Healthcare Athens, GA Pop. 127,064

Dentist Salary in Athens, Georgia

The median dentist salary in Athens, GA is $144,333 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 3.2% below the Georgia state average.

City Median
$144,333
vs State Avg
$-4,811
vs National
$-16,037
Cost of Living
90%

Dentist Pay in Athens: What to Expect (2026)

Athens offers a median dentist salary of $144,333, which is $4,811 below the Georgia state average of $149,144. Compared to the national median of $160,370, Athens pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Athens's cost of living is 90% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for dentists in Athens spans from $72,000 at the 10th percentile to $226,800 at the 90th percentile — a $154,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $76,500, while senior dentists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $211,500. With a population of 127,064, Athens is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Dentist Salary in Athens by Experience

In Athens, an entry-level dentist earns around $76,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $211,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$76,500
$-8,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$145,800
$-16,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$211,500
$-23,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Athens, GA

Percentile Athens
10th Percentile $72,000
25th Percentile $103,500
Median (50th) $144,333
75th Percentile $187,200
90th Percentile $226,800

Dentist Salary in Other Georgia Cities

Atlanta, GA
$163,577
Pop. 498,715
Savannah, GA
$147,540
Pop. 147,780
Augusta, GA
$141,126
Pop. 202,081
Columbus, GA
$137,918
Pop. 206,922

How to Become a Dentist in Athens

Education

Most dentist positions require a doctoral degree. Athens and the surrounding Georgia 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 Athens may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Dentist Jobs in Athens

Browse open dentist positions in Athens, GA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Dentist Salary in Athens

How much does a Dentist make in Athens, GA? ▼
The median dentist salary in Athens, Georgia is $144,333 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $160,370. Salaries range from $72,000 (10th percentile) to $226,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dentist make per hour in Athens? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $144,333, a dentist in Athens earns approximately $69 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Athens compare to the Georgia state average for dentist pay? ▼
Athens's median dentist salary of $144,333 is 3.2% below the Georgia state average of $149,144. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Athens, GA? ▼
Athens has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a dentist salary of $144,333 in Athens has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dentist in Athens? ▼
Most dentist positions in Athens 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.