Dental Hygienist salary in Nashville, TN
Median pay, Nashville metro
$94,030/year
about $45.21 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $80,380 – $97,510
Half of dental hygienists in the Nashville metro area earn more than $94,030 a year and half earn less. That's 4% lower than the national median of $98,100, and ranks #26 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $80,170 | $38.54 |
| 25th | $80,380 | $38.64 |
| Median (50th) | $94,030 | $45.21 |
| 75th | $97,510 | $46.88 |
| 90th (top earners) | $98,530 | $47.37 |
*Yearly pay divided by 2,080 hours (40 hours × 52 weeks), the full-time basis BLS uses.
Is your offer fair?
For a dental hygienist job in the Nashville metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $80,380 ($38.64/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $80,380 to $97,510 ($38.64 to $46.88/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $97,510 ($46.88/hr). Higher than three quarters of workers here.
Before you accept
- Many hygienists work part-time or across several offices, so compare hourly rates, not just yearly totals.
- Ask how long each appointment slot is. Short slots mean a faster, harder day for the same pay.
- Check whether you're paid for days the office closes or patients cancel.
Also watch for the common warning signs in the posting itself: 15 job posting red flags.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025, Nashville metro. Occupation: Dental Hygienists (SOC 29-1292). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.