Dentist Salary in Michigan
Based on 4K+ workers in Michigan
Median Annual Salary (MI)
$169,930
$81.70/hr
vs National Average
$175,707
-3.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$110K – $304K
4K employed in Michigan
Dentist salary in Michigan averages $169,930 per year, with approximately 3,620 dental professionals currently employed throughout the state. This median compensation sits 3% below the national average, reflecting regional economic differences. However, dentists in Michigan still enjoy strong earning potential, with salaries ranging from $109,960 to $303,980 annually depending on individual circumstances.
Several factors influence dentist salary in Michigan, including years of experience, practice setting, and geographic location within the state. Dentists working in urban areas or established private practices typically earn higher incomes than those in rural communities or just beginning their careers. Additionally, specialization, patient volume, and overhead costs all play significant roles in determining individual compensation levels in this competitive healthcare field.
Salary Distribution — Dentist in Michigan
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $109,960 |
| 25th percentile | $132,570 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $169,930 |
| 75th percentile | $212,630 |
| 90th percentile | $303,980 |
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 Michigan 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 Michigan vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Michigan) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $171,180 |
| 2023 | $161,720 |
| 2024 | $177,080 |
| 2025 | $169,930 |
| 2026 (projected) | $169,930 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Michigan Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $171,180 | $160,183 |
| 2023 | $161,720 | $168,417 |
| 2024 | $177,080 | $173,305 |
| 2025 | $169,930 | $175,707 |
| 2026 (projected) | $169,930 | $175,707 |
Dentist Salary by Experience Level in Michigan
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $132,570 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $169,930 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $212,630 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $303,980 |
Dentist Salary in Other States
Related Dentist Salaries in Michigan
How other high-demand occupations in Michigan compare to Dentist ($169,930 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Dentist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radiologist in MI | $485,920 | +186.0% | $233.62/hr |
| Cardiologist in MI | $419,030 | +146.6% | $201.46/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in MI | $417,760 | +145.8% | $200.85/hr |
| Surgeon in MI | $412,460 | +142.7% | $198.30/hr |
| Psychiatrist in MI | $291,850 | +71.7% | $140.31/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in MI | $247,010 | +45.4% | $118.75/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in MI | $214,070 | +26.0% | $102.92/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in MI | $209,650 | +23.4% | $100.79/hr |
| Pediatrician in MI | $204,690 | +20.5% | $98.41/hr |
| Podiatrist in MI | $162,140 | -4.6% | $77.95/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in MI | $149,990 | -11.7% | $72.11/hr |
| Pharmacist in MI | $137,860 | -18.9% | $66.28/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do dentists make in Michigan?
- The median salary for dentists in Michigan is $169,930 per year, or $82 per hour. This is slightly below the national average by 3.3%, but still represents a solid income in the state.
What is the salary range for dentists in Michigan?
- Dentist salaries in Michigan range from $109,960 at the lower end to $303,980 at the upper end, representing significant earning potential depending on experience and practice type.
How many dentists are employed in Michigan?
- There are currently 3,620 dentists employed in Michigan, making it a substantial dental workforce in the state.
Is being a dentist in Michigan better paid than the national average?
- No, dentists in Michigan earn 3.3% less than the national average, with a median of $169,930 compared to higher earning potential in other states.