Healthcare North Dakota (ND) Rank #38 of 50

Dentist Salary in North Dakota

The median dentist salary in North Dakota 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
#38 of 50
Cost of Living
90%

Dentist Salary Overview in North Dakota (2026)

North Dakota ranks #38 out of 50 states for dentist compensation. Dentist salaries in North Dakota are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $144,333 per year, dentists in North Dakota earn $16,037 less than the national median of $160,370.

A key advantage of working in North Dakota 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 North Dakota 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 North Dakota for this role is Fargo, where the median reaches $150,748.

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 North Dakota by Experience

In North Dakota, an entry-level dentist earns around $76,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $211,500 per year. The cost of living index in North Dakota 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 North Dakota

Percentile ND 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 North Dakota

The largest employment areas for dentists in North Dakota include Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, and Minot. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Dentist in North Dakota

Education

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

Key Skills

Dental ProceduresRadiographyPatient ManagementOral SurgeryProsthodonticsAnesthesia

Job Outlook in North Dakota

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Dentist Salary in North Dakota

How much does a Dentist make in North Dakota? ▼
The median dentist salary in North Dakota 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 North Dakota? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $144,333, a dentist in North Dakota earns approximately $69 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is North Dakota a good state for dentists? ▼
North Dakota ranks #38 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 North Dakota compare to other states for dentist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for dentists is Hawaii at $285,459. North Dakota's median of $144,333 ranks #38 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Michigan ($144,333) and Nebraska ($144,333).
What is the entry-level dentist salary in North Dakota? ▼
An entry-level dentist in North Dakota 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 North Dakota pays dentists the most? ▼
Fargo is the highest paying city in North Dakota for dentists, with a median salary of $150,748. Other cities include Bismarck and Grand Forks.