Dentist Salary in Iowa
Based on 1K+ workers in Iowa
Median Annual Salary (IA)
$181,520
$87.27/hr
vs National Average
$175,707
+3.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$101K – $260K
1K employed in Iowa
Dentist salary in Iowa averages $181,520 per year, positioning the state slightly above the national average at 3% higher. With approximately 1,240 dentists employed across Iowa, the profession offers competitive compensation. Salaries in the state range from $100,920 to $259,990 annually, reflecting significant variation based on individual circumstances and practice settings.
Several factors influence dentist salary in Iowa, including years of experience, type of dental practice, and geographic location within the state. Dentists in rural areas may face different earning potential compared to those in urban centers, while specialization and practice ownership typically command higher compensation than associate positions. Local demand for dental services and the dentist's patient base also play important roles in determining individual earnings.
Salary Distribution — Dentist in Iowa
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $100,920 |
| 25th percentile | $136,100 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $181,520 |
| 75th percentile | $209,880 |
| 90th percentile | $259,990 |
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 Iowa 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 Iowa vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Iowa) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $160,980 |
| 2023 | $162,430 |
| 2024 | $174,990 |
| 2025 | $181,520 |
| 2026 (projected) | $188,294 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Iowa Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $160,980 | $160,183 |
| 2023 | $162,430 | $168,417 |
| 2024 | $174,990 | $173,305 |
| 2025 | $181,520 | $175,707 |
| 2026 (projected) | $188,294 | $182,264 |
Dentist Salary by Experience Level in Iowa
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $136,100 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $181,520 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $209,880 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $259,990 |
Dentist Salary in Other States
Related Dentist Salaries in Iowa
How other high-demand occupations in Iowa compare to Dentist ($181,520 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Dentist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Medicine Physician in IA | $429,050 | +136.4% | $206.27/hr |
| Radiologist in IA | $405,220 | +123.2% | $194.82/hr |
| Surgeon in IA | $370,390 | +104.0% | $178.07/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in IA | $356,020 | +96.1% | $171.16/hr |
| Psychiatrist in IA | $295,270 | +62.7% | $141.96/hr |
| Cardiologist in IA | $283,070 | +55.9% | $136.09/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in IA | $273,070 | +50.4% | $131.28/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in IA | $265,200 | +46.1% | $127.50/hr |
| Pediatrician in IA | $262,440 | +44.6% | $126.17/hr |
| Pharmacist in IA | $138,860 | -23.5% | $66.76/hr |
| Podiatrist in IA | $134,830 | -25.7% | $64.82/hr |
| Physician Assistant in IA | $134,770 | -25.8% | $64.79/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do dentists make in Iowa?
- The median salary for dentists in Iowa is $181,520 per year, or approximately $87 per hour. This is 3.3% higher than the national average dentist salary, making Iowa a competitive state for dental professionals.
What is the salary range for dentists in Iowa?
- Dentist salaries in Iowa range from $100,920 at the lower end to $259,990 at the higher end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, specialization, and practice type across the state's 1,240 employed dentists.
Is Iowa a good state for dentist salaries compared to the national average?
- Yes, Iowa offers dentist salaries that are 3.3% above the national average, with a median of $181,520 annually. This makes Iowa an attractive option for dentists seeking competitive compensation.
How many dentists are employed in Iowa?
- There are approximately 1,240 dentists currently employed in Iowa, representing the total dental workforce in the state.