How much does a Dentist make in 2026?
The national median Dentist salary is $170,910 per year. Dentists diagnose and treat oral health issues, perform procedures, and educate patients on preventive care.
Dentist salary by city
Median pay across 10 major US metros — sorted by highest to lowest. Click any city for a full breakdown.
| City | Median | |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $242,700 | View → |
| Seattle, WA | $222,200 | View → |
| New York, NY | $218,800 | View → |
| Los Angeles, CA | $196,500 | View → |
| Austin, TX | $191,400 | View → |
| Denver, CO | $188,000 | View → |
| Chicago, IL | $181,200 | View → |
| Houston, TX | $177,700 | View → |
| Miami, FL | $169,200 | View → |
| Phoenix, AZ | $167,500 | View → |
What does a Dentist do?
Dentists diagnose and treat oral health issues, perform procedures, and educate patients on preventive care.
- Perform exams and cleanings
- Diagnose oral conditions
- Perform procedures
- Educate patients
- Manage dental practice
How to become a Dentist
Requires a bachelor's degree plus 4 years of dental school and state licensure.
Related job salaries
FAQ — Dentist salary
What is the average Dentist salary in the United States?+
The national median Dentist salary is $170,910 per year, based on the latest BLS OEWS data (May 2024 BLS OEWS).
Which US city pays Dentists the most?+
San Francisco, CA currently pays the highest at a median of $242,700/yr — roughly 42% above the national average. Adjust for cost of living before deciding to relocate.
How much does an entry-level Dentist make?+
Entry-level Dentists typically earn around $157,800 in top-paying metros and 64% of the median nationally.
How fast is the Dentist job market growing?+
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects faster than average growth of +5% over the next 10 years.
Do I need a degree to be a Dentist?+
Requires a bachelor's degree plus 4 years of dental school and state licensure.
Are you being paid fairly?
Run a free comparison against 10+ metros and the latest BLS data.
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