $47,652.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.64/hr = $29,502/year (purchasing power: $32,138).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,171/year (purchasing power: $53,563).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.11/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.92/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.64/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Murfreesboro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.11/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.63/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.43/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.37/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.19/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.51/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.92/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.64/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.38/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Murfreesboro grew 19.9% from $19.11/hr (2019) to $22.92/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.38/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 Murfreesboro 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 Murfreesboro
Considering a part-time dental assistant position might yield an annual income of approximately $29,955 for someone working 24 hours a week. In contrast, full-time assistants could see significantly higher annual returns. The per diem pay for dental assistants varies, with typical hourly rates ranging from $22 to $35, while specialized roles in oral surgery or orthodontics command higher rates between $28 and $45 per hour. Different employers such as solo practices, group clinics, and larger DSO chains like Heartland and Aspen offer distinct pay structures, often influenced by benefits packages. While some assistants may opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for comprehensive health benefits, others may prioritize higher hourly rates without benefits. Those in the area should consider negotiating their terms based on these factors, including the prevailing demands for certification through organizations like DANB, which can increase earning power in this field.
More salary data for Murfreesboro, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Murfreesboro in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Murfreesboro?
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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 Murfreesboro. 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 Murfreesboro 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