Dentist Salary in Washington
Based on 3K+ workers in Washington
Median Annual Salary (WA)
$169,730
$81.60/hr
vs National Average
$175,707
-3.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$85K – $347K
3K employed in Washington
Understanding Dentist salary in Washington reveals a median annual income of $169,730. This figure places dentists in the Evergreen State at approximately 3% below the national average for the profession. Currently, there are an estimated 3,240 dental professionals employed across Washington.
Several factors can influence an individual Dentist salary in Washington, including years of experience, specialization, and the specific geographic location within the state. Dentists in higher cost-of-living areas or those with sought-after specialties may command salaries closer to the upper end of the $85,240 to $346,840 range.
Salary Distribution — Dentist in Washington
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $85,240 |
| 25th percentile | $119,250 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $169,730 |
| 75th percentile | $235,180 |
| 90th percentile | $346,840 |
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 Washington 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 Washington vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Washington) |
|---|---|
| 2023 | $171,010 |
| 2024 | $197,950 |
| 2025 | $169,730 |
| 2026 (projected) | $169,730 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Washington Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $171,010 | $168,417 |
| 2024 | $197,950 | $173,305 |
| 2025 | $169,730 | $175,707 |
| 2026 (projected) | $169,730 | $175,707 |
Dentist Salary by Experience Level in Washington
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $119,250 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $169,730 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $235,180 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $346,840 |
Dentist Salary in Other States
Related Dentist Salaries in Washington
How other high-demand occupations in Washington compare to Dentist ($169,730 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Dentist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in WA | $656,330 | +286.7% | $315.54/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in WA | $499,990 | +194.6% | $240.38/hr |
| Surgeon in WA | $479,460 | +182.5% | $230.51/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in WA | $380,870 | +124.4% | $183.11/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in WA | $343,140 | +102.2% | $164.97/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in WA | $340,010 | +100.3% | $163.47/hr |
| Psychiatrist in WA | $304,920 | +79.7% | $146.60/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in WA | $292,900 | +72.6% | $140.82/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in WA | $274,390 | +61.7% | $131.92/hr |
| Podiatrist in WA | $232,970 | +37.3% | $112.00/hr |
| Pediatrician in WA | $169,540 | -0.1% | $81.51/hr |
| Physician Assistant in WA | $164,360 | -3.2% | $79.02/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary for a dentist in Washington?
- The median salary for dentists in Washington is $169,730 per year, which translates to an hourly rate of $82. This figure represents the midpoint of earnings for dentists in the state.
How much do dentists in Washington earn compared to the national average?
- Dentists in Washington earn 3.4% less than the national average. The median salary in Washington is $169,730 per year, while the national median is higher.
What is the salary range for dentists working in Washington?
- The salary range for dentists in Washington is quite broad, from $85,240 to $346,840 annually. This wide range reflects differences in experience, specialization, and location.
How many dentists are employed in Washington state?
- There are approximately 3,240 dentists employed in Washington state. This number indicates the overall demand and presence of dental professionals within the state.