Healthcare Indianapolis, IN Pop. 887,642

Dentist Salary in Indianapolis, Indiana

The median dentist salary in Indianapolis, IN is $149,144 per year, which is 7% below the national median and 3.3% above the Indiana state average.

City Median
$149,144
vs State Avg
+$4,811
vs National
$-11,226
Cost of Living
93%

Dentist Pay in Indianapolis: What to Expect (2026)

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

Indianapolis's cost of living is 93% 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 Indianapolis spans from $74,400 at the 10th percentile to $234,360 at the 90th percentile — a $159,960 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $79,050, while senior dentists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $218,550. As a major metro area with a population of 887,642, Indianapolis typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Dentist Salary in Indianapolis by Experience

In Indianapolis, an entry-level dentist earns around $79,050, while experienced professionals earn up to $218,550 per year. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$79,050
$-5,950 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$150,660
$-11,340 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$218,550
$-16,450 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Indianapolis, IN

Percentile Indianapolis
10th Percentile $74,400
25th Percentile $106,950
Median (50th) $149,144
75th Percentile $193,440
90th Percentile $234,360

Dentist Salary in Other Indiana Cities

Carmel, IN
$168,389
Pop. 99,757
Fort Wayne, IN
$136,315
Pop. 263,886
Evansville, IN
$134,711
Pop. 117,429
South Bend, IN
$133,107
Pop. 103,453

How to Become a Dentist in Indianapolis

Education

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

Find Dentist Jobs in Indianapolis

Browse open dentist positions in Indianapolis, IN:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Dentist Salary in Indianapolis

How much does a Dentist make in Indianapolis, IN? ▼
The median dentist salary in Indianapolis, Indiana is $149,144 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $160,370. Salaries range from $74,400 (10th percentile) to $234,360 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dentist make per hour in Indianapolis? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $149,144, a dentist in Indianapolis earns approximately $72 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Indianapolis compare to the Indiana state average for dentist pay? ▼
Indianapolis's median dentist salary of $149,144 is 3.3% above the Indiana state average of $144,333. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Indianapolis, IN? ▼
Indianapolis has a cost of living index of 93% compared to the national average. This means a dentist salary of $149,144 in Indianapolis has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dentist in Indianapolis? ▼
Most dentist positions in Indianapolis 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.