Healthcare
Dentist Salary
Dentists diagnose and treat problems with teeth, gums, and related parts of the mouth.
Median Salary
$160,370
Mean Salary
$175,580
Total Employed
155,300
Job Growth
+4%
Dentist Salary by Experience Level
Entry-level dentists earn around $85,000 per year, while mid-career professionals earn $162,000. Senior-level dentists can earn $235,000 or more.
Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$85,000 Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$162,000 Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$235,000 Salary Percentile Breakdown
The salary range for dentists varies significantly. The bottom 10% earn $80,000, while the top 10% earn $252,000.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $80,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $115,000 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $160,370 |
| 75th Percentile | $208,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $252,000 |
Dentist Salary by State
Dentist salaries vary significantly by state due to cost of living, demand, and industry concentration. The highest paying state is Hawaii at $285,459, while Mississippi offers the lowest at $129,900.
| State | Median | |
|---|---|---|
| #1 Hawaii | $285,459 | Details → |
| #2 California | $234,140 | Details → |
| #3 Massachusetts | $229,329 | Details → |
| #4 Alaska | $206,877 | Details → |
| #5 New York | $203,670 | Details → |
| #6 New Jersey | $192,444 | Details → |
| #7 Washington | $190,840 | Details → |
| #8 Connecticut | $186,029 | Details → |
| #9 Maryland | $182,822 | Details → |
| #10 Oregon | $179,614 | Details → |
| #11 New Hampshire | $173,200 | Details → |
| #12 Rhode Island | $173,200 | Details → |
| #13 Colorado | $171,596 | Details → |
| #14 Virginia | $169,992 | Details → |
| #15 Delaware | $165,181 | Details → |
| #16 Vermont | $165,181 | Details → |
| #17 Minnesota | $161,974 | Details → |
| #18 Florida | $160,370 | Details → |
| #19 Maine | $160,370 | Details → |
| #20 Nevada | $158,766 | Details → |
| #21 Pennsylvania | $158,766 | Details → |
| #22 Arizona | $155,559 | Details → |
| #23 Illinois | $155,559 | Details → |
| #24 Utah | $155,559 | Details → |
| #25 Texas | $150,748 | Details → |
| #26 Wisconsin | $150,748 | Details → |
| #27 Georgia | $149,144 | Details → |
| #28 Montana | $149,144 | Details → |
| #29 Idaho | $147,540 | Details → |
| #30 North Carolina | $147,540 | Details → |
| #31 Ohio | $147,540 | Details → |
| #32 Louisiana | $145,937 | Details → |
| #33 New Mexico | $145,937 | Details → |
| #34 Tennessee | $145,937 | Details → |
| #35 Indiana | $144,333 | Details → |
| #36 Michigan | $144,333 | Details → |
| #37 Nebraska | $144,333 | Details → |
| #38 North Dakota | $144,333 | Details → |
| #39 Wyoming | $144,333 | Details → |
| #40 Iowa | $142,729 | Details → |
| #41 South Carolina | $142,729 | Details → |
| #42 Missouri | $141,126 | Details → |
| #43 South Dakota | $141,126 | Details → |
| #44 Alabama | $139,522 | Details → |
| #45 Kansas | $139,522 | Details → |
| #46 Kentucky | $139,522 | Details → |
| #47 Oklahoma | $134,711 | Details → |
| #48 Arkansas | $131,503 | Details → |
| #49 West Virginia | $131,503 | Details → |
| #50 Mississippi | $129,900 | Details → |
Key Responsibilities
- ● Examine and diagnose dental conditions
- ● Perform fillings, extractions, and crowns
- ● Take dental X-rays
- ● Advise on oral hygiene
- ● Prescribe medications
Top Skills
Dental Procedures Radiography Patient Management Oral Surgery Prosthodontics Anesthesia
Education Required
Doctoral degree
Job Outlook
As fast as average — projected 4% growth over the next decade
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Frequently Asked Questions About Dentist Salaries
How much does a Dentist make per year? ▼
The median dentist salary in the United States is $160,370 per year. Entry-level positions start around $85,000, while senior-level professionals earn up to $235,000 annually. The mean (average) salary is $175,580.
How much does a Dentist make per hour? ▼
Based on the national median salary of $160,370 per year, a dentist earns approximately $77 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year. Hourly rates vary by experience, location, and employer.
What is the highest paying state for dentists? ▼
Hawaii is the highest paying state for dentists, with a median salary of $285,459. Other top-paying states include California ($234,140) and Massachusetts ($229,329).
What education do you need to become a dentist? ▼
Most dentist positions require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Dental Procedures, Radiography, Patient Management, Oral Surgery. Relevant certifications and hands-on experience can also strengthen your qualifications.
What is the job outlook for dentists? ▼
Employment for dentists is projected to grow 4% over the next decade, which is as fast as average. There are currently 155,300 dentists employed in the United States.
How much does an entry-level dentist make? ▼
An entry-level dentist with 0-2 years of experience earns around $85,000 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to approximately $162,000. The bottom 10% of earners make $80,000, while the top 10% earn $252,000.