Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Oak Ridge, TN: $22.47 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Oak Ridge, TN runs $22.47 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $46,756 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Oak Ridge's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.48 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,048 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Oak Ridge, TN, dental assistants earn a median hourly rate of $22.47, which is slightly below the national median of $23.84. This hourly figure is relevant for both full-time positions and those looking for part-time or per-diem work. For dental assistants working a typical three-day week, the rate allows for a reasonable income while maintaining the flexibility that part-time hours provide. Those entering the field might start at the lower end of the spectrum, with hourly wages around $17.39, while experienced professionals can command rates as high as $29.32. These figures are derived from annual salary projections, providing vital insights into the financial landscape for dental assistants in various settings, from general dentistry to specialized fields like orthodontics and oral surgery.
About the Oak Ridge 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) | $17.39 | $139.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.58 | $164.61 |
| Median (P50) | $22.47 | $179.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.67 | $213.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.32 | $234.58 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Oak Ridge
Based on $22.47/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.47/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Oak Ridge, TN can expect to earn approximately $46,746 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,969. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Oak Ridge.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Oak Ridge
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $898.97 | $3,896 | $46,746 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $539.38 | $2,337 | $28,048 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $359.59 | $1,558 | $18,699 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Oak Ridge) | $22.47 |
| 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 Oak Ridge, TN earn a median of $46,756 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.69% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 1.90% below the Tennessee state average of $47,662.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.47/hr = $28,048/year (purchasing power: $30,553).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $46,746/year (purchasing power: $50,922).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.17/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.79/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.47/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Oak Ridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.17/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.67/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.52/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.32/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.10/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.32/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.79/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.47/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.18/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Oak Ridge grew 19.9% from $18.17/hr (2019) to $21.79/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.18/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 Oak Ridge 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 Oak Ridge
When considering part-time opportunities, the potential earnings for dental assistants in Oak Ridge can significantly differ from those of their full-time counterparts. A dental assistant working three days a week for 24 hours would take home considerably less annually than if they worked full-time. Additionally, per diem dental assistants often have a unique financial framework; they can bill hourly rates ranging from $22 to $35, with those in orthodontic or oral surgery vacancies sometimes earning between $28 and $45 per hour. These rates reflect the demand across different employer types, including general practices, specialty offices, and dental schools. Moreover, while some dental assistants may opt for positions that offer lower hourly pay in exchange for health benefits, others may prefer the flexibility and higher pay associated with agency work. Successful negotiation of rates, especially in the diverse job market of Oak Ridge, can lead to a more satisfying professional experience, aligning compensation expectations with individual career goals in the dental industry.
More salary data for Oak Ridge, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Oak Ridge 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 Oak Ridge. 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 Oak Ridge 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