RateOrchard
METRO DATA PROFILE · 2025

Dentists, General salary in Nashville, Tennessee

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the Nashville metropolitan area. Skills and task data from O*NET. State and national figures shown for context.

Adrian Serafin, founder and editor of RateOrchardBy Adrian SerafinFounderUpdated June 12, 2026
Median annual$215,290
Mean annual$228,100
Range (10th to 90th)$128,100 to $340,780
Nashville, Tennessee employment1,170
State vs national+23.5% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Nashville dentists, general fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)

10TH$128,10025TH$157,320MEDIAN$215,29075TH$269,12090TH$340,780

The middle 50% of workers earn between $157,320 and $269,120, with a median of $215,290.

Typical entry

  • Education

    Doctoral or professional degree

  • Experience

    None

  • On-the-job training

    None

Top skills (O*NET)

  • Medicine and Dentistry

    Knowledge

    5.0 / 5
  • Problem Sensitivity

    Ability

    4.3 / 5
  • Finger Dexterity

    Ability

    4.3 / 5
  • Customer and Personal Service

    Knowledge

    4.2 / 5
  • Judgment and Decision Making

    Technical

    4.1 / 5
  • Critical Thinking

    Cross-functional

    4.1 / 5
  • Inductive Reasoning

    Ability

    4.1 / 5
  • Deductive Reasoning

    Ability

    4.1 / 5

Common tasks (O*NET)

  1. 01

    Use masks, gloves, and safety glasses to protect patients and self from infectious diseases.

  2. 02

    Examine teeth, gums, and related tissues, using dental instruments, x-rays, or other diagnostic equipment, to evaluate dental health, diagnose diseases or abnormalities, and plan appropriate treatments.

  3. 03

    Administer anesthetics to limit the amount of pain experienced by patients during procedures.

  4. 04

    Use dental air turbines, hand instruments, dental appliances, or surgical implements.

  5. 05

    Formulate plan of treatment for patient's teeth and mouth tissue.

  6. 06

    Diagnose and treat diseases, injuries, or malformations of teeth, gums, or related oral structures and provide preventive or corrective services.

  7. 07

    Write prescriptions for antibiotics or other medications.

  8. 08

    Advise or instruct patients regarding preventive dental care, the causes and treatment of dental problems, or oral health care services.

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Other metros in Tennessee

How the Nashville metro compares to other major Tennessee metro areas for dentists, general.

Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Dentists, General in Nashville, Tennessee?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Dentists, General in the Nashville metropolitan area is $215,290.
Does Nashville pay more than the Tennessee state average for Dentists, General?
The Nashville metro median is 0.0% versus the Tennessee state median of $215,290.
How does Nashville compare to the national median for Dentists, General?
The Nashville metro median is +23.5% versus the BLS national figure of $174,309.
What is the salary range for Dentists, General in Nashville?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $128,100 and the 90th-percentile at $340,780 for the Nashville metro area.
What education is required for Dentists, General?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Doctoral or professional degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Disclaimer

Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Nashville CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.