Healthcare Philadelphia, PA Pop. 1,603,797

Dentist Salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The median dentist salary in Philadelphia, PA is $168,389 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median and 6.1% above the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$168,389
vs State Avg
+$9,623
vs National
+$8,019
Cost of Living
102%

Dentist Pay in Philadelphia: What to Expect (2026)

Philadelphia offers a median dentist salary of $168,389, which is $9,623 above the Pennsylvania state average of $158,766. Compared to the national median of $160,370, Philadelphia pays above average for this role.

Philadelphia's cost of living is 102% 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 Philadelphia spans from $84,000 at the 10th percentile to $264,600 at the 90th percentile — a $180,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $89,250, while senior dentists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $246,750. As a major metro area with a population of 1,603,797, Philadelphia typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Dentist Salary in Philadelphia by Experience

In Philadelphia, an entry-level dentist earns around $89,250, while experienced professionals earn up to $246,750 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$89,250
+$4,250 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$170,100
+$8,100 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$246,750
+$11,750 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Philadelphia, PA

Percentile Philadelphia
10th Percentile $84,000
25th Percentile $120,750
Median (50th) $168,389
75th Percentile $218,400
90th Percentile $264,600

Dentist Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities

Allentown, PA
$155,559
Pop. 126,092
Pittsburgh, PA
$153,955
Pop. 302,971
Reading, PA
$145,937
Pop. 95,112
Erie, PA
$139,522
Pop. 94,831

How to Become a Dentist in Philadelphia

Education

Most dentist positions require a doctoral degree. Philadelphia and the surrounding Pennsylvania 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 Philadelphia may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Dentist Jobs in Philadelphia

Browse open dentist positions in Philadelphia, PA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Dentist Salary in Philadelphia

How much does a Dentist make in Philadelphia, PA? ▼
The median dentist salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is $168,389 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $160,370. Salaries range from $84,000 (10th percentile) to $264,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dentist make per hour in Philadelphia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $168,389, a dentist in Philadelphia earns approximately $81 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Philadelphia compare to the Pennsylvania state average for dentist pay? ▼
Philadelphia's median dentist salary of $168,389 is 6.1% above the Pennsylvania state average of $158,766. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Philadelphia, PA? ▼
Philadelphia has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a dentist salary of $168,389 in Philadelphia has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dentist in Philadelphia? ▼
Most dentist positions in Philadelphia 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.