Dental Assistant salary in Morristown, TN
Dental Assistants in the Morristown, TN metro area earn a median of $45,550 a year ($21.90 an hour), based on BLS data for 130 workers.
Pay ranges from $36,800 for the lowest-paid 10% to $60,370 for the top 10%. That is 5% lower than the national median of $48,070. Pay here is 3% lower than the Tennessee statewide median of $46,720. There are 2.7 dental assistants per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $46,900, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for dental assistants in Morristown, TN
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $36,800 | $17.69 |
| 25th percentile | $38,890 | $18.70 |
| Median | $45,550 | $21.90 |
| 75th percentile | $47,880 | $23.02 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $60,370 | $29.02 |
| Average (mean) | $46,900 | $22.55 |
Half of dental assistants earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $3,795.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,897.92 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,751.92 |
| Weekly | $875.96 |
| Hourly | $21.90 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $45,550 salary, see how much house you can afford in Tennessee at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Dental Assistant salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | $48,540 | 2,730 |
| Memphis, TN-MS-AR | $48,200 | 1,200 |
| Knoxville, TN | $46,790 | 1,030 |
| Jackson, TN | $46,590 | 190 |
| Chattanooga, TN-GA | $46,360 | 670 |
| Clarksville, TN-KY | $46,050 | 320 |
| Johnson City, TN | $45,540 | 220 |
| Cleveland, TN | $45,230 | 140 |
| Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA | $45,110 | 320 |
Highest-paying states for dental assistants
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Minnesota | $65,270 |
| District of Columbia | $60,580 |
| Maine | $60,070 |
| New Hampshire | $59,530 |
| Oregon | $59,490 |
| Washington | $58,090 |
| Massachusetts | $57,980 |
| North Dakota | $57,770 |
| Alaska | $57,710 |
| Connecticut | $56,850 |
See Dental Assistant pay in every state or the Tennessee statewide figures.
Related jobs in Morristown, TN
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Assistant | $36,760 | $17.67 |
| Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers | $35,210 | $16.93 |
| Phlebotomist | $38,430 | $18.48 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | $30,040 | $14.44 |
| Nursing Assistant | $37,620 | $18.09 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant | $63,940 | $30.74 |
More: Healthcare Support Occupations · all salaries in Morristown, TN
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 31-9091. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a dental assistant make in Morristown, TN?
The median salary for dental assistants in the Morristown, TN metro area is $45,550 a year, or $21.90 an hour. Pay ranges from $36,800 for the lowest-paid 10% to $60,370 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid dental assistants make in Morristown, TN?
The top 10% of dental assistants in the Morristown, TN metro area earn at least $60,370 a year. The top 25% earn $47,880 or more.
What is the starting pay for dental assistants in Morristown, TN?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $36,800 a year, and a quarter of dental assistants earn $38,890 or less.
How many dental assistants work in Morristown, TN?
About 130 dental assistants are employed in the Morristown, TN metro area, not counting the self-employed.