Dentist Salary in Virginia
Based on 4K+ workers in Virginia
Median Annual Salary (VA)
$197,110
$94.76/hr
vs National Average
$175,707
+12.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$105K – $321K
4K employed in Virginia
The median Dentist salary in Virginia stands at an impressive $197,110 annually, positioning the state's dental professionals at 12% above the national average. With approximately 4,140 dental practitioners employed across the commonwealth, the earning potential for dentists in Virginia is substantial, with salaries typically falling within the range of $105,400 to $321,250.
Several factors can influence a Dentist salary in Virginia. These include years of experience, specialization such as orthodontics or oral surgery, the type of practice (private, group, or corporate), and geographical location within the state, with urban areas often offering higher compensation. The demand for dental services and the specific services offered by a practice also play a significant role.
Salary Distribution — Dentist in Virginia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $105,400 |
| 25th percentile | $134,870 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $197,110 |
| 75th percentile | $259,530 |
| 90th percentile | $321,250 |
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 Virginia 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 Virginia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Virginia) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $173,290 |
| 2023 | $173,780 |
| 2024 | $182,570 |
| 2025 | $197,110 |
| 2026 (projected) | $208,937 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Virginia Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $173,290 | $160,183 |
| 2023 | $173,780 | $168,417 |
| 2024 | $182,570 | $173,305 |
| 2025 | $197,110 | $175,707 |
| 2026 (projected) | $208,937 | $186,249 |
Dentist Salary by Experience Level in Virginia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $134,870 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $197,110 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $259,530 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $321,250 |
Dentist Salary in Other States
Related Dentist Salaries in Virginia
How other high-demand occupations in Virginia compare to Dentist ($197,110 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Dentist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anesthesiologist in VA | $488,310 | +147.7% | $234.76/hr |
| Cardiologist in VA | $461,450 | +134.1% | $221.85/hr |
| Radiologist in VA | $376,270 | +90.9% | $180.90/hr |
| Surgeon in VA | $360,510 | +82.9% | $173.32/hr |
| Psychiatrist in VA | $295,010 | +49.7% | $141.83/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in VA | $282,410 | +43.3% | $135.77/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in VA | $252,110 | +27.9% | $121.21/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in VA | $222,630 | +12.9% | $107.03/hr |
| Pediatrician in VA | $195,940 | -0.6% | $94.20/hr |
| Pharmacist in VA | $144,060 | -26.9% | $69.26/hr |
| Physician Assistant in VA | $135,940 | -31.0% | $65.36/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in VA | $135,710 | -31.2% | $65.25/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a dentist in Virginia?
- The median salary for dentists in Virginia is $197,110 per year. This equates to an hourly rate of $95 for those working full-time.
How does the dentist salary in Virginia compare to the national average?
- Dentists in Virginia earn 12.2% more than the national average. This means the median salary of $197,110 is significantly higher compared to the rest of the country.
What is the typical salary range for dentists in Virginia?
- The salary range for dentists in Virginia is quite broad, from $105,400 on the lower end to $321,250 at the high end. Most dentists will fall somewhere within this spectrum.
How many dentists are employed in Virginia?
- There are approximately 4,140 dentists currently employed in Virginia. This indicates a substantial market for dental professionals in the state.