Knoxville vs Oak Ridge: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Knoxville, TN and Oak Ridge, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Knoxville, TN | Oak Ridge, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $88,821▲ | $84,433 |
| Hourly Rate | $42.70▲ | $40.59 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,400▲ | $64,519 |
| 25th Percentile | $88,506▲ | $71,232 |
| 75th Percentile | $98,213▲ | $91,632 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $102,526 | $109,302▲ |
| Total Employed | 590▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Knoxville, TN offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Oak Ridge.
The salary gap between Knoxville and Oak Ridge is $4,388 (5.20%). Knoxville's median is -13.72% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Knoxville spans $17,126,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, Knoxville ($95,951 effective) pays 4.32% 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 Knoxville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($88,821/year)
- ✓Larger job market (590 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $95,951)
- ✓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 Knoxville grew 18.6% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 24.2% growth in Oak Ridge over the same period.
Knoxville, TN
$71,370 (2020) → $84,640 (2025)
Oak Ridge, TN
$64,778 (2020) → $80,458 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Knoxville, TN
Oak Ridge, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Knoxville or Oak Ridge?
What is the hourly rate difference between Knoxville and Oak Ridge?
Should I relocate from Knoxville to Oak Ridge as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Knoxville vs Oak Ridge?
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