Dentist Salary in California
Based on 17K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$165,950
$79.78/hr
vs National Average
$175,707
-5.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$75K – $273K
17K employed in California
Dentist salary in California averages $165,950 annually, with approximately 16,770 dental professionals currently employed throughout the state. While California offers competitive compensation in the dental field, salaries here run about 6% below the national average. The salary range spans from $74,510 to $272,730, reflecting significant variation based on individual circumstances and career progression.
Several factors influence dentist salary in California, including years of experience, specialization, practice setting, and geographic location within the state. Dentists working in private practices often earn differently than those in group practices or institutional settings. Additionally, continuing education, professional reputation, and patient base size can substantially impact earning potential throughout a dental career in California.
Salary Distribution — Dentist in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $74,510 |
| 25th percentile | $124,470 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $165,950 |
| 75th percentile | $213,260 |
| 90th percentile | $272,730 |
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 California 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 California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2023 | $167,010 |
| 2024 | $178,540 |
| 2025 | $165,950 |
| 2026 (projected) | $165,950 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | California Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $167,010 | $168,417 |
| 2024 | $178,540 | $173,305 |
| 2025 | $165,950 | $175,707 |
| 2026 (projected) | $165,950 | $175,707 |
Dentist Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $124,470 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $165,950 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $213,260 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $272,730 |
Dentist Salary in Other States
Related Dentist Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Dentist ($165,950 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Dentist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychiatrist in CA | $353,500 | +113.0% | $169.95/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in CA | $313,890 | +89.1% | $150.91/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in CA | $301,240 | +81.5% | $144.83/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in CA | $292,410 | +76.2% | $140.58/hr |
| Radiologist in CA | $270,560 | +63.0% | $130.08/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in CA | $252,010 | +51.9% | $121.16/hr |
| Pediatrician in CA | $214,140 | +29.0% | $102.95/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in CA | $203,840 | +22.8% | $98.00/hr |
| Podiatrist in CA | $201,300 | +21.3% | $96.78/hr |
| Cardiologist in CA | $185,610 | +11.8% | $89.24/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in CA | $168,520 | +1.5% | $81.02/hr |
| Physician Assistant in CA | $165,650 | -0.2% | $79.64/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do dentists make in California?
- The median salary for dentists in California is $165,950 per year, or approximately $80 per hour. This is 5.6% below the national average for dentists.
What is the salary range for dentists in California?
- Dentist salaries in California range from $74,510 at the lower end to $272,730 at the higher end, reflecting significant variation based on experience, location, and practice type.
How many dentists are employed in California?
- There are currently 16,770 dentists employed in California, making it a substantial segment of the state's healthcare workforce.
Is the California dentist salary higher than the national average?
- No, the California dentist median salary of $165,950 is 5.6% lower than the national average, despite California being a high cost-of-living state.