Healthcare Delaware (DE) Rank #15 of 50

Dentist Salary in Delaware

The median dentist salary in Delaware is $165,181 per year, which is 3.0% above the national median of $160,370.

Median Salary
$165,181
vs National
+$4,811
State Rank
#15 of 50
Cost of Living
101%

Dentist Salary Overview in Delaware (2026)

Delaware ranks #15 out of 50 states for dentist compensation. Delaware falls in the middle of the pack for dentist pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $165,181 per year, dentists in Delaware earn $4,811 more than the national median of $160,370.

Delaware's cost of living is near the national average at 101%, meaning dentist salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Delaware is significant: dentists at the 10th percentile earn $82,400, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $259,560 — a $177,160 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Delaware for this role is Wilmington, where the median reaches $171,596.

Nationally, dentist employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for dentists across the country.

Dentist Salary in Delaware by Experience

In Delaware, an entry-level dentist earns around $87,550, while experienced professionals earn up to $242,050 per year. The cost of living index in Delaware is 101% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$87,550
+$2,550 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$166,860
+$4,860 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$242,050
+$7,050 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Delaware

Percentile DE Salary
10th Percentile $82,400
25th Percentile $118,450
Median (50th) $165,181
75th Percentile $214,240
90th Percentile $259,560

Dentist Salary by City in Delaware

The largest employment areas for dentists in Delaware include Wilmington, Dover, Newark, and Middletown. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Dentist in Delaware

Education

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

Key Skills

Dental ProceduresRadiographyPatient ManagementOral SurgeryProsthodonticsAnesthesia

Job Outlook in Delaware

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Dentist Salary in Delaware

How much does a Dentist make in Delaware? ▼
The median dentist salary in Delaware is $165,181 per year, which is 3.0% above the national median of $160,370. Salaries range from $82,400 (10th percentile) to $259,560 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dentist make per hour in Delaware? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $165,181, a dentist in Delaware earns approximately $79 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Delaware a good state for dentists? ▼
Delaware ranks #15 out of 50 states for dentist pay. The cost of living index is 101% of the national average. Entry-level dentists earn $87,550, while senior professionals earn $242,050.
How does Delaware compare to other states for dentist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for dentists is Hawaii at $285,459. Delaware's median of $165,181 ranks #15 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Colorado ($171,596) and Virginia ($169,992).
What is the entry-level dentist salary in Delaware? ▼
An entry-level dentist in Delaware earns approximately $87,550 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $166,860. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $242,050.
What city in Delaware pays dentists the most? ▼
Wilmington is the highest paying city in Delaware for dentists, with a median salary of $171,596. Other cities include Dover and Newark.