Dentist Salary in the United States
Based on 121K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$175,707
$84.47/hr
▲ 1.4% vs 2024Salary Range
$94K – $308K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
121K
workers nationwide
The median Dentist salary in the United States is $175,707 per year, translating to approximately $84 per hour. This figure represents the midpoint of earnings for dental professionals nationwide, with the majority earning between $94,380 and $308,490 annually. The field offers a rewarding career path for those dedicated to oral health.
Several factors influence the Dentist salary in the United States. These include years of experience, specialization (such as orthodontics or oral surgery), geographic location, and the type of practice (private, corporate, or public health). Dentists in higher cost-of-living areas or states like Alaska, where the median is $230,990, often command higher salaries.
Salary Distribution — Dentist
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $94,380 |
| 25th percentile | $126,633 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $175,707 |
| 75th percentile | $237,550 |
| 90th percentile | $308,490 |
Dentist Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Dentist
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alaska | $230,990 | +31.5% | 310 |
| 2 | North Dakota | $220,660 | +25.6% | 260 |
| 3 | Minnesota | $219,200 | +24.8% | 2K |
| 4 | Tennessee | $215,290 | +22.5% | 2K |
| 5 | Oregon | $211,690 | +20.5% | 2K |
| 6 | Maine | $209,200 | +19.1% | 310 |
| 7 | North Carolina | $207,000 | +17.8% | 4K |
| 8 | Georgia | $206,760 | +17.7% | 3K |
| 9 | Vermont | $204,960 | +16.6% | 240 |
| 10 | Missouri | $204,960 | +16.6% | 2K |
Dentist Salary by Industry
How much Dentists earn across industries nationwide — Manufacturing pays the most ($208,220 median). Ranked by median annual salary (2025 BLS OEWS data).
| # | Industry | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Manufacturing | $208,220 | +18.5% | 90 |
| 2 | Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $193,760 | +10.3% | 1K |
| 3 | Administrative and Support Services | $193,060 | +9.9% | 610 |
| 4 | Finance and Insurance | $179,740 | +2.3% | 140 |
| 5 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | $175,970 | +0.1% | 30 |
| 6 | Health Care and Social Assistance | $170,780 | -2.8% | 121K |
| 7 | Educational Services | $161,570 | -8.0% | 540 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures.
Top H-1B Employers for Dentist
Companies that filed the most H-1B applications for Dentist roles, with their median base salary.
| # | Company | Median Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The University Of Iowa | $141,449 | 8 |
Historical Salary Trend — Dentist
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $160,183 |
| 2023 | $168,417 |
| 2024 | $173,305 |
| 2025 | $175,707 |
| 2026 (projected) | $178,142 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
Dentist Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $126,633 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $175,707 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $237,550 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $308,490 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a dentist in the US?
- The median salary for a dentist in the United States is $175,707 per year. This means half of all dentists earn more than this amount, while the other half earn less.
What is the typical salary range for dentists?
- The salary range for dentists in the US generally falls between $94,380 and $308,490 annually. This wide range reflects differences in experience, location, and specialization.
Which state pays dentists the most?
- Alaska is currently the top-paying state for dentists, with a median salary of $230,990 per year. This reflects a combination of factors including cost of living and demand for dental services in the region.
How many dentists are employed in the United States?
- There are approximately 121,230 dentists employed across the United States. This indicates a significant number of professionals dedicated to providing oral healthcare services nationwide.