Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Tullahoma, TN: $21.16 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Tullahoma, TN runs $21.16 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $44,031 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Tullahoma's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.05 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,413 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tullahoma, TN, the projected dental assistant hourly pay for 2026 is estimated at $21.16, which is notably lower than the national median of $23.84. This figure serves as a benchmark for both part-time and per-diem positions in various dental settings such as general dentistry operatories, pediatric offices, orthodontic clinics, and oral surgery suites. The range for hourly wages extends from $17.76 for entry-level dental assistants to $25.62 for those at the higher end of the spectrum. As these estimates are derived from projected annual salaries, they facilitate an understanding of the earning potential that awaits dental professionals in Tullahoma, while also highlighting the competitive nature of the local job market compared to national averages.
About the Tullahoma 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) | $17.76 | $142.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.76 | $158.09 |
| Median (P50) | $21.16 | $169.31 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.81 | $198.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $25.62 | $204.96 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tullahoma
Based on $21.16/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.16/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tullahoma, TN can expect to earn approximately $44,022 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,397. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Tullahoma.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tullahoma
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $846.57 | $3,668 | $44,022 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $507.94 | $2,201 | $26,413 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $338.63 | $1,467 | $17,609 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Tullahoma) | $21.16 |
| 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 Tullahoma, TN earn a median of $44,031 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.19% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 7.60% below the Tennessee state average of $47,653.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.16/hr = $26,413/year (purchasing power: $28,772).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $44,022/year (purchasing power: $47,954).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.11/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.52/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.16/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Tullahoma (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.11/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.58/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.50/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.13/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.87/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $16.31/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.52/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.16/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.83/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Tullahoma grew 19.9% from $17.11/hr (2019) to $20.52/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.83/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 Tullahoma 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 Tullahoma
For those considering part-time opportunities, a dental assistant working three days a week (approximately 24 hours) can anticipate significantly lower annual earnings compared to their full-time counterparts. Per-diem dental assistants in Tullahoma are generally able to command hourly wages between $22 and $35, with specialized roles such as oral surgery or orthodontic positions yielding even higher rates of $28 to $45 per hour. This pay disparity is informed by employer types, where general dental practices may offer lower rates compared to specialized facilities. Furthermore, some dental assistants choose positions with lower pay yet secure benefits like health insurance. Strategic negotiation can help maximize a dental assistant's pay in Tullahoma, especially for those linked with agencies that connect them to varied short-term roles, thus enhancing their overall earning potential in an evolving employment landscape shaped by consolidated dental service organizations.
More salary data for Tullahoma, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Tullahoma in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Tullahoma?
Are dental assistants in Tullahoma paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Tullahoma?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Tullahoma?
Related Pages
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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 Tullahoma. 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 Tullahoma 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