Dentist Salary in Massachusetts
Based on 3K+ workers in Massachusetts
Median Annual Salary (MA)
$181,600
$87.31/hr
vs National Average
$175,707
+3.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$101K – $418K
3K employed in Massachusetts
Dentist salary in Massachusetts averages $181,600 per year, positioning the state 3% above the national average. With approximately 2,780 dental professionals currently employed across Massachusetts, the field remains competitive and well-compensated compared to other healthcare occupations and most other states.
Several factors influence dentist salary in Massachusetts, including years of experience, specialization, practice setting, and geographic location within the state. Advanced credentials, ownership of a private practice, and work in high-demand specialties like orthodontics or oral surgery typically command higher compensation than general dentistry positions in institutional settings.
Salary Distribution — Dentist in Massachusetts
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $101,470 |
| 25th percentile | $157,670 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $181,600 |
| 75th percentile | $315,990 |
| 90th percentile | $417,670 |
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 Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Massachusetts) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $181,600 |
| 2026 (projected) | $187,048 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Massachusetts Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $181,600 | $175,707 |
| 2026 (projected) | $187,048 | $180,978 |
Dentist Salary by Experience Level in Massachusetts
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $157,670 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $181,600 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $315,990 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $417,670 |
Dentist Salary in Other States
Related Dentist Salaries in Massachusetts
How other high-demand occupations in Massachusetts compare to Dentist ($181,600 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Dentist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radiologist in MA | $426,560 | +134.9% | $205.08/hr |
| Surgeon in MA | $387,150 | +113.2% | $186.13/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in MA | $356,230 | +96.2% | $171.26/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in MA | $295,550 | +62.7% | $142.09/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in MA | $285,250 | +57.1% | $137.14/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in MA | $277,490 | +52.8% | $133.41/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in MA | $272,240 | +49.9% | $130.88/hr |
| Pediatrician in MA | $221,170 | +21.8% | $106.33/hr |
| Podiatrist in MA | $217,700 | +19.9% | $104.66/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in MA | $159,800 | -12.0% | $76.83/hr |
| Optometrist in MA | $151,730 | -16.4% | $72.95/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in MA | $142,440 | -21.6% | $68.48/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do dentists make in Massachusetts?
- The median salary for dentists in Massachusetts is $181,600 per year, or $87 per hour. This is 3.4% higher than the national average for dentists, making Massachusetts one of the better-paying states for this profession.
What is the salary range for dentists in Massachusetts?
- Dentist salaries in Massachusetts range from $101,470 to $417,670 annually, depending on experience, specialization, and practice type. This wide range reflects differences in factors like whether dentists own their practice or work for an employer.
How many dentists are employed in Massachusetts?
- There are currently 2,780 dentists employed in Massachusetts. This represents a substantial dental workforce serving the state's population.
Is a dentist salary in Massachusetts above the national average?
- Yes, dentists in Massachusetts earn 3.4% more than the national average, with a median salary of $181,600 compared to the lower national median. This makes Massachusetts an attractive location for dentists seeking above-average compensation.