Healthcare San Diego, CA Pop. 1,386,932

Dentist Salary in San Diego, California

The median dentist salary in San Diego, CA is $240,555 per year, which is 50.0% above the national median and 2.7% above the California state average.

City Median
$240,555
vs State Avg
+$6,415
vs National
+$80,185
Cost of Living
142%

Dentist Pay in San Diego: What to Expect (2026)

San Diego offers a median dentist salary of $240,555, which is $6,415 above the California state average of $234,140. Compared to the national median of $160,370, San Diego pays above average for this role.

However, San Diego's cost of living index is 142%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $240,555 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $169,405. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Diego should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for dentists in San Diego spans from $120,000 at the 10th percentile to $378,000 at the 90th percentile — a $258,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $127,500, while senior dentists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $352,500. As a major metro area with a population of 1,386,932, San Diego typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Dentist Salary in San Diego by Experience

In San Diego, an entry-level dentist earns around $127,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $352,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$127,500
+$42,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$243,000
+$81,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$352,500
+$117,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Diego, CA

Percentile San Diego
10th Percentile $120,000
25th Percentile $172,500
Median (50th) $240,555
75th Percentile $312,000
90th Percentile $378,000

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
Sacramento, CA
$202,066
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Dentist in San Diego

Education

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

Find Dentist Jobs in San Diego

Browse open dentist positions in San Diego, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Dentist Salary in San Diego

How much does a Dentist make in San Diego, CA? ▼
The median dentist salary in San Diego, California is $240,555 per year, which is 50.0% above the national median of $160,370. Salaries range from $120,000 (10th percentile) to $378,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dentist make per hour in San Diego? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $240,555, a dentist in San Diego earns approximately $116 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Diego compare to the California state average for dentist pay? ▼
San Diego's median dentist salary of $240,555 is 2.7% above the California state average of $234,140. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Diego, CA? ▼
San Diego has a cost of living index of 142% compared to the national average. This means a dentist salary of $240,555 in San Diego has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dentist in San Diego? ▼
Most dentist positions in San Diego 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.