Chattanooga vs Nashville: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Chattanooga, TN and Nashville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chattanooga, TN | Nashville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $87,583 | $98,675▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $42.10 | $47.44▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,881 | $84,130▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $84,949▲ | $84,351 |
| 75th Percentile | $97,290 | $102,327▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $102,327 | $103,397▲ |
| Total Employed | 460 | 1,490▲ |
Verdict
Nashville, TN offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Chattanooga.
The salary gap between Chattanooga and Nashville is $11,092 (12.66%). 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 Chattanooga spans $36,446,Nashville spans $19,267. Chattanooga has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Nashville ($102,426 effective) pays 6.96% more than Chattanooga ($95,757 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga grew 27.9% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 44.6% growth in Nashville over the same period.
Chattanooga, TN
$65,240 (2020) → $83,460 (2025)
Nashville, TN
$65,020 (2020) → $94,030 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chattanooga, TN
Nashville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Chattanooga or Nashville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chattanooga and Nashville?
Should I relocate from Chattanooga to Nashville as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Chattanooga 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