Dentist Salary in Arizona
Based on 3K+ workers in Arizona
Median Annual Salary (AZ)
$194,180
$93.36/hr
vs National Average
$175,707
+10.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$62K – $336K
3K employed in Arizona
Dentist salary in Arizona offers competitive compensation for dental professionals in the state. The median annual salary for dentists in Arizona is $194,180, which is 11% above the national average. With approximately 3,470 dentists employed across the state, Arizona represents a substantial market for dental professionals seeking lucrative career opportunities.
Several factors influence dentist salary in Arizona, including years of experience, specialization, and geographic location within the state. Dentists in major metropolitan areas like Phoenix and Tucson typically earn higher salaries than those in rural regions. Additionally, practice ownership versus employment status, patient demographics, and the specific services offered all play significant roles in determining individual earning potential in Arizona's dental market.
Salary Distribution — Dentist in Arizona
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $62,230 |
| 25th percentile | $118,910 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $194,180 |
| 75th percentile | $221,380 |
| 90th percentile | $336,320 |
Top-Paying Industries for Dentist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Dentists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Dentists in Arizona tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing | $208,220 | 90 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $193,760 | 1K |
| Administrative and Support Services | $193,060 | 610 |
| Finance and Insurance | $179,740 | 140 |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $175,970 | 30 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Dentist in Arizona vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Arizona) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $174,420 |
| 2023 | $217,570 |
| 2024 | $206,660 |
| 2025 | $194,180 |
| 2026 (projected) | $194,180 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Arizona Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $174,420 | $160,183 |
| 2023 | $217,570 | $168,417 |
| 2024 | $206,660 | $173,305 |
| 2025 | $194,180 | $175,707 |
| 2026 (projected) | $194,180 | $175,707 |
Dentist Salary by Experience Level in Arizona
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $118,910 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $194,180 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $221,380 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $336,320 |
Dentist Salary in Other States
Related Dentist Salaries in Arizona
How other high-demand occupations in Arizona compare to Dentist ($194,180 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Dentist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radiologist in AZ | $470,640 | +142.4% | $226.27/hr |
| Surgeon in AZ | $415,980 | +114.2% | $199.99/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in AZ | $369,720 | +90.4% | $177.75/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in AZ | $292,760 | +50.8% | $140.75/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in AZ | $259,320 | +33.5% | $124.67/hr |
| Psychiatrist in AZ | $249,720 | +28.6% | $120.06/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in AZ | $248,660 | +28.1% | $119.55/hr |
| Pediatrician in AZ | $233,950 | +20.5% | $112.48/hr |
| Veterinarian in AZ | $152,020 | -21.7% | $73.09/hr |
| Pharmacist in AZ | $146,930 | -24.3% | $70.64/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in AZ | $140,960 | -27.4% | $67.77/hr |
| Physician Assistant in AZ | $134,650 | -30.7% | $64.74/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do dentists make in Arizona?
- The median salary for dentists in Arizona is $194,180 per year, or approximately $93 per hour. This is 10.5% higher than the national average for dentists, making Arizona a competitive market for dental professionals.
What is the salary range for dentists working in Arizona?
- Dentist salaries in Arizona range from $62,230 at the lower end to $336,320 at the upper end, reflecting significant variation based on experience, specialization, and practice type.
Is the dentist salary in Arizona above the national average?
- Yes, Arizona's median dentist salary of $194,180 per year is 10.5% higher than the national average, making it an attractive state for dentists seeking above-average compensation.
How many dentists are employed in Arizona?
- There are approximately 3,470 dentists currently employed in Arizona, representing a substantial dental workforce in the state.