Dental Hygienist Pay

Memphis vs Tullahoma: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)

Compare dental hygienist salaries between Memphis, TN and Tullahoma, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Memphis, TN
$82,462
$39.65/hr
Tullahoma, TN
$79,511
$38.23/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMemphis, TNTullahoma, TN
Median Salary$82,462$79,511
Hourly Rate$39.65$38.23
Entry Level (P10)$75,714$65,945
25th Percentile$79,618$68,458
75th Percentile$96,870$85,242
Top Earner (P90)$125,634$95,479
Total Employed6504
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Memphis ($82,462) and Tullahoma ($79,511) dental hygienist salaries.MemphisTullahomaMedian Salary$82,462$79,511Entry Level (P10)$75,714$65,945Top Earner (P90)$125,634$95,479US Median $102,946

Verdict

Memphis, TN offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Tullahoma.

The salary gap between Memphis and Tullahoma is $2,951 (3.71%). Memphis's median is -19.90% compared to the US national median of $102,946.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Memphis spans $49,920,Tullahoma spans $29,534. Memphis has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Memphis
P10 (Entry)$75,714
P25$79,618
Median$82,462
P75$96,870
P90 (Top)$125,634
Tullahoma
P10 (Entry)$65,945
P25$68,458
Median$79,511
P75$85,242
P90 (Top)$95,479

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Memphis ($89,459 effective) pays 3.29% more than Tullahoma ($86,613 effective).

Memphis
Nominal: $82,462
CoL Index: 92.179
Adjusted: $89,459
Tullahoma
Nominal: $79,511
CoL Index: 91.8
Adjusted: $86,613

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Memphis if…

  • Higher median salary ($82,462/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($125,634)
  • Larger job market (650 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $89,459)
  • You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle

Choose Tullahoma if…

  • You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Memphis grew 25.0% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 24.2% growth in Tullahoma over the same period.

Memphis, TN

+25.0%

$62,870 (2020) → $78,580 (2025)

Tullahoma, TN

+24.2%

$61,002 (2020) → $75,768 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays dental hygienists more: Memphis or Tullahoma?

Memphis has a higher median dental hygienist salary at $82,462/year, compared to Tullahoma at $79,511/year — a difference of $2,951 (3.71%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Memphis and Tullahoma?

Memphis dental hygienists earn $39.65/hr while Tullahoma hygienists earn $38.23/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Memphis to Tullahoma as a dental hygienist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Memphis and Tullahoma. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Memphis = $89,459, Tullahoma = $86,613), job availability (650 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Memphis vs Tullahoma?

Entry-level (10th percentile) dental hygienists earn $75,714 in Memphis and $65,945 in Tullahoma. The Memphis area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

SCSarah Chen

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.

Clinically reviewed by Amanda Doucette, RDHData verified by David Oh

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