Source: SalaryDr salary data (N=191 verified submissions, updated August 27, 2026, data as of 2026-08-27). URL: https://www.salarydr.com
Explore verified dentist salary data from 100+ submissions. Compare total compensation by specialty, state, and practice setting.
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MEDIAN TOTAL COMP
$275,000
AVERAGE BASE
$212,000
AVG BONUS / INCENTIVE
$50,000
100% received
AVG WORKLOAD
36
hrs/wkModel: salary
Model: salary
Model: percent_collections
Work-life balance
“Salary potential as an orthodontist is significantly higher as an owner vs an associate. My pay scale is also not accurate in what i listed - as an owner i pay myself a base salary and draw the rest through member distribution, it averages out to about 50% of collections. ”
Model: percent_collections
What could be improved
“Hard to get time off”
Work-life balance
“Good work life balance ”
Model: daily_guarantee
Model: daily_guarantee
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Real answers powered by 0+ verified salary submissions
The median dentist salary is $275,000 in 2026, based on 0+ verified salary submissions on SalaryDr. The average dentist salary is $382,839, with compensation varying significantly based on specialty, location, experience, and practice setting.
The median base salary for dentists is $212,000, with median bonuses and incentives adding $50,000. Total compensation ($275,000 median) includes base salary, productivity bonuses, signing bonuses, call pay, and other incentives.
Dentists work an average of 36 hours per week, based on 0+ verified submissions. This includes clinical hours, administrative duties, charting, and call responsibilities. Work hours vary significantly by specialty and practice setting.
Dentists report 74% satisfaction with their careers, and 85% would choose their specialty again. Satisfaction varies by practice setting, work-life balance, and compensation relative to workload.
Private practice dentists typically earn 15-30% more than hospital-employed counterparts, though with greater income variability and business risk. Based on SalaryDr data, practice owners and partners often reach the top 10% of earners in their specialty. However, employed positions offer more predictable income, benefits, and less administrative burden.
New dentists starting their careers earn $150,000-$200,000 in their first year, depending on specialty and location. Many employers offer signing bonuses of $20,000-$50,000+, relocation assistance, and loan repayment programs. Salaries increase significantly within the first 3-5 years of practice.
1099/locums dentists earn higher gross pay (often 20-40% more per day) but must pay self-employment tax, purchase their own benefits, and manage malpractice tail coverage. W-2 employees receive lower gross pay but benefit from employer-paid taxes, health insurance, retirement matching, and PTO. The net advantage depends on individual circumstances and hours worked.
A dentist earning $275,000 gross typically takes home $170,500-$198,000 after federal taxes, state taxes (varies 0-13%), and deductions. High-income strategies like maximizing 401(k), HSA, backdoor Roth IRA, and practice-specific deductions can improve take-home significantly.
SalaryDr salary data comes from 0+ anonymous submissions from verified dentists across the United States. Each submission includes total compensation, base salary, bonuses, specialty, location, practice setting, and years of experience. Data is updated in real-time and outliers are handled statistically to ensure accuracy.
Help improve salary transparency
Your anonymous submission helps dental professionals negotiate fair compensation.
Real answers powered by 0+ verified salary submissions
The median dentist salary is $275,000 in 2026, based on 0+ verified salary submissions on SalaryDr. The average dentist salary is $382,839, with compensation varying significantly based on specialty, location, experience, and practice setting.
The median base salary for dentists is $212,000, with median bonuses and incentives adding $50,000. Total compensation ($275,000 median) includes base salary, productivity bonuses, signing bonuses, call pay, and other incentives.
Dentists work an average of 36 hours per week, based on 0+ verified submissions. This includes clinical hours, administrative duties, charting, and call responsibilities. Work hours vary significantly by specialty and practice setting.
Dentists report 74% satisfaction with their careers, and 85% would choose their specialty again. Satisfaction varies by practice setting, work-life balance, and compensation relative to workload.
Private practice dentists typically earn 15-30% more than hospital-employed counterparts, though with greater income variability and business risk. Based on SalaryDr data, practice owners and partners often reach the top 10% of earners in their specialty. However, employed positions offer more predictable income, benefits, and less administrative burden.
New dentists starting their careers earn $150,000-$200,000 in their first year, depending on specialty and location. Many employers offer signing bonuses of $20,000-$50,000+, relocation assistance, and loan repayment programs. Salaries increase significantly within the first 3-5 years of practice.
1099/locums dentists earn higher gross pay (often 20-40% more per day) but must pay self-employment tax, purchase their own benefits, and manage malpractice tail coverage. W-2 employees receive lower gross pay but benefit from employer-paid taxes, health insurance, retirement matching, and PTO. The net advantage depends on individual circumstances and hours worked.
A dentist earning $275,000 gross typically takes home $170,500-$198,000 after federal taxes, state taxes (varies 0-13%), and deductions. High-income strategies like maximizing 401(k), HSA, backdoor Roth IRA, and practice-specific deductions can improve take-home significantly.
SalaryDr salary data comes from 0+ anonymous submissions from verified dentists across the United States. Each submission includes total compensation, base salary, bonuses, specialty, location, practice setting, and years of experience. Data is updated in real-time and outliers are handled statistically to ensure accuracy.
Help improve salary transparency
Your anonymous submission helps dental professionals negotiate fair compensation.