Healthcare Hawaii (HI) Rank #1 of 50

Dentist Salary in Hawaii

The median dentist salary in Hawaii is $285,459 per year, which is 78.0% above the national median of $160,370.

Median Salary
$285,459
vs National
+$125,089
State Rank
#1 of 50
Cost of Living
170%

Dentist Salary Overview in Hawaii (2026)

Hawaii ranks #1 out of 50 states for dentist compensation. This places Hawaii in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for dentists seeking high pay. At $285,459 per year, dentists in Hawaii earn $125,089 more than the national median of $160,370.

It's worth noting that Hawaii's cost of living is 170% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $285,459 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $167,917.

The salary spread in Hawaii is significant: dentists at the 10th percentile earn $142,400, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $448,560 — a $306,160 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Hawaii for this role is Honolulu, where the median reaches $293,477.

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 Hawaii by Experience

In Hawaii, an entry-level dentist earns around $151,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $418,300 per year. The cost of living index in Hawaii is 170% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$151,300
+$66,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$288,360
+$126,360 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$418,300
+$183,300 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Hawaii

Percentile HI Salary
10th Percentile $142,400
25th Percentile $204,700
Median (50th) $285,459
75th Percentile $370,240
90th Percentile $448,560

Dentist Salary by City in Hawaii

The largest employment areas for dentists in Hawaii include Honolulu, Pearl City, Hilo, and Kailua. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Dentist in Hawaii

Education

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

Key Skills

Dental ProceduresRadiographyPatient ManagementOral SurgeryProsthodonticsAnesthesia

Job Outlook in Hawaii

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Dentist Salary in Hawaii

How much does a Dentist make in Hawaii? ▼
The median dentist salary in Hawaii is $285,459 per year, which is 78.0% above the national median of $160,370. Salaries range from $142,400 (10th percentile) to $448,560 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dentist make per hour in Hawaii? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $285,459, a dentist in Hawaii earns approximately $137 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Hawaii a good state for dentists? ▼
Hawaii ranks #1 out of 50 states for dentist pay. The cost of living index is 170% of the national average. Entry-level dentists earn $151,300, while senior professionals earn $418,300.
How does Hawaii compare to other states for dentist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for dentists is Hawaii at $285,459. Hawaii's median of $285,459 ranks #1 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include California ($234,140) and Massachusetts ($229,329).
What is the entry-level dentist salary in Hawaii? ▼
An entry-level dentist in Hawaii earns approximately $151,300 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $288,360. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $418,300.
What city in Hawaii pays dentists the most? ▼
Honolulu is the highest paying city in Hawaii for dentists, with a median salary of $293,477. Other cities include Pearl City and Hilo.