Knoxville vs Nashville: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Knoxville, TN and Nashville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Knoxville, TN | Nashville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $88,821 | $98,675▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $42.70 | $47.44▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,400▲ | $84,130 |
| 25th Percentile | $88,506▲ | $84,351 |
| 75th Percentile | $98,213 | $102,327▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $102,526 | $103,397▲ |
| Total Employed | 590 | 1,490▲ |
Verdict
Nashville, TN offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Knoxville.
The salary gap between Knoxville and Nashville is $9,854 (11.09%). Nashville's median is -4.15% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Knoxville spans $17,126,Nashville spans $19,267. Nashville has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dental hygienists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Nashville ($102,426 effective) pays 6.75% more than Knoxville ($95,951 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Knoxville if…
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Nashville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($98,675/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($103,397)
- ✓Larger job market (1,490 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $102,426)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Knoxville grew 18.6% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 44.6% growth in Nashville over the same period.
Knoxville, TN
$71,370 (2020) → $84,640 (2025)
Nashville, TN
$65,020 (2020) → $94,030 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Knoxville, TN
Nashville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Knoxville or Nashville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Knoxville and Nashville?
Should I relocate from Knoxville to Nashville as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Knoxville vs Nashville?
Related Comparisons
Written by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH
Dental Career Analyst
Sarah Chen is a registered dental hygienist with over 12 years of clinical experience. She specializes in salary benchmarking and career strategy, helping dental professionals make data-driven career decisions using official BLS statistics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.94% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH, a licensed dental hygienist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov