Orthodontist salary in Tennessee
Orthodontists in Tennessee earn a median of $339,610 a year ($163.28 an hour), based on BLS data for this job.
Pay ranges from $180,190 for the lowest-paid 10% to $363,310 for the top 10%. That is 17% higher than the national median of $289,140. Tennessee ranks 6th of 22 states for orthodontists pay. The average (mean) salary is $302,050, close to the median.
Pay range for orthodontists in Tennessee
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $180,190 | $86.63 |
| 25th percentile | $314,990 | $151.44 |
| Median | $339,610 | $163.28 |
| 75th percentile | $354,140 | $170.26 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $363,310 | $174.67 |
| Average (mean) | $302,050 | $145.22 |
Half of orthodontists 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 | $28,300.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $14,150.42 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $13,061.92 |
| Weekly | $6,530.96 |
| Hourly | $163.28 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Orthodontist salary in cities in Tennessee
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | $361,650 | n/a |
Highest-paying states for orthodontists
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Connecticut | $478,680 |
| Colorado | $416,000 |
| Maryland | $361,030 |
| Michigan | $357,090 |
| Illinois | $343,100 |
| Tennessee | $339,610 |
| Missouri | $332,630 |
| Montana | $312,840 |
| South Carolina | $311,450 |
| Pennsylvania | $311,180 |
Related jobs in Tennessee
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $81,500 | $39.18 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $117,590 | $56.54 |
| Pharmacist | $133,390 | $64.13 |
| Physicians, All Other | $301,290 | $144.85 |
| Physical Therapist | $100,140 | $48.15 |
| Dental Hygienist | $84,640 | $40.69 |
| Respiratory Therapist | $72,140 | $34.68 |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $84,630 | $40.69 |
| Occupational Therapist | $97,700 | $46.97 |
| Family Medicine Physician | $226,830 | $109.05 |
| Physician Assistant | $118,240 | $56.85 |
| Dentists, General | $215,290 | $103.51 |
| Veterinarian | $124,350 | $59.78 |
| Nurse Anesthetist | $211,450 | $101.66 |
More: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations · all salaries in Tennessee
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 29-1023. 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 orthodontist make in Tennessee?
The median salary for orthodontists in Tennessee is $339,610 a year, or $163.28 an hour. Pay ranges from $180,190 for the lowest-paid 10% to $363,310 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid orthodontists make in Tennessee?
The top 10% of orthodontists in Tennessee earn at least $363,310 a year. The top 25% earn $354,140 or more.
What is the starting pay for orthodontists in Tennessee?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $180,190 a year, and a quarter of orthodontists earn $314,990 or less.