Dentist Salary in Pennsylvania
Based on 4K+ workers in Pennsylvania
Median Annual Salary (PA)
$163,390
$78.55/hr
vs National Average
$175,707
-7.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$66K – $317K
4K employed in Pennsylvania
The median Dentist salary in Pennsylvania sits at $163,390 annually, placing it 7% below the national average. With approximately 4,460 dental professionals employed across the state, this figure represents a significant portion of the healthcare workforce. Understanding this median is a crucial starting point for anyone exploring career prospects in the dental field within Pennsylvania.
Several factors influence the Dentist salary in Pennsylvania. These can include geographic location within the state, the specific type of dental practice (e.g., general dentistry, orthodontics, or oral surgery), years of experience, and the demand for dental services in a particular area. Specialized skills and further certifications can also contribute to a higher earning potential within this profession.
Salary Distribution — Dentist in Pennsylvania
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $65,520 |
| 25th percentile | $112,640 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $163,390 |
| 75th percentile | $210,650 |
| 90th percentile | $316,950 |
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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Pennsylvania) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $151,500 |
| 2023 | $165,620 |
| 2024 | $168,740 |
| 2025 | $163,390 |
| 2026 (projected) | $163,390 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Pennsylvania Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $151,500 | $160,183 |
| 2023 | $165,620 | $168,417 |
| 2024 | $168,740 | $173,305 |
| 2025 | $163,390 | $175,707 |
| 2026 (projected) | $163,390 | $175,707 |
Dentist Salary by Experience Level in Pennsylvania
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $112,640 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $163,390 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $210,650 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $316,950 |
Dentist Salary in Other States
Related Dentist Salaries in Pennsylvania
How other high-demand occupations in Pennsylvania compare to Dentist ($163,390 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Dentist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in PA | $579,120 | +254.4% | $278.42/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in PA | $461,390 | +182.4% | $221.82/hr |
| Radiologist in PA | $455,380 | +178.7% | $218.93/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in PA | $306,030 | +87.3% | $147.13/hr |
| Psychiatrist in PA | $278,970 | +70.7% | $134.12/hr |
| Pediatrician in PA | $226,440 | +38.6% | $108.87/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in PA | $221,530 | +35.6% | $106.50/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in PA | $213,310 | +30.6% | $102.55/hr |
| Podiatrist in PA | $155,050 | -5.1% | $74.54/hr |
| Pharmacist in PA | $138,160 | -15.4% | $66.42/hr |
| Optometrist in PA | $135,400 | -17.1% | $65.10/hr |
| Veterinarian in PA | $133,520 | -18.3% | $64.19/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a dentist in Pennsylvania?
- The median salary for dentists in Pennsylvania is $163,390 per year, which averages out to about $79 per hour. This figure represents the midpoint of all salaries earned by dentists in the state.
How does the dentist salary in Pennsylvania compare to the national average?
- Dentists in Pennsylvania earn 7.0% less than the national average salary. This means that the typical Pennsylvania dentist's income is lower when compared to their counterparts across the United States.
What is the salary range for dentists in Pennsylvania?
- The salary for dentists in Pennsylvania typically falls between $65,520 and $316,950 annually. This wide range indicates significant variation in earnings based on experience, location, and specialization.
How many dentists are employed in Pennsylvania?
- There are approximately 4,460 dentists currently employed in Pennsylvania. This number reflects the overall demand and the size of the dental profession within the state.