Average Dentist Salary: $171,532 (2026)

The average dentist salary across all U.S. metropolitan areas is $171,532 per year as of 2026. This is based on official Bureau of Labor Statistics data covering 50 metro areas. Salaries range from $139,378 in El Paso, TX to $233,754 in San Jose, CA.

The average hourly rate for dentists is $82.47 per hour, based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Hourly rates vary by location, ranging from $67.01/hour in lower-paying areas to $112.38/hour in top-paying cities like San Jose.

San Jose, CA is the highest paying metro area for dentists, with a median salary of $233,754 per year. This is 36% above the national average of $171,532. Other high-paying areas typically include major tech hubs and cities with high costs of living.

Entry-level dentists (10th percentile) typically earn around $111,757 per year nationally. Starting salaries depend on education, certifications, location, and industry. Most entry-level professionals can expect to reach the median salary of $171,532 within 3-5 years of career growth.

The average dentist salary of $171,532 is 190% higher than the typical U.S. worker salary of approximately $59,228. Top earners in this profession (90th percentile) can make $251,002 or more annually.

El Paso, TX has the lowest dentist salary at $139,378 per year. However, lower salaries often correlate with lower costs of living, which can result in similar purchasing power. The salary difference between the highest and lowest paying areas is $94,376.

There are approximately 6,524 dentists employed across the 50 metropolitan areas tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This represents a specialized job market with opportunities in healthcare industries nationwide.

The biggest factors affecting dentist salary include: geographic location (salaries vary by up to $94,376 across cities), years of experience, industry sector, Specialty (oral surgeons and orthodontists earn significantly more than general dentists), Practice ownership vs. associate or corporate dentistry. Metropolitan areas with high industry demand and cost of living typically pay more.

In-demand skills that boost dentist salaries include: Manual dexterity for precision work in a small space, Strong diagnostic and analytical thinking, Patient communication and ability to ease dental anxiety, Knowledge of pharmacology and safe anesthesia administration, Business management for running a private practice. Specialty (oral surgeons and orthodontists earn significantly more than general dentists) Developing specialized expertise can help you reach the top 25% of earners ($213,351).

Dentist salaries have generally kept pace with inflation, with the current average of $171,532 reflecting 2026 Bureau of Labor Statistics data. The job outlook is positive, which typically supports continued salary growth. Professionals who develop in-demand skills and pursue certifications tend to see above-average salary increases.