Dentist Salary in South Carolina
Based on 2K+ workers in South Carolina
Median Annual Salary (SC)
$158,640
$76.27/hr
vs National Average
$175,707
-9.7% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$97K – $311K
2K employed in South Carolina
The median Dentist salary in South Carolina is $158,640 per year, placing it 10% below the national average. With an estimated 2,140 dental professionals employed in the state, this figure represents the midpoint of earnings for dentists practicing within South Carolina.
A Dentist salary in South Carolina can fluctuate significantly, with a reported range of $96,920 to $310,840 annually. Factors influencing this variation include experience level, specialization (such as orthodontics or oral surgery), the type of practice (private, group, or public health), and the specific geographic location within South Carolina.
Salary Distribution — Dentist in South Carolina
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $96,920 |
| 25th percentile | $121,090 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $158,640 |
| 75th percentile | $228,820 |
| 90th percentile | $310,840 |
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 South Carolina 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 South Carolina vs National
| Year | Median Salary (South Carolina) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $127,230 |
| 2023 | $155,050 |
| 2024 | $158,460 |
| 2025 | $158,640 |
| 2026 (projected) | $158,820 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | South Carolina Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $127,230 | $160,183 |
| 2023 | $155,050 | $168,417 |
| 2024 | $158,460 | $173,305 |
| 2025 | $158,640 | $175,707 |
| 2026 (projected) | $158,820 | $175,907 |
Dentist Salary by Experience Level in South Carolina
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $121,090 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $158,640 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $228,820 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $310,840 |
Dentist Salary in Other States
Related Dentist Salaries in South Carolina
How other high-demand occupations in South Carolina compare to Dentist ($158,640 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Dentist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal Medicine Physician in SC | $359,500 | +126.6% | $172.84/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in SC | $341,960 | +115.6% | $164.40/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in SC | $302,340 | +90.6% | $145.36/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in SC | $265,480 | +67.3% | $127.63/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in SC | $239,200 | +50.8% | $115.00/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in SC | $238,970 | +50.6% | $114.89/hr |
| Psychiatrist in SC | $237,250 | +49.6% | $114.06/hr |
| Pediatrician in SC | $217,120 | +36.9% | $104.38/hr |
| Radiologist in SC | $174,480 | +10.0% | $83.88/hr |
| Podiatrist in SC | $167,110 | +5.3% | $80.34/hr |
| Optometrist in SC | $145,950 | -8.0% | $70.17/hr |
| Pharmacist in SC | $135,700 | -14.5% | $65.24/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a dentist in South Carolina?
- The median salary for a dentist in South Carolina is $158,640 per year, which averages out to about $76 per hour. This figure is 9.7% lower than the national average for dentists.
What is the typical salary range for dentists in South Carolina?
- Dentists in South Carolina can expect to earn within a broad range, with salaries typically falling between $96,920 and $310,840 annually. The median salary sits at $158,640 per year.
How many dentists are employed in South Carolina?
- There are approximately 2,140 dentists currently employed in South Carolina. This number reflects the overall employment landscape for dental professionals in the state.
Is the salary for dentists in South Carolina higher or lower than the national average?
- The median salary for dentists in South Carolina is 9.7% lower than the national average. While the median is $158,640 per year, the national median may be higher.