Healthcare Ohio (OH) Rank #31 of 50

Dentist Salary in Ohio

The median dentist salary in Ohio is $147,540 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $160,370.

Median Salary
$147,540
vs National
$-12,830
State Rank
#31 of 50
Cost of Living
90%

Dentist Salary Overview in Ohio (2026)

Ohio ranks #31 out of 50 states for dentist compensation. Dentist salaries in Ohio are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $147,540 per year, dentists in Ohio earn $12,830 less than the national median of $160,370.

A key advantage of working in Ohio is its below-average cost of living (90% of the national index). This means the $147,540 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $163,933 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Ohio is significant: dentists at the 10th percentile earn $73,600, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $231,840 — a $158,240 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Ohio for this role is Columbus, where the median reaches $155,559.

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 Ohio by Experience

In Ohio, an entry-level dentist earns around $78,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $216,200 per year. The cost of living index in Ohio is 90% 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

You May Qualify for Premium Rewards

Professionals earning $147,540+ often qualify for premium rewards cards with $500+ signup bonuses and 2–5% cashback on every purchase.

View Offers You Qualify For →

Salary Percentiles in Ohio

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

Dentist Salary by City in Ohio

The largest employment areas for dentists in Ohio include Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Toledo. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Dentist in Ohio

Education

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

Key Skills

Dental ProceduresRadiographyPatient ManagementOral SurgeryProsthodonticsAnesthesia

Job Outlook in Ohio

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

Negotiate Your Way to Senior Pay

Data shows Dentists who negotiate earn 7–15% more. A single negotiation could add $68,660 over your career trajectory.

Get Negotiation Scripts — $197 →

Open to Dentist Roles in Ohio?

Get matched with recruiters hiring dentists in Ohio at competitive salaries.

Or browse positions directly:

Frequently Asked Questions: Dentist Salary in Ohio

How much does a Dentist make in Ohio? ▼
The median dentist salary in Ohio 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 Ohio? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $147,540, a dentist in Ohio earns approximately $71 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Ohio a good state for dentists? ▼
Ohio ranks #31 out of 50 states for dentist pay. The cost of living index is 90% of the national average. Entry-level dentists earn $78,200, while senior professionals earn $216,200.
How does Ohio compare to other states for dentist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for dentists is Hawaii at $285,459. Ohio's median of $147,540 ranks #31 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Idaho ($147,540) and North Carolina ($147,540).
What is the entry-level dentist salary in Ohio? ▼
An entry-level dentist in Ohio earns approximately $78,200 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $149,040. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $216,200.
What city in Ohio pays dentists the most? ▼
Columbus is the highest paying city in Ohio for dentists, with a median salary of $155,559. Other cities include Cleveland and Cincinnati.