Healthcare Kansas City, MO Pop. 508,090

Dentist Salary in Kansas City, Missouri

The median dentist salary in Kansas City, MO is $147,540 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 4.5% above the Missouri state average.

City Median
$147,540
vs State Avg
+$6,414
vs National
$-12,830
Cost of Living
92%

Dentist Pay in Kansas City: What to Expect (2026)

Kansas City offers a median dentist salary of $147,540, which is $6,414 above the Missouri state average of $141,126. Compared to the national median of $160,370, Kansas City pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Kansas City's cost of living is 92% 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 Kansas City spans from $73,600 at the 10th percentile to $231,840 at the 90th percentile — a $158,240 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $78,200, while senior dentists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $216,200. As a major metro area with a population of 508,090, Kansas City typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Dentist Salary in Kansas City by Experience

In Kansas City, an entry-level dentist earns around $78,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $216,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$78,200
$-6,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$149,040
$-12,960 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$216,200
$-18,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Kansas City, MO

Percentile Kansas City
10th Percentile $73,600
25th Percentile $105,800
Median (50th) $147,540
75th Percentile $191,360
90th Percentile $231,840

Dentist Salary in Other Missouri Cities

Saint Louis, MO
$144,333
Pop. 301,578
Columbia, MO
$141,126
Pop. 126,254
Independence, MO
$136,315
Pop. 123,011
Springfield, MO
$131,503
Pop. 169,176

How to Become a Dentist in Kansas City

Education

Most dentist positions require a doctoral degree. Kansas City 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 Kansas City may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Dentist Jobs in Kansas City

Browse open dentist positions in Kansas City, MO:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Dentist Salary in Kansas City

How much does a Dentist make in Kansas City, MO? ▼
The median dentist salary in Kansas City, Missouri is $147,540 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $160,370. Salaries range from $73,600 (10th percentile) to $231,840 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dentist make per hour in Kansas City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $147,540, a dentist in Kansas City earns approximately $71 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Kansas City compare to the Missouri state average for dentist pay? ▼
Kansas City's median dentist salary of $147,540 is 4.5% above the Missouri state average of $141,126. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Kansas City, MO? ▼
Kansas City has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a dentist salary of $147,540 in Kansas City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dentist in Kansas City? ▼
Most dentist positions in Kansas City 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.