Nashville vs Oak Ridge: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Nashville, TN and Oak Ridge, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Nashville, TN | Oak Ridge, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $98,675▲ | $84,433 |
| Hourly Rate | $47.44▲ | $40.59 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,130▲ | $64,519 |
| 25th Percentile | $84,351▲ | $71,232 |
| 75th Percentile | $102,327▲ | $91,632 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $103,397 | $109,302▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,490▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Nashville, TN offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Oak Ridge.
The salary gap between Nashville and Oak Ridge is $14,242 (16.87%). 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 Nashville spans $19,267,Oak Ridge spans $44,783. Oak Ridge 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 11.36% more than Oak Ridge ($91,975 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Nashville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($98,675/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,490 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $102,426)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Oak Ridge if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($109,302)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Nashville grew 44.6% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 24.2% growth in Oak Ridge over the same period.
Nashville, TN
$65,020 (2020) → $94,030 (2025)
Oak Ridge, TN
$64,778 (2020) → $80,458 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Nashville, TN
Oak Ridge, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Nashville or Oak Ridge?
What is the hourly rate difference between Nashville and Oak Ridge?
Should I relocate from Nashville to Oak Ridge as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Nashville vs Oak Ridge?
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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