Healthcare Detroit, MI Pop. 639,111

Dentist Salary in Detroit, Michigan

The median dentist salary in Detroit, MI is $141,126 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 2.2% below the Michigan state average.

City Median
$141,126
vs State Avg
$-3,207
vs National
$-19,244
Cost of Living
88%

Dentist Pay in Detroit: What to Expect (2026)

Detroit offers a median dentist salary of $141,126, which is $3,207 below the Michigan state average of $144,333. Compared to the national median of $160,370, Detroit pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Detroit'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 Detroit an attractive option for dentists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for dentists in Detroit 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. As a major metro area with a population of 639,111, Detroit typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Dentist Salary in Detroit by Experience

In Detroit, 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 Detroit, MI

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

Dentist Salary in Other Michigan Cities

Ann Arbor, MI
$168,389
Pop. 123,851
Grand Rapids, MI
$144,333
Pop. 198,917
Warren, MI
$141,126
Pop. 139,387
Lansing, MI
$137,918
Pop. 112,644

How to Become a Dentist in Detroit

Education

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

Find Dentist Jobs in Detroit

Browse open dentist positions in Detroit, MI:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Dentist Salary in Detroit

How much does a Dentist make in Detroit, MI? ▼
The median dentist salary in Detroit, Michigan 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 Detroit? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $141,126, a dentist in Detroit earns approximately $68 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Detroit compare to the Michigan state average for dentist pay? ▼
Detroit's median dentist salary of $141,126 is 2.2% below the Michigan state average of $144,333. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Detroit, MI? ▼
Detroit has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a dentist salary of $141,126 in Detroit has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dentist in Detroit? ▼
Most dentist positions in Detroit 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.