Dental Assistant Salary in Tullahoma, TN: $44,031 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in Tullahoma, TN earns a median $44,031/year (≈ $21.16/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in Tullahoma's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.8), that paycheck buys what $47,964 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.6% below the Tennessee state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tullahoma, TN, dental assistant salaries reflect the shifting dynamics between dental service organization (DSO) pay scales and the flexibility offered by solo practices. Projected for 2026, the median annual salary stands at $44,031, which is notably lower than the national median of $49,579. Local salaries range from $36,946 at the 10th percentile to $53,291 at the 90th percentile, indicating a competitive yet varied pay structure. These figures, drawn from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost variances, highlight the challenge of maintaining competitive compensation in a small market while navigating the differences in pay associated with DSO chains versus independent practices in Tullahoma.
About the Tullahoma Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,946 | $17.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41,113 | $19.76 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $44,031 | $21.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51,587 | $24.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53,291 | $25.62 |
Median Salary Position
11.19% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tullahoma
In Tullahoma, TN, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $16,345 (2026 est.). At $44,031, the local median is 11.19% below the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Tullahoma: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Tullahoma Dental Assistant Pay Compares
Tullahoma median: $44,031/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Tullahoma Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $47,653 | -7.60% less |
| National Average | $49,579 | -11.19% less |
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.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Tullahoma has a cost of living 8.20% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Tullahoma, TN has a cost-of-living index of 91.8 (below the national average of 100). A dental assistant earning $44,031 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $47,964 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$35,595
2025 BLS Actual
$42,691
2026 Current Est.
$44,031
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Tullahoma (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,595 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,572 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,334 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,805 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,332 | Actual |
| 2024 | $33,927 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,691 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44,031 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,414 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Tullahoma metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 19.9% from $35,595 (2019) to $42,691 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $45,414 by 2027 — a total increase of $9,819 (27.59%) from 2019.
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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $36,946 – $41,113 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $41,113 – $44,031 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $44,031 – $51,587 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $51,587 – $53,291 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in Tullahoma
The local job market for dental assistants is relatively modest, with only four professionals currently employed in Tullahoma. The cost of living index is 91.8, which suggests that purchasing power is slightly above average compared to national figures. Among local employers, DSO chains like Heartland and Aspen tend to offer higher salaries due to their structured pay scales, while pediatric and orthodontic practices may also provide competitive compensation. The differences in salary often arise from the type of dental specialty, the presence of expanded function privileges, and whether the role includes treatment coordination responsibilities. To maximize earnings in this evolving Tullahoma market, dental assistants should consider pursuing additional credentials such as the EFDA, explore opportunities within larger DSO networks, and remain open to combinations of roles that enhance their skill set and marketability.
More salary data for Tullahoma, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can dental assistants make $100K in Tullahoma?
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $42,691 for dental assistantsin the Tullahoma metropolitan area. A 3.14% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
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