Healthcare Texas (TX) Rank #25 of 50

Dentist Salary in Texas

The median dentist salary in Texas is $150,748 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $160,370.

Median Salary
$150,748
vs National
$-9,622
State Rank
#25 of 50
Cost of Living
92%

Dentist Salary Overview in Texas (2026)

Texas ranks #25 out of 50 states for dentist compensation. Texas falls in the middle of the pack for dentist pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $150,748 per year, dentists in Texas earn $9,622 less than the national median of $160,370.

A key advantage of working in Texas is its below-average cost of living (92% of the national index). This means the $150,748 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $163,857 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Texas is significant: dentists at the 10th percentile earn $75,200, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $236,880 — a $161,680 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Texas for this role is Austin, where the median reaches $171,596.

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 Texas by Experience

In Texas, an entry-level dentist earns around $79,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $220,900 per year. The cost of living index in Texas is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$79,900
$-5,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$152,280
$-9,720 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$220,900
$-14,100 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Texas

Percentile TX Salary
10th Percentile $75,200
25th Percentile $108,100
Median (50th) $150,748
75th Percentile $195,520
90th Percentile $236,880

Dentist Salary by City in Texas

The largest employment areas for dentists in Texas include Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Dentist in Texas

Education

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

Key Skills

Dental ProceduresRadiographyPatient ManagementOral SurgeryProsthodonticsAnesthesia

Job Outlook in Texas

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Dentist Salary in Texas

How much does a Dentist make in Texas? ▼
The median dentist salary in Texas is $150,748 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $160,370. Salaries range from $75,200 (10th percentile) to $236,880 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dentist make per hour in Texas? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $150,748, a dentist in Texas earns approximately $72 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Texas a good state for dentists? ▼
Texas ranks #25 out of 50 states for dentist pay. The cost of living index is 92% of the national average. Entry-level dentists earn $79,900, while senior professionals earn $220,900.
How does Texas compare to other states for dentist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for dentists is Hawaii at $285,459. Texas's median of $150,748 ranks #25 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Illinois ($155,559) and Utah ($155,559).
What is the entry-level dentist salary in Texas? ▼
An entry-level dentist in Texas earns approximately $79,900 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $152,280. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $220,900.
What city in Texas pays dentists the most? ▼
Austin is the highest paying city in Texas for dentists, with a median salary of $171,596. Other cities include Houston and Dallas.