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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Dental Surgery Assistant in Tennessee is $39,661 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $19.
However, a Dental Surgery Assistant's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Dental Surgery Assistant Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $43,703 | $3,642 | $840 | $21 |
| Average | $39,661 | $3,305 | $763 | $19 |
| 25th Percentile | $35,399 | $2,950 | $681 | $17 |
Rejuve Anti Aging - Franklin, TN
Covenant Health - Lenoir City, TN
University of Tennessee - Memphis, TN
University of Tennessee - Memphis, TN
A Dental Surgery Assistant'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 Dental Surgery Assistant'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 Dental Surgery Assistant | $39,246 |
| Intermediate Level Dental Surgery Assistant | $40,086 |
| Senior Level Dental Surgery Assistant | $41,895 |
| Specialist Level Dental Surgery Assistant | $42,089 |
| Expert Level Dental Surgery Assistant | $42,218 |
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 Dental Surgery Assistants. 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:
For Dental Surgery Assistant 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, Dental Surgery Assistant positions in Healthcare typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Dental Surgery Assistant 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 | $47,593 | $23.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Dental Surgery Assistant'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 | $43,703 | $3,642 | $840 | $21 |
| Average | $39,661 | $3,305 | $763 | $19 |
| 25th Percentile | $35,399 | $2,950 | $681 | $17 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Dental Surgery Assistant job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Doyle Family Dentistry
Ooltewah, TN
Doyle Family Dentistry | Ooltewah, TN
Job Description. Job Description. We have a Dental Assistant position available to join our assisting team. Join our thriving private practice with many op... more
5 Days Ago
Clint Serr Pc
Maryville, TN
Clint Serr Pc | Maryville, TN
Job Description. Job Description. Looking for a positive, good natured individual willing to build relationships with the existing team members and the pat... more
5 Days Ago
Cumberland Endodontics PLLC
Mount Juliet, TN
Cumberland Endodontics PLLC | Mount Juliet, TN
Job Description. Job Description. Our offices are growing. We are adding more stars to our team. With our current staff to welcome you and train you, your ... more
6 Days Ago
Aspen Dental
Cookeville, TN
Aspen Dental | Cookeville, TN
Dental Assistant. At Aspen Dental, we put You First, offering the security and job stability that comes with working with a world-class dental service orga... more
6 Days Ago
Aspen Dental
Smyrna, TN
Aspen Dental | Smyrna, TN
Dental Assistant. At Aspen Dental, we put You First, offering the security and job stability that comes with working with a world-class dental service orga... more
7 Days Ago
SUPERIOR SMILES OF MEMPHIS LLC
Germantown, TN
SUPERIOR SMILES OF MEMPHIS LLC | Germantown, TN
Job Description. Job Description. Are you a licensed dental assistant. Are you dedicated, loyal, and committed to dentistry. Do you enjoy working in a frie... more
9 Days Ago
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