Dental Salaries in the U.S. by State

Dentists earn around $179,210 annually, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). That’s significantly higher than the U.S. median wage across all jobs. 

Yet, these numbers can mislead, varying widely depending on the source. These sources also don’t account for key factors like overhead costs and student loans. 

Understanding net, not just gross income, is essential for a realistic dental career picture.

What Makes Up a Dentist’s Salary?

To fully grasp dentist pay, you first need clarity on the following terms:

• Gross production — The total value of all procedures performed.
• Collections — Actual money received from patients or insurers.
• Overhead — Costs (staff salaries, rent, supplies) are deducted from collections.
• Take-home pay — Money remaining after overhead expenses.

While the national median salary was approximately $179,210 in 2024, there are notable differences among practice owners and associates. Owners generally earn significantly more, but their income heavily depends on practice efficiency and overhead management.

Typical benefits packages for dentists commonly include health insurance, retirement plans (401(k)), malpractice insurance, and continuing education stipends.

What Factors Affect Your Salary?

Dentist salaries fluctuate significantly based on four main factors:

• Geography — Your salary will vary depending on the location of your practice due to the cost of living. Dentists in states like Vermont or Washington earn above-average incomes, while dentists in states like West Virginia often earn lower pay and face lower living costs.
• Practice model — Solo private practices earn a higher income but have a higher overhead cost. Associate or corporate dentists (DSOs) earn steady pay but have limited long-term income growth. Finally, academic or military dentists earn a lower salary but gain excellent benefits.
• Experience and specialty — Dentist salaries steadily increase early to mid-career, often peaking in your 50s. Specialists earn substantial premiums due to additional training and higher procedure fees, particularly in oral surgery or pediatric dentistry. 
• Employer — How much a dentist earns partly depends on the employer. All employers are legally required to follow federal, state, and local wage laws.

How Much Do Dentists Earn Per State?

Below is a table with the average annual dentist salary in every state:

What Are the 10 Highest Paying Dental Specialties?

There are several specialties within the dental profession that require different amounts of training and education. Because of the additional time and practice, these specialties earn higher salaries.

The highest-paying dental specialty is oral and maxillofacial surgery, with an average annual salary of $360,240. Here are the top 10 highest-paid dental specialties according to the BLS:

What Are the Highest Paying Cities for Dentists?

As mentioned before, the location of your practice affects how much you make. Here are the top 10 best-paying cities for dentists, according to the BLS:

Dentistry-Related Job Salaries

Beyond dentists, there are several positions to pursue in the dental industry. While some jobs require years of extensive education and training, others don’t.

Here's the median salary of these jobs according to the BLS:

• Dental hygienists — They conduct standard cleanings and educate patients about their oral health. They’re paid around $94,260 annually.
• Dental assistants — They provide clinical and office support to dentists and dental hygienists. They earn around $47,300 annually.
• Dental front office managers and receptionists — They all work to keep the dental office running efficiently, and earn about $37,230 annually.
• Dental sales representatives — They provide tools, equipment, and supplies needed by the dentist so they can do their work. They earn about $100,070 annually.
• Dental laboratory technicians — They work with the dentist to plan, design, and make dental prostheses for the patient. They earn around $45,820 annually.

What Are the Most Popular Dentist Employers?

The following are popular dentist employers with the average annual salary they pay their employees:

However, the average salary of a self-employed dentist is much higher, around $239,447 annually.