Dentist Salary in Louisiana
Based on 2K+ workers in Louisiana
Median Annual Salary (LA)
$170,750
$82.09/hr
vs National Average
$175,707
-2.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$81K – $309K
2K employed in Louisiana
Dentists in Louisiana earn a median salary of $170,750 per year, according to the latest employment data. With approximately 1,500 dentists working throughout the state, this profession remains a stable career option. However, the dentist salary in Louisiana runs about 3% below the national average, reflecting regional economic differences and market conditions specific to the state.
Several factors influence earning potential for dentists in Louisiana, including years of experience, practice location, and specialization. Urban areas typically offer higher salaries than rural regions, while dentists with specialized credentials or established practices often command premium rates. Patient demographics, insurance reimbursement rates, and practice ownership versus employment status also play significant roles in determining individual compensation within the state's dental profession.
Salary Distribution — Dentist in Louisiana
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $80,530 |
| 25th percentile | $101,670 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $170,750 |
| 75th percentile | $213,660 |
| 90th percentile | $309,360 |
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 Louisiana 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 Louisiana vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Louisiana) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $134,060 |
| 2023 | $159,460 |
| 2024 | $179,600 |
| 2025 | $170,750 |
| 2026 (projected) | $170,750 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Louisiana Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $134,060 | $160,183 |
| 2023 | $159,460 | $168,417 |
| 2024 | $179,600 | $173,305 |
| 2025 | $170,750 | $175,707 |
| 2026 (projected) | $170,750 | $175,707 |
Dentist Salary by Experience Level in Louisiana
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $101,670 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $170,750 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $213,660 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $309,360 |
Dentist Salary in Other States
Related Dentist Salaries in Louisiana
How other high-demand occupations in Louisiana compare to Dentist ($170,750 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Dentist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pediatrician in LA | $502,720 | +194.4% | $241.69/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in LA | $410,500 | +140.4% | $197.36/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in LA | $404,550 | +136.9% | $194.50/hr |
| Psychiatrist in LA | $345,040 | +102.1% | $165.88/hr |
| Surgeon in LA | $304,830 | +78.5% | $146.55/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in LA | $255,330 | +49.5% | $122.75/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in LA | $222,130 | +30.1% | $106.79/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in LA | $210,390 | +23.2% | $101.15/hr |
| Podiatrist in LA | $197,480 | +15.7% | $94.94/hr |
| Pharmacist in LA | $132,410 | -22.5% | $63.66/hr |
| Physician Assistant in LA | $128,870 | -24.5% | $61.96/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in LA | $125,600 | -26.4% | $60.38/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do dentists make in Louisiana?
- The median salary for dentists in Louisiana is $170,750 per year, or $82 per hour. This is 2.8% below the national average for dentists.
What is the salary range for dentists in Louisiana?
- Dentist salaries in Louisiana range from $80,530 at the lower end to $309,360 at the higher end, depending on experience, location, and practice type.
How many dentists are employed in Louisiana?
- There are approximately 1,500 dentists currently employed in Louisiana.
Is a dentist salary in Louisiana competitive compared to the national average?
- Louisiana's median dentist salary of $170,750 is slightly below the national average at 2.8% lower, making it a moderately competitive market for dental professionals.