Franklin vs Knoxville: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Franklin, TN and Knoxville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Franklin, TN | Knoxville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $97,487▲ | $88,821 |
| Hourly Rate | $46.87▲ | $42.70 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,790 | $85,400▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $84,101 | $88,506▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $108,537▲ | $98,213 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $125,270▲ | $102,526 |
| Total Employed | 18 | 590▲ |
Verdict
Franklin, TN offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Knoxville.
The salary gap between Franklin and Knoxville is $8,666 (9.76%). Franklin's median is -5.30% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Franklin spans $48,480,Knoxville spans $17,126. Franklin has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Franklin ($106,195 effective) pays 10.68% more than Knoxville ($95,951 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Franklin if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($97,487/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($125,270)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $106,195)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Knoxville if…
- ✓Larger job market (590 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Franklin grew 43.9% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 18.6% growth in Knoxville over the same period.
Franklin, TN
$64,576 (2020) → $92,898 (2025)
Knoxville, TN
$71,370 (2020) → $84,640 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Franklin, TN
Knoxville, 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
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