Dentist Salary in 2026
Dentists diagnose and treat problems with teeth, gums, and other parts of the mouth. They perform procedures from fillings and crowns to extractions and root canals.
Median Salary
$164,000
$13,667/mo
Entry Level
$129,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$204,000
experienced
Job Growth
+4%
10-yr outlook
Dentist Overview
Dentists diagnose and treat problems with teeth, gums, and other parts of the mouth. They perform procedures from fillings and crowns to extractions and root canals.
Education
Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)
Experience
0-2 years
Industry
Healthcare
Total Jobs (US)
155K
5-Year Growth
+10%
Category
Healthcare
Hourly Rate
$78.85/hr
Monthly Pay
$13,667
Dentist Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Dentist salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Dentist Salary
$179,000
$14,917/month · $6,885/biweekly · $86.06/hr
Dentist Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Dentist field.
Entry-level Dentists earn around $129,000, while the top 10% earn $225,500 or more.
Top Paying States for Dentists
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $194,000 | +$30,000 |
| New York | $189,000 | +$25,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $164,000 | $0 |
| Texas | $161,000 | $-3,000 |
| Florida | $161,000 | $-3,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Dentists
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $194,000 | +$30,000 |
| Los Angeles | $184,000 | +$20,000 |
| Miami | $167,000 | +$3,000 |
| Philadelphia | $167,000 | +$3,000 |
| Houston | $162,000 | $-2,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Dentist Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Dentist from entry level to expert.
$129,000
0-2 years
$167,000
3-7 years
$204,000
8-14 years
$247,000
15+ years
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Dentist Salary FAQ
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