Dentist Salary in Kentucky
Based on 790+ workers in Kentucky
Median Annual Salary (KY)
$134,160
$64.50/hr
vs National Average
$175,707
-23.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$45K – $344K
790 employed in Kentucky
Dentist salary in Kentucky averages $134,160 per year, according to current labor data. This represents the median earnings for approximately 790 dental professionals working throughout the state. However, Kentucky dentists earn about 24% less than the national average, reflecting regional economic differences and variations in cost of living compared to other states.
Several factors influence dentist salary in Kentucky, including years of experience, type of practice ownership, and geographic location within the state. Specialists and practice owners typically earn significantly more than general dentists, while rural areas may offer different compensation packages than urban centers. Additional variables such as patient demographics, insurance reimbursement rates, and continuing education credentials also play important roles in determining individual earnings.
Salary Distribution — Dentist in Kentucky
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $44,820 |
| 25th percentile | $103,720 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $134,160 |
| 75th percentile | $165,180 |
| 90th percentile | $344,040 |
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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Kentucky) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $135,390 |
| 2023 | $144,360 |
| 2024 | $135,550 |
| 2025 | $134,160 |
| 2026 (projected) | $134,160 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Kentucky Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $135,390 | $160,183 |
| 2023 | $144,360 | $168,417 |
| 2024 | $135,550 | $173,305 |
| 2025 | $134,160 | $175,707 |
| 2026 (projected) | $134,160 | $175,707 |
Dentist Salary by Experience Level in Kentucky
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $103,720 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $134,160 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $165,180 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $344,040 |
Dentist Salary in Other States
Related Dentist Salaries in Kentucky
How other high-demand occupations in Kentucky compare to Dentist ($134,160 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Dentist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in KY | $558,180 | +316.1% | $268.36/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in KY | $347,960 | +159.4% | $167.29/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in KY | $317,110 | +136.4% | $152.46/hr |
| Radiologist in KY | $279,990 | +108.7% | $134.61/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in KY | $248,730 | +85.4% | $119.58/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in KY | $241,530 | +80.0% | $116.12/hr |
| Psychiatrist in KY | $237,770 | +77.2% | $114.31/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in KY | $222,520 | +65.9% | $106.98/hr |
| Podiatrist in KY | $201,260 | +50.0% | $96.76/hr |
| Pediatrician in KY | $175,690 | +31.0% | $84.47/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in KY | $169,390 | +26.3% | $81.44/hr |
| Surgeon in KY | $162,160 | +20.9% | $77.96/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do dentists make in Kentucky?
- The median salary for dentists in Kentucky is $134,160 per year, or $65 per hour. This is approximately 23.6% below the national average for dentists.
What is the salary range for dentists in Kentucky?
- Dentist salaries in Kentucky range from $44,820 at the low end to $344,040 at the high end, representing significant variation based on experience, specialization, and practice type.
How many dentists are employed in Kentucky?
- There are approximately 790 dentists employed in Kentucky according to current employment data.
Is the Kentucky dentist salary lower than the national average?
- Yes, Kentucky dentists earn 23.6% less than the national average, with a median salary of $134,160 compared to the higher national median for the profession.