Dental Assistant Pay

Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Sevierville, TN: $21.63 (2026)

Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Sevierville, TN runs $21.63 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $44,992 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Sevierville's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.56 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,992 per year.

$44,992
Median Annual Salary
$21.63/hr
Hourly Rate
$35,369
Entry Level (P10)
$56,267
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Dental Assistant Hourly Rate in Sevierville, TN — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Sevierville, TN dental assistant hourly rate overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In 2026, dental assistants in Sevierville, TN, can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $21.63, which is notably lower than the national median of $23.84. This hourly rate offers a competitive wage for those considering part-time positions, typically working three days a week. The dental assistant hourly rate can provide flexibility for professionals operating in various settings such as general dentistry, pediatrics, or oral surgery. Entry-level positions start around $17.01 per hour, while more experienced dental assistants may earn up to $27.05, reflecting the range of opportunities available in this role. These figures are derived from projected annual salary estimates and speak to the potential earnings of dental assistants in the local market.

About the Sevierville Market

Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown

PercentileHourly RatePer 8hr Shift
Entry Level (P10)$17.01$136.06
Lower Range (P25)$19.92$159.33
Median (P50)$21.63$173.03
Upper Range (P75)$25.88$207.02
Top Earners (P90)$27.05$216.43

Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sevierville

Based on $21.63/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.

Horizontal bars showing a dental assistant in Sevierville earning $21.63/hr would make approximately $25,954 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $44,987 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$25,954Reduced (32 hr/wk)$34,606Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$44,987

At $21.63/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sevierville, TN can expect to earn approximately $44,987 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,954. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Sevierville.

Annual estimates assume 5052 working weeks per year. Actual earnings vary by employer, overtime, and benefits.

Hourly Rate Calculator

$173.03
per 8hr shift
$865.14
per week
$3,749
per month
$44,987
per year

Schedule Comparison in Sevierville

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Full-Time (40 hrs)$865.14$3,749$44,987
Part-Time (24 hrs)$519.08$2,249$26,992
Per Diem (16 hrs)$346.06$1,500$17,995

Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles

RoleMedian Hourly
Dental Assistant (Sevierville)$21.63
Dental Hygienist (National Avg)$42.45
Medical Assistant (National Avg)$20.14
Pharmacy Technician (National Avg)$19.27
Phlebotomist (National Avg)$20.36
Horizontal bar chart comparing dental assistant median salary in Sevierville ($44,992) with Tennessee average ($47,661) and the US national median ($49,579).Sevierville$44,992Tennessee Avg$47,661-5.60%US National$49,579-9.25%

Dental Assistants in Sevierville, TN earn a median of $44,992 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.25% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 5.60% below the Tennessee state average of $47,661.

Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living

Working 24h/week at $21.63/hr = $26,992/year (purchasing power: $29,403).

Working 40h/week (full-time) = $44,987/year (purchasing power: $49,006).

CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.

2019 BLS Actual

$17.48/hr

2025 BLS Actual

$20.97/hr

2026 Current Est.

$21.63/hr

2019–2027 Growth

+27.6%

Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Sevierville (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Hourly rate trajectory chart for dental assistants in Sevierville. Baseline $17.48/hr in 2025, projected to $22.31/hr by 2027.$16$18$19$21$232019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$17.48$17.96$16.86$19.55$20.30$16.67$20.97$21.63$22.31
YearHourly RateStatus
2019$17.48/hrActual
2020$17.96/hrActual
2021$16.86/hrActual
2022$19.55/hrActual
2023$20.30/hrActual
2024$16.67/hrActual
2025$20.97/hrActual
2026(current)$21.63/hrEstimated
2027$22.31/hrProjected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Sevierville grew 19.9% from $17.48/hr (2019) to $20.97/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.31/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem dental assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sevierville metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Sevierville

Analyzing the potential earnings for dental assistants reveals some intriguing dynamics. A dental assistant working part-time at 24 hours a week can expect to take home around $26,590 annually, significantly lower than the salary of full-time counterparts. For those interested in per diem opportunities, pay rates can range from $22 to $35 per hour, with specialized roles in orthodontics or oral surgery offering rates between $28 and $45 per hour. These positions often arise through temp agencies like Cloud Dentistry, which connect workers to flexible shifts. Hourly wages can also differ based on the type of employer—general practices, specialty offices, or dental chains like Heartland and Aspen exhibit varied pay scales. Moreover, while some may accept lower hourly rates for benefits such as health insurance, others may choose the higher pay without benefits. Negotiating the right pay requires understanding these dynamics, particularly for dental assistants in Sevierville looking to balance earnings with job security and benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Sevierville in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for dental assistants in Sevierville is $21.63/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 3.14% annual growth). Rates range from $17.01 at entry level (10th percentile) to $27.05 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 9.3% below the national average. Hourly pay varies based on practice type, patient volume, years of experience, and whether the position includes benefits.

How much do part-time dental assistants make in Sevierville?

A part-time dental assistant working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Sevierville earns approximately $2,249/month, or $26,992/year at the median hourly rate of $21.63. Many dental assistants prefer part-time schedules for work-life balance, and some work at multiple practices to maximize earnings. Part-time positions may not include benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, but typically offer higher hourly rates to compensate.

Are dental assistants in Sevierville paid hourly or salary?

The majority of dental assistants in Sevierville are paid hourly at a median rate of $21.63/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $44,987/year, often bundled with benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. Hourly pay gives flexibility, while salary positions provide income stability.

How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Sevierville?

A full-time dental assistant working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Sevierville earns approximately $44,987/year at the median hourly rate of $21.63. This is 9.3% below the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $56,272/year at the 90th percentile rate. Overtime and weekend shifts may further increase annual earnings.

Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Sevierville?

Part-time and per diem dental assistants in Sevierville sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $27.05/hour — because practices need flexible coverage for specific days or peak hours. However, part-time positions typically do not include benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. When factoring in the value of benefits, full-time salaried positions may offer comparable or better total compensation despite a slightly lower hourly rate.

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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.

Clinically reviewed by James Thompson, CDAData verified by Aisha Patel, CDA, MA

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 Sevierville. 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 Sevierville is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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