Healthcare Nebraska (NE) Rank #37 of 50

Dentist Salary in Nebraska

The median dentist salary in Nebraska is $144,333 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $160,370.

Median Salary
$144,333
vs National
$-16,037
State Rank
#37 of 50
Cost of Living
90%

Dentist Salary Overview in Nebraska (2026)

Nebraska ranks #37 out of 50 states for dentist compensation. Dentist salaries in Nebraska are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $144,333 per year, dentists in Nebraska earn $16,037 less than the national median of $160,370.

A key advantage of working in Nebraska is its below-average cost of living (90% of the national index). This means the $144,333 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $160,370 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Nebraska is significant: dentists at the 10th percentile earn $72,000, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $226,800 — a $154,800 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Nebraska for this role is Omaha, where the median reaches $149,144.

Nationally, dentist employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for dentists across the country.

Dentist Salary in Nebraska by Experience

In Nebraska, an entry-level dentist earns around $76,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $211,500 per year. The cost of living index in Nebraska is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$76,500
$-8,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$145,800
$-16,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$211,500
$-23,500 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Nebraska

Percentile NE Salary
10th Percentile $72,000
25th Percentile $103,500
Median (50th) $144,333
75th Percentile $187,200
90th Percentile $226,800

Dentist Salary by City in Nebraska

The largest employment areas for dentists in Nebraska include Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue, and Grand Island. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Dentist in Nebraska

Education

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

Key Skills

Dental ProceduresRadiographyPatient ManagementOral SurgeryProsthodonticsAnesthesia

Job Outlook in Nebraska

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Dentist Salary in Nebraska

How much does a Dentist make in Nebraska? ▼
The median dentist salary in Nebraska is $144,333 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $160,370. Salaries range from $72,000 (10th percentile) to $226,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dentist make per hour in Nebraska? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $144,333, a dentist in Nebraska earns approximately $69 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Nebraska a good state for dentists? ▼
Nebraska ranks #37 out of 50 states for dentist pay. The cost of living index is 90% of the national average. Entry-level dentists earn $76,500, while senior professionals earn $211,500.
How does Nebraska compare to other states for dentist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for dentists is Hawaii at $285,459. Nebraska's median of $144,333 ranks #37 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Indiana ($144,333) and Michigan ($144,333).
What is the entry-level dentist salary in Nebraska? ▼
An entry-level dentist in Nebraska earns approximately $76,500 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $145,800. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $211,500.
What city in Nebraska pays dentists the most? ▼
Omaha is the highest paying city in Nebraska for dentists, with a median salary of $149,144. Other cities include Lincoln and Bellevue.