Healthcare Wheeling, WV Pop. 26,711

Dentist Salary in Wheeling, West Virginia

The median dentist salary in Wheeling, WV is $121,881 per year, which is 24% below the national median and 7.3% below the West Virginia state average.

City Median
$121,881
vs State Avg
$-9,622
vs National
$-38,489
Cost of Living
78%

Dentist Pay in Wheeling: What to Expect (2026)

Wheeling offers a median dentist salary of $121,881, which is $9,622 below the West Virginia state average of $131,503. Compared to the national median of $160,370, Wheeling pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Wheeling's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 78% of the national average. This means the $121,881 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $156,258 in an average-cost city. This makes Wheeling an attractive option for dentists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for dentists in Wheeling spans from $60,800 at the 10th percentile to $191,520 at the 90th percentile — a $130,720 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $64,600, while senior dentists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $178,600. Wheeling is a smaller market (pop. 26,711), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Dentist Salary in Wheeling by Experience

In Wheeling, an entry-level dentist earns around $64,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $178,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 78% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$64,600
$-20,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$123,120
$-38,880 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$178,600
$-56,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Wheeling, WV

Percentile Wheeling
10th Percentile $60,800
25th Percentile $87,400
Median (50th) $121,881
75th Percentile $158,080
90th Percentile $191,520

Dentist Salary in Other West Virginia Cities

Morgantown, WV
$141,126
Pop. 30,955
Charleston, WV
$137,918
Pop. 48,006
Huntington, WV
$128,296
Pop. 46,842
Parkersburg, WV
$125,089
Pop. 29,675

How to Become a Dentist in Wheeling

Education

Most dentist positions require a doctoral degree. Wheeling and the surrounding West Virginia 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 Wheeling may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Dentist Jobs in Wheeling

Browse open dentist positions in Wheeling, WV:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Dentist Salary in Wheeling

How much does a Dentist make in Wheeling, WV? ▼
The median dentist salary in Wheeling, West Virginia is $121,881 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $160,370. Salaries range from $60,800 (10th percentile) to $191,520 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dentist make per hour in Wheeling? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $121,881, a dentist in Wheeling earns approximately $59 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Wheeling compare to the West Virginia state average for dentist pay? ▼
Wheeling's median dentist salary of $121,881 is 7.3% below the West Virginia state average of $131,503. The local cost of living index is 78% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Wheeling, WV? ▼
Wheeling has a cost of living index of 78% compared to the national average. This means a dentist salary of $121,881 in Wheeling has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dentist in Wheeling? ▼
Most dentist positions in Wheeling 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.