Healthcare Wisconsin (WI) Rank #26 of 50

Dentist Salary in Wisconsin

The median dentist salary in Wisconsin 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
#26 of 50
Cost of Living
92%

Dentist Salary Overview in Wisconsin (2026)

Wisconsin ranks #26 out of 50 states for dentist compensation. Dentist salaries in Wisconsin are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $150,748 per year, dentists in Wisconsin earn $9,622 less than the national median of $160,370.

A key advantage of working in Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin for this role is Madison, where the median reaches $163,577.

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 Wisconsin by Experience

In Wisconsin, an entry-level dentist earns around $79,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $220,900 per year. The cost of living index in Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin

Percentile WI 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 Wisconsin

The largest employment areas for dentists in Wisconsin include Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, and Kenosha. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Dentist in Wisconsin

Education

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

Key Skills

Dental ProceduresRadiographyPatient ManagementOral SurgeryProsthodonticsAnesthesia

Job Outlook in Wisconsin

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Dentist Salary in Wisconsin

How much does a Dentist make in Wisconsin? ▼
The median dentist salary in Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $150,748, a dentist in Wisconsin earns approximately $72 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Wisconsin a good state for dentists? ▼
Wisconsin ranks #26 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 Wisconsin compare to other states for dentist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for dentists is Hawaii at $285,459. Wisconsin's median of $150,748 ranks #26 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Utah ($155,559) and Texas ($150,748).
What is the entry-level dentist salary in Wisconsin? ▼
An entry-level dentist in Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin pays dentists the most? ▼
Madison is the highest paying city in Wisconsin for dentists, with a median salary of $163,577. Other cities include Milwaukee and Green Bay.