Orthodontist Salary 2025: $289,140 Median, 4.4% Growth

How much Orthodontists earn

The national average salary for orthodontists is $259,400, though the median — the point where half earn more and half less — sits at $289,140. The top 10% of earners exceed $416,000, while the bottom 10% make below $99,850. That wide spread comes from differences in practice ownership, geographic location, and years of experience.

Pay can also vary by employment setting. Orthodontists in large group practices or those who own their own practice generally earn more than associates or those in public health settings. Production-based compensation models are common, where income is tied directly to patient volume.

Pay by state

Where you practice as an orthodontist is a major factor in earnings. Connecticut tops the list at an average $478,680, followed by Colorado at $416,000, Maryland at $361,030, Michigan at $357,090, and Illinois at $343,100. All five states have average pay significantly above the national average.

On the lower end, orthodontists in Wisconsin average $212,860, New York $172,980, and Georgia $159,230. Keep in mind that these are state-level averages; within a state, rural and urban pay can differ substantially. Cost of living also matters — New York's lower average might still provide a comfortable income in some regions.

• Highest paying: CT $478,680, CO $416,000, MD $361,030, MI $357,090, IL $343,100
• Lowest paying: WI $212,860, NY $172,980, GA $159,230

How to become an Orthodontist

Orthodontists are dental specialists, and the path requires significant education and training beyond dental school. You'll need to complete a bachelor's degree (with pre-dental coursework), then earn a DDS or DMD from an accredited dental school — typically four years. After that, you must be accepted into a 2- to 3-year orthodontic residency program accredited by the ADA's Commission on Dental Accreditation.

Following residency, you must pass the National Board Dental Examinations (Parts I and II) and a state-specific clinical licensing exam. Many orthodontists also choose to become board-certified through the American Board of Orthodontics, which involves a written and clinical exam. Licensing requirements vary by state, but most require ongoing continuing education to maintain the license.

• Step 1: Earn a bachelor's degree with prerequisites (biology, chemistry, physics)
• Step 2: Complete a DDS or DMD program from an accredited dental school
• Step 3: Apply and complete a 2–3 year orthodontic residency
• Step 4: Pass national and state licensing exams
• Step 5: Consider board certification (optional but valued)

Job outlook

Employment of orthodontists is projected to grow 4.4% from 2024 to 2034 — faster than the average for all occupations. That translates to about 200 new job openings each year over the decade. The BLS estimates current employment at 6,210 orthodontists nationwide.

Growth will be driven by population increase and greater focus on dental aesthetics. As more adults seek orthodontic treatment (clear aligners, for example), demand for services will rise. However, competition for positions in desirable areas can be strong, and the number of graduates from orthodontic programs is relatively stable.

Frequently asked questions