Healthcare Kentucky (KY) Rank #46 of 50

Dentist Salary in Kentucky

The median dentist salary in Kentucky is $139,522 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $160,370.

Median Salary
$139,522
vs National
$-20,848
State Rank
#46 of 50
Cost of Living
87%

Dentist Salary in Kentucky by Experience

In Kentucky, an entry-level dentist earns around $73,950, while experienced professionals earn up to $204,450 per year. The cost of living index in Kentucky is 87% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$73,950
$-11,050 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$140,940
$-21,060 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$204,450
$-30,550 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Kentucky

Percentile KY Salary
10th Percentile $69,600
25th Percentile $100,050
Median (50th) $139,522
75th Percentile $180,960
90th Percentile $219,240

Dentist Salary by City in Kentucky

The largest employment areas for dentists in Kentucky include Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green, and Owensboro. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Louisville, KY
$147,540
Pop. 633,045 · COL 92%
Lexington, KY
$149,144
Pop. 322,570 · COL 93%
Bowling Green, KY
$134,711
Pop. 74,735 · COL 84%
Owensboro, KY
$131,503
Pop. 60,183 · COL 82%
Covington, KY
$141,126
Pop. 40,961 · COL 88%

How to Become a Dentist in Kentucky

Education

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

Key Skills

Dental ProceduresRadiographyPatient ManagementOral SurgeryProsthodonticsAnesthesia

Job Outlook in Kentucky

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

Find Dentist Jobs in Kentucky

Browse open dentist positions in Kentucky:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Dentist Salary in Kentucky

How much does a Dentist make in Kentucky? ▼
The median dentist salary in Kentucky is $139,522 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $160,370. Salaries range from $69,600 (10th percentile) to $219,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dentist make per hour in Kentucky? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $139,522, a dentist in Kentucky earns approximately $67 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Kentucky a good state for dentists? ▼
Kentucky ranks #46 out of 50 states for dentist pay. The cost of living index is 87% of the national average. Entry-level dentists earn $73,950, while senior professionals earn $204,450.
How does Kentucky compare to other states for dentist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for dentists is Hawaii at $285,459. Kentucky's median of $139,522 ranks #46 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Alabama ($139,522) and Kansas ($139,522).
What is the entry-level dentist salary in Kentucky? ▼
An entry-level dentist in Kentucky earns approximately $73,950 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $140,940. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $204,450.
What city in Kentucky pays dentists the most? ▼
Lexington is the highest paying city in Kentucky for dentists, with a median salary of $149,144. Other cities include Louisville and Bowling Green.