General dentists. Specialists (oral surgeons, orthodontists) earn 50-100% more.
Pay scales steeply with tenure for Dentists. National figures, before regional adjustments.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (0–1 yr) | $138,800 | $100,300 | $185,200 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $172,600 | $124,600 | $230,200 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $198,400 | $143,300 | $264,600 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $238,000 | $171,900 | $317,500 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $269,800 | $194,800 | $359,800 |
Top 10 states by median Dentist salary in 2026.
| State | Median | 25th % | 75th % | vs Nat'l |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $277,800 | $211,200 | $361,200 | +40% |
| Washington DC | $277,800 | $211,200 | $361,200 | +40% |
| New York | $263,900 | $200,600 | $343,100 | +33% |
| Massachusetts | $258,000 | $196,100 | $335,400 | +30% |
| Washington | $258,000 | $196,100 | $335,400 | +30% |
| New Jersey | $250,000 | $190,000 | $325,100 | +26% |
| Connecticut | $240,100 | $182,500 | $312,200 | +21% |
| Maryland | $238,100 | $181,000 | $309,600 | +20% |
| Colorado | $232,200 | $176,500 | $301,800 | +17% |
| Hawaii | $226,200 | $171,900 | $294,100 | +14% |
| State | Median | 25th % | 75th % | vs Nat'l |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | $168,700 | $128,200 | $219,300 | -15% |
| North Dakota | $166,700 | $126,700 | $216,700 | -16% |
| Oklahoma | $166,700 | $126,700 | $216,700 | -16% |
| Wyoming | $166,700 | $126,700 | $216,700 | -16% |
| Alabama | $164,700 | $125,200 | $214,100 | -17% |
| Louisiana | $164,700 | $125,200 | $214,100 | -17% |
| Arkansas | $158,800 | $120,700 | $206,400 | -20% |
| South Dakota | $158,800 | $120,700 | $206,400 | -20% |
| Mississippi | $154,800 | $117,600 | $201,200 | -22% |
| West Virginia | $154,800 | $117,600 | $201,200 | -22% |
Metro-level pay frequently outpaces state averages — major metros concentrate higher wages.
Click any state for detailed breakdown by experience level and percentile.
The median is just a benchmark. Your exact market value also depends on your state, experience, and education. Use the free calculator for a personalized number.
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