Healthcare Independence, MO Pop. 123,011

Dentist Salary in Independence, Missouri

The median dentist salary in Independence, MO is $136,315 per year, which is 15% below the national median and 3.4% below the Missouri state average.

City Median
$136,315
vs State Avg
$-4,811
vs National
$-24,055
Cost of Living
85%

Dentist Pay in Independence: What to Expect (2026)

Independence offers a median dentist salary of $136,315, which is $4,811 below the Missouri state average of $141,126. Compared to the national median of $160,370, Independence pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Independence's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 85% of the national average. This means the $136,315 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $160,371 in an average-cost city. This makes Independence an attractive option for dentists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for dentists in Independence spans from $68,000 at the 10th percentile to $214,200 at the 90th percentile — a $146,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $72,250, while senior dentists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $199,750. With a population of 123,011, Independence is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Dentist Salary in Independence by Experience

In Independence, an entry-level dentist earns around $72,250, while experienced professionals earn up to $199,750 per year. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$72,250
$-12,750 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$137,700
$-24,300 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$199,750
$-35,250 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Independence, MO

Percentile Independence
10th Percentile $68,000
25th Percentile $97,750
Median (50th) $136,315
75th Percentile $176,800
90th Percentile $214,200

Dentist Salary in Other Missouri Cities

Kansas City, MO
$147,540
Pop. 508,090
Saint Louis, MO
$144,333
Pop. 301,578
Columbia, MO
$141,126
Pop. 126,254
Springfield, MO
$131,503
Pop. 169,176

How to Become a Dentist in Independence

Education

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

Find Dentist Jobs in Independence

Browse open dentist positions in Independence, MO:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Dentist Salary in Independence

How much does a Dentist make in Independence, MO? ▼
The median dentist salary in Independence, Missouri is $136,315 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $160,370. Salaries range from $68,000 (10th percentile) to $214,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dentist make per hour in Independence? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $136,315, a dentist in Independence earns approximately $66 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Independence compare to the Missouri state average for dentist pay? ▼
Independence's median dentist salary of $136,315 is 3.4% below the Missouri state average of $141,126. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Independence, MO? ▼
Independence has a cost of living index of 85% compared to the national average. This means a dentist salary of $136,315 in Independence has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dentist in Independence? ▼
Most dentist positions in Independence 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.