Prosthodontist Salary 2025: $311,180 Median, 4.5% Growth Outlook
Prosthodontists — dentists specializing in restoring and replacing teeth — are among the highest-paid dental professionals. The median annual salary is $311,180, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' 2024 estimates. That works out to roughly $150 per hour. The typical range spans $103,510 at the 10th percentile to $344,750 at the 90th, meaning top earners pull in well over $300,000.
How much Prosthodontists earn
The BLS reports a mean annual wage of $268,630 for prosthodontists, though the median — the midpoint where half earn more and half earn less — is higher at $311,180. The gap suggests a handful of very high earners pull the average down, which is unusual but possible given the small occupation (only 870 prosthodontists nationally).
At the low end, the bottom 10% earn $103,510 or less. At the high end, the top 10% make $344,750 or more. Experience, location, and practice type drive these differences.
Pay by state
The BLS does not publish state-level data for prosthodontists because the occupation is too small for reliable estimates. Nationwide, there are only 870 prosthodontists, so state-by-state figures would be statistically unstable. For the most current salary information, check local dental society surveys or industry reports.
How to become a Prosthodontist
Becoming a prosthodontist takes roughly 8-10 years after high school. Here's the standard path:
- Earn a bachelor's degree with pre-dental coursework (biology, chemistry, physics). Typically 4 years.
- Complete a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) from an accredited dental school. Usually 4 years.
- Apply for a prosthodontics residency: a 3-year advanced program focused on crowns, bridges, implants, and dentures.
- Become licensed in the state where you plan to practice. All states require passing the NBDE Part I and II, plus a clinical exam. Some states require a separate jurisprudence exam.
- Optional: Become board-certified by the American Board of Prosthodontics. Certification requires passing written and oral exams after residency.
Job outlook
The BLS projects employment of prosthodontists will grow 4.5% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations. That translates to about 40 new jobs over the decade — a small number but significant for a niche field. Demand is driven by an aging population needing complex dental restorations and increased acceptance of dental implants.
With only 870 prosthodontists in the U.S., competition for residency slots is stiff. Those who complete training can expect strong job prospects, especially in areas with a high concentration of older adults.
Frequently asked questions
Do prosthodontists earn more than general dentists?
Yes. The median prosthodontist salary of $311,180 is roughly double the median for general dentists ($163,220, BLS). Specialization and additional training pay off.
Is prosthodontics a growing field?
Yes. The BLS projects 4.5% growth from 2024 to 2034, faster than average. Demand comes from aging baby boomers needing implants and complex restorations.
How long does it take to become a prosthodontist?
Typically 8-10 years after high school: 4 years undergraduate, 4 years dental school, and 3 years of prosthodontics residency.
What's the difference between a prosthodontist and a dentist?
A prosthodontist completes an additional 3 years of training in restoring and replacing teeth. They handle complex cases like full-mouth rehabilitation, implant-supported dentures, and cosmetic restorations.
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 Prosthodontists data.