Dentist Salary in Indiana
Based on 2K+ workers in Indiana
Median Annual Salary (IN)
$166,650
$80.12/hr
vs National Average
$175,707
-5.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$81K – $328K
2K employed in Indiana
Dentist salary in Indiana averages $166,650 annually, reflecting compensation for approximately 2,300 dental professionals across the state. This median sits about 5% below the national average, positioning Indiana as a moderately competitive market for dental practitioners. Understanding these figures helps both job seekers and employers benchmark expectations in the Indiana dental market.
Several factors influence dentist salary in Indiana, including years of experience, specialization, practice setting, and geographic location within the state. Dentists in urban areas like Indianapolis typically earn differently than those in rural regions. Additional variables such as practice ownership versus employment, patient demographics, and local competition also play significant roles in determining individual earning potential throughout the state.
Salary Distribution — Dentist in Indiana
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $81,370 |
| 25th percentile | $123,420 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $166,650 |
| 75th percentile | $281,220 |
| 90th percentile | $327,980 |
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 Indiana 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 Indiana vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Indiana) |
|---|---|
| 2023 | $162,110 |
| 2024 | $176,990 |
| 2025 | $166,650 |
| 2026 (projected) | $166,650 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Indiana Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $162,110 | $168,417 |
| 2024 | $176,990 | $173,305 |
| 2025 | $166,650 | $175,707 |
| 2026 (projected) | $166,650 | $175,707 |
Dentist Salary by Experience Level in Indiana
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $123,420 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $166,650 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $281,220 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $327,980 |
Dentist Salary in Other States
Related Dentist Salaries in Indiana
How other high-demand occupations in Indiana compare to Dentist ($166,650 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Dentist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in IN | $588,890 | +253.4% | $283.12/hr |
| Surgeon in IN | $459,300 | +175.6% | $220.82/hr |
| Radiologist in IN | $430,640 | +158.4% | $207.04/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in IN | $394,060 | +136.5% | $189.45/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in IN | $351,990 | +111.2% | $169.23/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in IN | $347,060 | +108.3% | $166.86/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in IN | $314,390 | +88.7% | $151.15/hr |
| Psychiatrist in IN | $284,110 | +70.5% | $136.59/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in IN | $261,940 | +57.2% | $125.93/hr |
| Pediatrician in IN | $177,300 | +6.4% | $85.24/hr |
| Pharmacist in IN | $144,290 | -13.4% | $69.37/hr |
| Optometrist in IN | $135,500 | -18.7% | $65.14/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do dentists make in Indiana?
- The median salary for dentists in Indiana is $166,650 per year, which equals approximately $80 per hour. This is about 5.2% below the national average for dentists.
What is the salary range for dentists in Indiana?
- Dentist salaries in Indiana range from $81,370 at the lower end to $327,980 at the higher end, offering significant earning potential depending on experience and practice type.
Is dentistry a good paying job in Indiana?
- Yes, dentistry is well-compensated in Indiana with a median salary of $166,650 annually. With approximately 2,300 dentists employed in the state, it remains a stable and lucrative career choice.
How many dentists are working in Indiana?
- There are currently 2,300 dentists employed in Indiana, representing a substantial dental workforce across the state.