Healthcare Albuquerque, NM Pop. 564,559

Dentist Salary in Albuquerque, New Mexico

The median dentist salary in Albuquerque, NM is $149,144 per year, which is 7% below the national median and 2.2% above the New Mexico state average.

City Median
$149,144
vs State Avg
+$3,207
vs National
$-11,226
Cost of Living
95%

Dentist Pay in Albuquerque: What to Expect (2026)

Albuquerque offers a median dentist salary of $149,144, which is $3,207 above the New Mexico state average of $145,937. Compared to the national median of $160,370, Albuquerque pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Albuquerque's cost of living is 95% 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 Albuquerque spans from $74,400 at the 10th percentile to $234,360 at the 90th percentile — a $159,960 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $79,050, while senior dentists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $218,550. As a major metro area with a population of 564,559, Albuquerque typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Dentist Salary in Albuquerque by Experience

In Albuquerque, an entry-level dentist earns around $79,050, while experienced professionals earn up to $218,550 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$79,050
$-5,950 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$150,660
$-11,340 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$218,550
$-16,450 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Albuquerque, NM

Percentile Albuquerque
10th Percentile $74,400
25th Percentile $106,950
Median (50th) $149,144
75th Percentile $193,440
90th Percentile $234,360

Dentist Salary in Other New Mexico Cities

Santa Fe, NM
$173,200
Pop. 87,505
Rio Rancho, NM
$144,333
Pop. 104,046
Las Cruces, NM
$137,918
Pop. 111,385
Roswell, NM
$128,296
Pop. 48,422

How to Become a Dentist in Albuquerque

Education

Most dentist positions require a doctoral degree. Albuquerque and the surrounding New Mexico 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 Albuquerque may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Dentist Jobs in Albuquerque

Browse open dentist positions in Albuquerque, NM:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Dentist Salary in Albuquerque

How much does a Dentist make in Albuquerque, NM? ▼
The median dentist salary in Albuquerque, New Mexico is $149,144 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $160,370. Salaries range from $74,400 (10th percentile) to $234,360 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dentist make per hour in Albuquerque? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $149,144, a dentist in Albuquerque earns approximately $72 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Albuquerque compare to the New Mexico state average for dentist pay? ▼
Albuquerque's median dentist salary of $149,144 is 2.2% above the New Mexico state average of $145,937. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Albuquerque, NM? ▼
Albuquerque has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a dentist salary of $149,144 in Albuquerque has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dentist in Albuquerque? ▼
Most dentist positions in Albuquerque 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.