Dental Hygienist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Dental Hygienist Salary: Nashville, TN vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Dental Hygienists in Nashville, TN and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$53,000 vs $77,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Nashville, TN
$48,182 vs $47,531
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Nashville, TN
$44,520 vs $43,919
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Nashville, TN | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $53,000 | $77,000▲ | -$24,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,810 | $59,290▲ | -$18,480 |
| 75th Percentile | $67,840 | $98,560▲ | -$30,720 |
| 90th Percentile | $84,800 | $123,200▲ | -$38,400 |
| Cost of Living Index | 110 | 162 | -52 |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 0% | — |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $48,182▲ | $47,531 | +$651 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $48,972 | $71,148▲ | -$22,176 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $44,520▲ | $43,919 | +$601 |
| Total Employment | 45,000 | 145,000 | -100,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Nashville, TN minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $24,000 more (median: $53,000 vs $77,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 110 vs 162), Nashville, TN provides better purchasing power ($48,182 vs $47,531 equivalent). Nashville, TN has no state income tax, which is a significant advantage.
Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS · 2026 · Cost-of-living indices from composite metro area data. Take-home estimates approximate only — consult a tax professional for accurate figures.