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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) in Tennessee is $39,090 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $19.
However, a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)'s salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $43,290 | $3,608 | $833 | $21 |
| Average | $39,090 | $3,258 | $752 | $19 |
| 25th Percentile | $35,190 | $2,933 | $677 | $17 |
Sullivan Dental Partners - Brentwood, TN
Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center - Nashville, TN
Christ Community Health Services - Memphis, TN
Embassy Dental - Hillsboro - Nashville, TN
A Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)'s salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)'s salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) | $38,350 |
| Intermediate Level Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) | $39,178 |
| Senior Level Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) | $40,936 |
| Specialist Level Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) | $41,124 |
| Expert Level Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) | $41,250 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)s. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $41,464. While startup companies pay approximate $35,333.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $35,333 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $37,299 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $40,108 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $41,464 |
For Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) positions in Healthcare typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit | $46,908 | $23.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)'s annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $43,290 | $3,608 | $833 | $21 |
| Average | $39,090 | $3,258 | $752 | $19 |
| 25th Percentile | $35,190 | $2,933 | $677 | $17 |
For a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA), the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $70,900 - a projected growth of 81% over your current level.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Dream Team Family Dentistry
Murfreesboro, TN
Dream Team Family Dentistry | Murfreesboro, TN
Job Description. Job Description. Dream Team Family Dentistry & Oral Surgery. is seeking an experienced and dependable. Registered Dental Assistant. to joi... more
6 Days Ago
Fairview Family Dentistry
Fairview, TN
Fairview Family Dentistry | Fairview, TN
Job Description. Job Description. Pay. $19–$26 per hour (based on experience). Join Our Team. At Fairview Family Dentistry, we believe dentistry is about m... more
6 Days Ago
PDS Health
Nolensville, TN
PDS Health | Nolensville, TN
Join Nolensville Smiles Dentistry. Now is the time to join Nolensville Smiles Dentistry. You will have opportunities to learn new skills from our team of e... more
7 Days Ago
Oral Surgery and Denta
Nashville, TN
Oral Surgery and Denta | Nashville, TN
Job Description. Job Description. The position for Registered Dental Assistant is very important to the patient experience. The RDA is responsible for a va... more
7 Days Ago
Renfroe Family Dental PLLC
Dover, TN
Renfroe Family Dental PLLC | Dover, TN
Job Description. Job Description. Private practice in Dover, TN is looking for a motivated Dental Assistant to join our team. The position is a full time p... more
7 Days Ago
HILLSBORO DENTAL TN PLLC
Nashville, TN
HILLSBORO DENTAL TN PLLC | Nashville, TN
Job Description. Job Description. About Us. Hillsboro Dental, led by Dr. Lauren Medwed, is a boutique dental practice known for its patient-centered approa... more
7 Days Ago
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