Healthcare Rhode Island (RI) Rank #12 of 50

Dentist Salary in Rhode Island

The median dentist salary in Rhode Island is $173,200 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median of $160,370.

Median Salary
$173,200
vs National
+$12,830
State Rank
#12 of 50
Cost of Living
105%

Dentist Salary Overview in Rhode Island (2026)

Rhode Island ranks #12 out of 50 states for dentist compensation. Rhode Island falls in the middle of the pack for dentist pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $173,200 per year, dentists in Rhode Island earn $12,830 more than the national median of $160,370.

Rhode Island's cost of living is near the national average at 105%, meaning dentist salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Rhode Island is significant: dentists at the 10th percentile earn $86,400, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $272,160 — a $185,760 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Rhode Island for this role is Providence, where the median reaches $178,011.

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 Rhode Island by Experience

In Rhode Island, an entry-level dentist earns around $91,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $253,800 per year. The cost of living index in Rhode Island is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$91,800
+$6,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$174,960
+$12,960 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$253,800
+$18,800 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Rhode Island

Percentile RI Salary
10th Percentile $86,400
25th Percentile $124,200
Median (50th) $173,200
75th Percentile $224,640
90th Percentile $272,160

Dentist Salary by City in Rhode Island

The largest employment areas for dentists in Rhode Island include Providence, Warwick, Cranston, and Pawtucket. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Dentist in Rhode Island

Education

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

Key Skills

Dental ProceduresRadiographyPatient ManagementOral SurgeryProsthodonticsAnesthesia

Job Outlook in Rhode Island

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Dentist Salary in Rhode Island

How much does a Dentist make in Rhode Island? ▼
The median dentist salary in Rhode Island is $173,200 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median of $160,370. Salaries range from $86,400 (10th percentile) to $272,160 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dentist make per hour in Rhode Island? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $173,200, a dentist in Rhode Island earns approximately $83 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Rhode Island a good state for dentists? ▼
Rhode Island ranks #12 out of 50 states for dentist pay. The cost of living index is 105% of the national average. Entry-level dentists earn $91,800, while senior professionals earn $253,800.
How does Rhode Island compare to other states for dentist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for dentists is Hawaii at $285,459. Rhode Island's median of $173,200 ranks #12 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Oregon ($179,614) and New Hampshire ($173,200).
What is the entry-level dentist salary in Rhode Island? ▼
An entry-level dentist in Rhode Island earns approximately $91,800 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $174,960. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $253,800.
What city in Rhode Island pays dentists the most? ▼
Providence is the highest paying city in Rhode Island for dentists, with a median salary of $178,011. Other cities include Warwick and Cranston.