Healthcare Los Angeles, CA Pop. 3,898,747

Dentist Salary in Los Angeles, California

The median dentist salary in Los Angeles, CA is $246,970 per year, which is 54.0% above the national median and 5.5% above the California state average.

City Median
$246,970
vs State Avg
+$12,830
vs National
+$86,600
Cost of Living
146%

Dentist Pay in Los Angeles: What to Expect (2026)

Los Angeles offers a median dentist salary of $246,970, which is $12,830 above the California state average of $234,140. Compared to the national median of $160,370, Los Angeles pays above average for this role.

However, Los Angeles's cost of living index is 146%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $246,970 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $169,158. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Los Angeles should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for dentists in Los Angeles spans from $123,200 at the 10th percentile to $388,080 at the 90th percentile — a $264,880 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $130,900, while senior dentists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $361,900. As a major metro area with a population of 3,898,747, Los Angeles typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Dentist Salary in Los Angeles by Experience

In Los Angeles, an entry-level dentist earns around $130,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $361,900 per year. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$130,900
+$45,900 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$249,480
+$87,480 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$361,900
+$126,900 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Los Angeles, CA

Percentile Los Angeles
10th Percentile $123,200
25th Percentile $177,100
Median (50th) $246,970
75th Percentile $320,320
90th Percentile $388,080

Dentist Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$304,703
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$282,251
Pop. 1,013,240
San Diego, CA
$240,555
Pop. 1,386,932
Sacramento, CA
$202,066
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Dentist in Los Angeles

Education

Most dentist positions require a doctoral degree. Los Angeles and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Dental ProceduresRadiographyPatient ManagementOral SurgeryProsthodonticsAnesthesia

Job Outlook

Nationally, dentist employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Los Angeles may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Dentist Jobs in Los Angeles

Browse open dentist positions in Los Angeles, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Dentist Salary in Los Angeles

How much does a Dentist make in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
The median dentist salary in Los Angeles, California is $246,970 per year, which is 54.0% above the national median of $160,370. Salaries range from $123,200 (10th percentile) to $388,080 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dentist make per hour in Los Angeles? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $246,970, a dentist in Los Angeles earns approximately $119 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Los Angeles compare to the California state average for dentist pay? ▼
Los Angeles's median dentist salary of $246,970 is 5.5% above the California state average of $234,140. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
Los Angeles has a cost of living index of 146% compared to the national average. This means a dentist salary of $246,970 in Los Angeles has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dentist in Los Angeles? ▼
Most dentist positions in Los Angeles require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Dental Procedures, Radiography, Patient Management, Oral Surgery. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.