As of May 18, 2021, the average salary for a Dentist in the United States is $195,328 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $94.
However, a Dentist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Dentist's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Dentist's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Dentist | $193,379 |
| Intermediate Level Dentist | $193,728 |
| Senior Level Dentist | $194,078 |
| Specialist Level Dentist | $194,567 |
| Expert Level Dentist | $197,036 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Dentists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 6.53% |
| Clinical Skills | 3% |
| HIPAA | 1.98% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Medical Prescriptions
|
$214,861 |
10%
|
|
Coaching
|
$209,001 |
7%
|
|
Insight
|
$209,001 |
7%
|
|
Pediatric
|
$205,094 |
5%
|
|
Leadership
|
$203,141 |
4%
|
|
Support Services
|
$201,188 |
3%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Dentists enter the field with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Dentist with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent is between $190,456 and $203,180).
Dentist Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.7% |
| High School | 4.3% |
| Associates | 8.4% |
| Bachelors | 10.8% |
| Masters | 10.1% |
| Doctorate | 64.7% |
Understanding how a Dentist's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on May 18, 2021Salaries for a Dentist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $112,260 in 2023 to around $111,827 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Dentist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $112,260 |
| 2024 | $113,619 |
| 2025 | $111,827 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Dentist and their salaries, click below for more details.
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A Dentist's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Dentist earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Dentist is $246,367.
The highest pay for Dentist is $249,992.
The lowest pay for Dentist is $183,892.
Examines and treats diseases and injuries of teeth and gums. Performs preventative and maintenance dentistry and educates the patient in proper tooth and gum care. Recommends braces or surgery to correct any malformations. Requires a doctorate degree in dentistry, either a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree from an accredited school. Requires a state licensed to practice. Typically reports to a top management. Years of experience may be unspecified. Certification and/or licensing in the position's specialty is the main requirement.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
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