Healthcare California (CA) Rank #2 of 50

Dentist Salary in California

The median dentist salary in California is $234,140 per year, which is 46.0% above the national median of $160,370.

Median Salary
$234,140
vs National
+$73,770
State Rank
#2 of 50
Cost of Living
138%

Dentist Salary in California by Experience

In California, an entry-level dentist earns around $124,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $343,100 per year. The cost of living index in California is 138% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$124,100
+$39,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$236,520
+$74,520 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$343,100
+$108,100 vs national

Salary Percentiles in California

Percentile CA Salary
10th Percentile $116,800
25th Percentile $167,900
Median (50th) $234,140
75th Percentile $303,680
90th Percentile $367,920

Dentist Salary by City in California

The largest employment areas for dentists in California include Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and San Jose. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Los Angeles, CA
$246,970
Pop. 3,898,747 · COL 146%
San Francisco, CA
$304,703
Pop. 873,965 · COL 182%
San Diego, CA
$240,555
Pop. 1,386,932 · COL 142%
San Jose, CA
$282,251
Pop. 1,013,240 · COL 168%
Sacramento, CA
$202,066
Pop. 524,943 · COL 118%

How to Become a Dentist in California

Education

Most dentist positions require a doctoral degree. California has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Dental ProceduresRadiographyPatient ManagementOral SurgeryProsthodonticsAnesthesia

Job Outlook in California

Nationally, dentist employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). California's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

Find Dentist Jobs in California

Browse open dentist positions in California:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Dentist Salary in California

How much does a Dentist make in California? ▼
The median dentist salary in California is $234,140 per year, which is 46.0% above the national median of $160,370. Salaries range from $116,800 (10th percentile) to $367,920 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dentist make per hour in California? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $234,140, a dentist in California earns approximately $113 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is California a good state for dentists? ▼
California ranks #2 out of 50 states for dentist pay. The cost of living index is 138% of the national average. Entry-level dentists earn $124,100, while senior professionals earn $343,100.
How does California compare to other states for dentist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for dentists is Hawaii at $285,459. California's median of $234,140 ranks #2 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Hawaii ($285,459) and Massachusetts ($229,329).
What is the entry-level dentist salary in California? ▼
An entry-level dentist in California earns approximately $124,100 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $236,520. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $343,100.
What city in California pays dentists the most? ▼
San Francisco is the highest paying city in California for dentists, with a median salary of $304,703. Other cities include Los Angeles and San Diego.