Healthcare Sacramento, CA Pop. 524,943

Dentist Salary in Sacramento, California

The median dentist salary in Sacramento, CA is $202,066 per year, which is 26.0% above the national median and 13.7% below the California state average.

City Median
$202,066
vs State Avg
$-32,074
vs National
+$41,696
Cost of Living
118%

Dentist Pay in Sacramento: What to Expect (2026)

Sacramento offers a median dentist salary of $202,066, which is $32,074 below the California state average of $234,140. Compared to the national median of $160,370, Sacramento pays above average for this role.

However, Sacramento's cost of living index is 118%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $202,066 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $171,242. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Sacramento should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for dentists in Sacramento spans from $100,800 at the 10th percentile to $317,520 at the 90th percentile — a $216,720 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $107,100, while senior dentists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $296,100. As a major metro area with a population of 524,943, Sacramento typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Dentist Salary in Sacramento by Experience

In Sacramento, an entry-level dentist earns around $107,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $296,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$107,100
+$22,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$204,120
+$42,120 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$296,100
+$61,100 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Sacramento, CA

Percentile Sacramento
10th Percentile $100,800
25th Percentile $144,900
Median (50th) $202,066
75th Percentile $262,080
90th Percentile $317,520

Dentist Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$304,703
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$282,251
Pop. 1,013,240
Los Angeles, CA
$246,970
Pop. 3,898,747
San Diego, CA
$240,555
Pop. 1,386,932

How to Become a Dentist in Sacramento

Education

Most dentist positions require a doctoral degree. Sacramento 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 Sacramento may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Dentist Jobs in Sacramento

Browse open dentist positions in Sacramento, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Dentist Salary in Sacramento

How much does a Dentist make in Sacramento, CA? ▼
The median dentist salary in Sacramento, California is $202,066 per year, which is 26.0% above the national median of $160,370. Salaries range from $100,800 (10th percentile) to $317,520 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dentist make per hour in Sacramento? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $202,066, a dentist in Sacramento earns approximately $97 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Sacramento compare to the California state average for dentist pay? ▼
Sacramento's median dentist salary of $202,066 is 13.7% below the California state average of $234,140. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Sacramento, CA? ▼
Sacramento has a cost of living index of 118% compared to the national average. This means a dentist salary of $202,066 in Sacramento has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dentist in Sacramento? ▼
Most dentist positions in Sacramento 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.