Healthcare Lafayette, LA Pop. 121,374

Dentist Salary in Lafayette, Louisiana

The median dentist salary in Lafayette, LA is $141,126 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 3.3% below the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$141,126
vs State Avg
$-4,811
vs National
$-19,244
Cost of Living
88%

Dentist Pay in Lafayette: What to Expect (2026)

Lafayette offers a median dentist salary of $141,126, which is $4,811 below the Louisiana state average of $145,937. Compared to the national median of $160,370, Lafayette pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Lafayette's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $141,126 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $160,370 in an average-cost city. This makes Lafayette an attractive option for dentists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for dentists in Lafayette spans from $70,400 at the 10th percentile to $221,760 at the 90th percentile — a $151,360 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $74,800, while senior dentists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $206,800. With a population of 121,374, Lafayette is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Dentist Salary in Lafayette by Experience

In Lafayette, an entry-level dentist earns around $74,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $206,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$74,800
$-10,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$142,560
$-19,440 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$206,800
$-28,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Lafayette, LA

Percentile Lafayette
10th Percentile $70,400
25th Percentile $101,200
Median (50th) $141,126
75th Percentile $183,040
90th Percentile $221,760

Dentist Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

New Orleans, LA
$157,163
Pop. 383,997
Baton Rouge, LA
$147,540
Pop. 227,470
Lake Charles, LA
$137,918
Pop. 80,000
Shreveport, LA
$136,315
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a Dentist in Lafayette

Education

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

Find Dentist Jobs in Lafayette

Browse open dentist positions in Lafayette, LA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Dentist Salary in Lafayette

How much does a Dentist make in Lafayette, LA? ▼
The median dentist salary in Lafayette, Louisiana is $141,126 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $160,370. Salaries range from $70,400 (10th percentile) to $221,760 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dentist make per hour in Lafayette? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $141,126, a dentist in Lafayette earns approximately $68 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lafayette compare to the Louisiana state average for dentist pay? ▼
Lafayette's median dentist salary of $141,126 is 3.3% below the Louisiana state average of $145,937. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Lafayette, LA? ▼
Lafayette has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a dentist salary of $141,126 in Lafayette has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dentist in Lafayette? ▼
Most dentist positions in Lafayette 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.