Memphis vs Oak Ridge: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Memphis, TN and Oak Ridge, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Memphis, TN | Oak Ridge, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $82,462 | $84,433▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $39.65 | $40.59▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,714▲ | $64,519 |
| 25th Percentile | $79,618▲ | $71,232 |
| 75th Percentile | $96,870▲ | $91,632 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $125,634▲ | $109,302 |
| Total Employed | 650▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Memphis and Oak Ridge are closely matched on overall dental hygienist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Memphis and Oak Ridge is $1,971 (2.39%). Oak Ridge's median is -17.98% 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,Oak Ridge spans $44,783. Memphis 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, Oak Ridge ($91,975 effective) pays 2.81% more than Memphis ($89,459 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Memphis if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($125,634)
- ✓Larger job market (650 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Oak Ridge if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($84,433/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $91,975)
- ✓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 Oak Ridge over the same period.
Memphis, TN
$62,870 (2020) → $78,580 (2025)
Oak Ridge, TN
$64,778 (2020) → $80,458 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Memphis, TN
Oak Ridge, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Memphis or Oak Ridge?
What is the hourly rate difference between Memphis and Oak Ridge?
Should I relocate from Memphis to Oak Ridge as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Memphis 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