Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay in Franklin, TN: $46.87 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental hygienist working in Franklin, TN runs $46.87 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $97,487 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1292). Weighted against Franklin's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $51.05 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $58,489 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Franklin, TN, dental hygienists can expect a median hourly pay of $46.87, which is slightly below the national median of $49.49. This hourly rate reflects the earnings potential for those working part-time or on a per-diem basis, particularly in environments such as general dentistry operatories, periodontal specialty suites, and pediatric clinics. For instance, a part-time dental hygienist working three days a week could realistically expect to earn between $36.92 and $60.23 per hour, depending on their experience and the specific employer. The pay range in Franklin reflects various skill levels, starting at $36.92 for entry-level positions and reaching up to $60.23 for top earners in the field. Such flexibility can be beneficial for those considering a more fluid working style in the dental field.
About the Franklin Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($83,902) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36.92 | $295.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.43 | $323.47 |
| Median (P50) | $46.87 | $374.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52.19 | $417.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60.23 | $481.80 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Franklin
Based on $46.87/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $46.87/hr, a dental hygienist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Franklin, TN can expect to earn approximately $97,482 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $56,239. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Franklin.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Franklin
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,874.65 | $8,123 | $97,482 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,124.79 | $4,874 | $58,489 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $749.86 | $3,249 | $38,993 |
Compare RDH Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Hygienist (Franklin) | $46.87 |
| Dental Assistant (National Avg) | $21.29 |
| Registered Nurse (National Avg) | $42.80 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Medical Lab Technician (National Avg) | $28.18 |
Dental Hygienists in Franklin, TN earn a median of $97,487 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.30% lower than the national median of $102,946 and 13.30% above the Tennessee state average of $86,043.
Dental Hygienist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $46.87/hr = $58,489/year (purchasing power: $63,714).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $97,482/year (purchasing power: $106,189).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2020 BLS Actual
$31.05/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.66/hr
2026 Current Est.
$46.87/hr
2020–2027 Growth
+58.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Hygienists in Franklin (2020–2027)
2020–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.94% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $31.05/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.51/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.07/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.70/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.40/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.66/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46.87/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.18/hr | Projected |
Based on 6 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental hygienists in Franklin grew 43.8% from $31.05/hr (2020) to $44.66/hr (2025). At a 4.94% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.18/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem dental hygienists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2020–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Franklin metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 4.94% CAGR derived from 6-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Dental Hygienist in Franklin
When assessing the earning potential from part-time work, a dental hygienist committed to a 24-hour workweek could see considerably different income levels compared to full-time colleagues. While full-timers benefit from consistent scheduling, part-timers may actually take home a competitive salary without the demands of a full schedule. For those seeking per diem or agency roles in Franklin, compensation often falls between $40 and $60 per hour, a range that varies significantly depending on the specific location and demand. Additionally, employment with various employer types in Franklin—from solo practices to larger DSOs—can impact hourly compensation and benefits. Many dental hygienists face the trade-off of accepting lower hourly pay in exchange for health insurance and stability, especially with the rise of DSOs, which may offer more benefits but could provide lower pay than independent practices. Negotiating higher hourly rates may be beneficial for those willing to forgo traditional benefits, and it’s wise to maintain open communication about expectations and opportunities when considering employment options in the Franklin area.
More salary data for Franklin, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 4.94% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for dental hygienists in Franklin. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Franklin is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.94%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for dental hygienists (SOC 29-1292).
Compiled and verified by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH, a licensed dental hygienist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov