Dental Hygienist Salary in Tennessee

How Much Does a Dental Hygienist Make in Tennessee?

The typical Dental Hygienist salary in Tennessee ranges from $53,900 to $100,100, with the national median at $77,000.

Clean teeth, examine patients for oral diseases, and provide preventive care Your actual take-home pay as a Dental Hygienist in Tennessee depends on:

• Your specific salary or hourly rate
• Federal income tax (10% to 37% progressive rates)
• FICA taxes (7.65% for Social Security and Medicare)
• Local taxes (if applicable in your city)
• Health insurance and retirement contributions
• Cost of living in your specific city or region

Taxes for Dental Hygienist in Tennessee

As a Dental Hygienist working in Tennessee, you'll pay the following taxes on your income:

Federal Income Tax

Everyone in the US pays federal income tax, including Dental Hygienist professionals. The federal tax system uses progressive tax brackets ranging from 10% to 37%, meaning you pay different rates on different portions of your income.

FICA Taxes

Social Security and Medicare taxes (FICA) total 7.65% of your gross income:

• Social Security: 6.2% (on first $168,600 in 2025)
• Medicare: 1.45% (no income limit)
• Additional Medicare: 0.9% on income over $200,000

Tennessee Has No State Income Tax

Great news! Tennessee is one of only 9 states with no state income tax. This means you keep more of your Dental Hygienist salary compared to working in states like California (up to 13.3% tax) or New York (up to 10.9% tax).

Example: A Dental Hygienist earning $77,000 in Tennessee saves approximately $3,850 to $7,700 per year in state income tax compared to high-tax states.

Cost of Living for Dental Hygienist in Tennessee

Your Dental Hygienist salary goes further or shorter depending on the cost of living in your area of Tennessee. Key factors include:

• Housing: Rent or mortgage payments (often 25-35% of take-home pay)
• Transportation: Car payments, gas, insurance, or public transit
• Food: Groceries and dining out
• Healthcare: Insurance premiums, copays, prescriptions
• Utilities: Electric, gas, water, internet

A $77,000 Dental Hygienist salary in a low-cost area of Tennessee provides significantly more buying power than the same salary in an expensive metro area.

Dental Hygienist Salary Examples in Tennessee

Here's what different Dental Hygienist salary levels look like in Tennessee:

Entry-Level Dental Hygienist ($53,900)

• Gross annual salary: $53,900
• Federal tax: ~$6,468
• FICA: ~$4,123
• Approximate take-home: $40,425

Median Dental Hygienist ($77,000)

• Gross annual salary: $77,000
• Federal tax: ~$12,320
• FICA: ~$5,891
• Approximate take-home: $55,440

Experienced Dental Hygienist ($100,100)

• Gross annual salary: $100,100
• Federal tax: ~$22,022
• FICA: ~$7,658
• Approximate take-home: $65,065

Calculate your exact take-home pay: These are estimates. For precise calculations based on your specific situation, use our Tennessee salary calculator.

Compare Dental Hygienist Salaries Across States

The same Dental Hygienist salary can result in very different take-home pay depending on the state:

• No-tax states (TX, FL, NV, TN, WA): Higher take-home pay
• Low-tax states (AZ, IN, ND, PA): Moderate take-home pay
• High-tax states (CA, NY, NJ, HI): Lower take-home pay

A $77,000 Dental Hygienist salary in California results in about $3,850 to $7,700 less take-home pay per year compared to the same salary in Tennessee.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Dental Hygienist salary in Tennessee?

The average Dental Hygienist salary in Tennessee varies by experience, location within the state, and employer. The national median is $77,000, with typical Tennessee salaries ranging from $53,900 to $100,100.

How much does a Dental Hygienist make after taxes in Tennessee?

After federal taxes, FICA, and typical deductions, a Dental Hygienist earning $77,000 in Tennessee takes home approximately $53,900 to $57,750 per year.

Is Tennessee a good state for Dental Hygienist professionals?

Yes! Tennessee's lack of state income tax means Dental Hygienist professionals keep more of their earnings. Combined with cost of living and career opportunities, Tennessee can be very attractive.

Next Steps

Ready to see your exact Dental Hygienist take-home pay in Tennessee?

Use our Tennessee salary calculator →

Or compare Dental Hygienist salaries across different states to find the best location for your career.