Dentist salary: $176,110 median, top earners clear $337,000 (2025 data)
The median dentist salary in the U.S. is $176,110 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' most recent estimates. That works out to roughly $85 an hour, with the middle 50% earning between $89,100 and $337,210. It's a high-paying profession, but the path requires significant education and licensing.
How much Dentists earn
The national median salary for dentists is $176,110, with a mean wage of $202,280. That makes dentistry one of the highest-paying occupations in the healthcare field.
Entry-level dentists (10th percentile) earn around $89,100, while experienced practitioners in the top 10% can bring home more than $337,210. The spread reflects differences in specialty, location, experience, and whether you own your practice.
- Median: $176,110 per year
- Mean: $202,280 ($85/hour)
- 10th percentile: $89,100
- 90th percentile: $337,210
- Employment: 141,610 dentists nationwide
Pay by state
BLS data show that high-paying states for dentists include Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine, where mean wages exceed $230,000. Lower-paying states are more concentrated in the South and Mountain regions, with states like West Virginia, Kentucky, and Arkansas reporting mean salaries below $160,000.
How to become Dentist
Becoming a dentist requires a bachelor's degree (usually in a science field), followed by four years of dental school to earn a DDS or DMD. After that, you must pass the National Board Dental Examination and get licensed in your state. Some states also require a clinical exam.
The whole process takes about eight years of post-high school education. Competition for dental school is stiff, and debt can be high, but the earning potential is strong.
- Earn a bachelor's degree with pre-dental coursework
- Take the Dental Admission Test (DAT)
- Graduate from an accredited dental school (4 years)
- Pass the NBDE and state clinical exams
- Obtain state license; consider specialty training (optional)
Job outlook
Employment of dentists is projected to grow steadily through 2034, driven by aging populations and increased demand for dental services. BLS projects a growth rate that keeps pace with the average for all occupations. With 141,610 dentists currently employed, opportunities exist in private practice, public health, and academia.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average dentist salary?
The mean salary for U.S. dentists is $202,280 per year, according to the BLS. The median is $176,110.
How much do dentists make per hour?
On a mean wage basis, dentists earn about $85 per hour.
What are the highest-paying states for dentists?
Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine are among the highest-paying states, with mean salaries above $230,000.
How long does it take to become a dentist?
It typically takes eight years of school (four years undergraduate + four years dental school), plus licensing exams.
Do dentists earn more as they gain experience?
Yes, the salary range shows a big jump from entry-level ($89,100) to experienced ($337,210), reflecting experience, reputation, and ownership.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Dentists data.