Dentist Salary by State 2025

Dentist salaries in the United States can vary significantly from state to state. While dentistry is generally a high-paying profession, with the average dentist salary comfortably in the six figures, where a dentist practices geographically has a major impact on their earning potential. For 2025, national data show that the typical general dentist earns around $180,000–$200,000 per year on average. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports an average annual salary of about $196,100 for general dentists as of 2024, with a median (middle) salary around $179,210. In practical terms, that means half of dentists earn below roughly $180k and half earn above it.

It’s worth noting that salary figures can differ depending on the source and methodology. The American Dental Association (ADA), for example, found that in 2023 private-practice general dentists had an average net income of about $218,710 – higher than the overall BLS average. This is likely because ADA’s survey focuses on practicing owners (including their practice profits). Meanwhile, SalaryDr’s anonymized submission data (comprising self-reported salaries from dentists) suggests a similar median income in the mid-$100,000s, roughly $160k–$190k, which aligns closely with the BLS median. However, SalaryDr data also highlights that many dentists (particularly practice owners) report earnings well beyond government survey limits. In other words, while the average dentist salary might hover around $180k-$200k, individual incomes can range widely. Some dentists owning thriving practices earn far more, whereas new dentists or those in certain settings may earn less.

In summary: most U.S. dentists earn a comfortable six-figure income, but exactly how much can depend heavily on where they practice. Below, we’ll explore dentist salaries by state for 2025, identify the highest- and lowest-paying states, and discuss why these disparities exist. We’ll also compare these figures to national averages, consider cost-of-living differences (purchasing power), and answer common questions about dentist compensation.

U.S. Dentist Salary Map & State-by-State Overview

To illustrate the geographic variation in dentist pay, see the table below, which shows the average dentist salary by state for 2025. Each state is color-coded by the average annual salary for general dentists, using the latest available data (primarily from BLS surveys and SalaryDr’s database). You can hover over or tap each state to see the specific salary value.

Along with the map, we’ve provided a sortable table of dentist salary by state. This table lists every state (and the District of Columbia, if data is available) with the average annual dentist salary in 2025, so you can easily rank the states from highest to lowest (or vice versa). These figures are drawn from publicly available data (e.g. BLS Occupational Employment Statistics) and supplemented by anonymized SalaryDr submissions to ensure a comprehensive view.

Dentist Salary – Highest-Paying States (2025 Average):

• Vermont – ~$240,740
  

• Delaware – ~$228,740
  

• Minnesota – ~$224,700
  

• North Dakota – ~$224,300
  

• Maine – ~$224,080
  

Dentist Salary – Lowest-Paying States (2025 Average):

• Hawaii – ~$136,200
  

• Mississippi – ~$143,020
  

• Nevada – ~$146,480
  

• Utah – ~$148,860
  

• Wyoming – ~$154,030
  

As the data indicate, there is roughly a $100,000+ swing between the highest and lowest paying states for dentists. At the top end, relatively small or rural states like Vermont and Delaware lead the nation with average dentist salaries well above $220k per year, whereas at the bottom, states like Hawaii and Mississippi come in around the mid-$130k to $140k range. Most states, however, cluster closer to the middle of the range – roughly in the $180k–$210k average salary zone for general dentists. In other words, while outliers exist, a large share of states pay in the high-$100k’s annually.

Why such differences? Several top-paying states (e.g. Vermont, North Dakota, Maine) have higher salaries partly because they have fewer dentists relative to their population, creating high demand and the need to attract talent with competitive pay. By contrast, some lower-paying states (like Hawaii or Nevada) may have an oversupply of dentists in certain areas or lower reimbursement rates, which pulls down the average income. We’ll delve deeper into these factors in the next section. But first, it’s important to consider that raw salary numbers only tell part of the story – one must also weigh how far that salary goes in terms of cost of living, which we’ll explore shortly.

Why Dentist Salaries Differ by State

Not all $180,000/year dentist jobs are created equal – a dentist’s location has a profound influence on their pay. Here are the key factors that cause dentist salaries to vary by state:

• Supply and Demand for Dentists: Perhaps the biggest driver is the local supply of dentists relative to the population’s need. In states with dentist shortages or rural populations, employers often must offer higher pay to recruit and retain dentists. For example, states like Vermont and North Dakota – which are more rural and have fewer dentists – top the pay scale, in part to entice dentists to those communities. North Dakota’s generous average salary reflects the incentive needed for dentists to practice in remote areas. On the other hand, in states where there is an oversaturation of dentists, competition can drive earnings down. Hawaii is a prime example: despite its high cost of living, parts of Hawaii have more dentists than the market demands, which means many dentists there end up accepting lower-paying positions (for instance, working in clinics with lower reimbursement rates) for the chance to live in a desirable location. In short, high demand + low supply = higher salaries, while lower demand or oversupply = pressure on salaries.
  

• Local Economic Factors and Payer Mix: The strength of the local economy and the dominant forms of dental reimbursement also impact dentist incomes. In regions where patients have higher income levels or better dental insurance coverage, dentists can charge higher fees and collections tend to be greater. For instance, many Northeast and Upper Midwest states (e.g. Delaware, Connecticut, Minnesota) report above-average dentist pay, partly reflecting robust local economies and a greater proportion of privately insured patients willing to pay for services. Conversely, in parts of the rural South (like Mississippi or Alabama) where average incomes are lower and more patients may be covered by Medicaid or pay out-of-pocket on limited budgets, dental fees and reimbursement rates tend to be lower. This directly translates to lower average dentist salaries. Mississippi’s low dentist pay (around $143k on average) is attributed to such factors – the local patient base cannot support high fees, and many dentists serve communities with budget constraints or lower insurance reimbursement, keeping incomes down. Additionally, states with a higher public insurance mix or significant uninsured populations might see dentists relying on lower-paying sources of income, again reducing the average earnings.
  

• Urban vs. Rural Practice Settings: There’s also an urban-rural dynamic at play within and across states. Major metropolitan areas often attract a surplus of dental professionals, which can intensify competition and moderate salaries. Urban dentists might also face higher overhead costs (e.g. rent, staff) which can impact take-home pay if they own a practice. In contrast, more rural or underserved areas might offer salary premiums, signing bonuses, or loan repayment incentives to attract dentists. Many rural towns, hospitals, or clinics will pay above the going rate (sometimes supplemented by state programs) for a dentist willing to serve a smaller community. However, this isn’t a simple rule – some cities in very high cost areas may still pay high salaries to compensate (for example, a dentist in New York City might earn a higher nominal salary than one in a small town, but the cost of living and competition differ). Broadly, though, rural states lead the top of the salary rankings more often than densely populated ones, showing the effect of supply scarcity. Meanwhile, populous states like California or New York fall somewhere in the middle for average dentist pay, as their large number of dentists and varied markets balance out to near-national-average figures.
  

• Prevalence of Corporate vs. Private Practices: The practice model predominant in a state can also sway the average salary. Dentists who own their practice generally have higher earning potential (since they can take home the profits of the business), whereas dentists employed by large corporate dental chains or DSOs (Dental Service Organizations) tend to earn a set salary or percentage of production, typically lower than owner income. If a state has a high proportion of dentist-owned private practices, the average income might skew higher thanks to those high-earning owners. In states dominated by corporate dental clinics or DSOs, average salaries could be lower, since many dentists are employees rather than profit-taking owners. For example, SalaryDr’s 2025 data shows that general dentists who own their practice report an average compensation around $695,000 per year, whereas those working under corporate/DSO employment average roughly $433,000 – a difference of over $200k. This enormous gap highlights how ownership boosts earning potential. Of course, not every private practitioner makes that much (and SalaryDr’s self-selected sample likely includes many high-performing owners), but the point stands: practice owners often outearn associates. Thus, a state with many solo or group practices (owners) might log higher average salaries than one where big dental chains (with employed dentists) are common. (It’s also worth noting that many new dentists start in DSOs, which offer more stability but lower pay, potentially bringing down the average in states with lots of new grads or corporate offices.)
  

• State Policies and Incentives: Lastly, state-specific programs and cost factors can play a role. Some states offer loan forgiveness, tax breaks, or bonus programs for dentists working in underserved areas – effectively boosting compensation. Additionally, differences in state income taxes can affect take-home pay (for instance, states like Texas and Florida have no state income tax, allowing dentists to keep more of their earnings, whereas states with high tax rates might reduce net income, even if gross salaries are high). While taxes don’t change the reported salary, they influence the net income which could indirectly make certain states more attractive financially. Regulatory factors, like scope-of-practice laws or Medicaid reimbursement rates set by the state, also feed into the overall compensation landscape.
  

In summary, dentist salaries vary by state due to a complex mix of market demand, competition, economic conditions, practice models, and policy factors. A high salary offer in one state might not be as appealing once you factor in local conditions, whereas a lower salary in another state could go much further for the dentist’s lifestyle. In the next sections, we compare these state averages to the national benchmarks and then adjust the lens to consider cost of living and purchasing power, which is crucial for interpreting the raw salary numbers.

Dentist Salaries vs. National Average

How do individual states stack up against the national average dentist salary? As mentioned earlier, the average general dentist in the U.S. earns about $196,000 per year (with a median around $179k) in the latest data. Many states fall close to this range, but some diverge dramatically.

For instance, Vermont’s average dentist salary (~$240,740) is roughly 22% higher than the national average. States like Delaware, Minnesota, and North Dakota also come in a solid 15% or more above the U.S. average. On the other end, Hawaii’s average of about $136,200 is approximately 30% below the national average. Mississippi, Nevada, and Utah also lag more than 20% behind the U.S. mean. In between those extremes, the majority of states cluster within +/- 10% of the national average. In practical terms, that means in most states a general dentist can expect to earn somewhere in the $175k to $210k range, close to the overall norm.

It’s interesting to note that being a large or populous state doesn’t necessarily guarantee a higher-than-average dentist salary. California, for example, has an average dentist salary around $184k (just a bit below the national figure) despite its high cost of living and large economy – likely due to the high density of dentists in California’s urban centers moderating wages. Texas, on the other hand, is slightly above average at about $207k, and New York is roughly $185k (near average). Some smaller states and those with unique market conditions swing more in either direction, as we saw with Vermont (much higher) or Hawaii (much lower).

Overall, comparing state averages to the national benchmark provides context: if you are a dentist earning well above ~$196k, you’re outpacing the average U.S. dentist, whereas if you’re below ~$180k, you’re on the lower side of the national range. However, nominal salary isn’t the whole story – one must also consider how far that money goes in each location. A dollar in one state isn’t equal to a dollar in another when it comes to real purchasing power, which brings us to the next critical topic: cost of living.

Cost of Living: Adjusting Salary for Purchasing Power

When evaluating dentist salaries by state, it’s crucial to account for cost of living differences. A high salary in a state with a very high cost of living might not afford a better lifestyle than a lower salary in a cheap state. In other words, the real value of a dentist’s paycheck depends on expenses like housing, utilities, taxes, and general prices in their area.

Let’s consider a few examples:

• Hawaii vs. Mainland States: Hawaii notoriously has a high cost of living (largely due to housing and goods needing to be imported). We saw that Hawaii’s average dentist salary is around $136k, the lowest in the nation. But Hawaii’s cost of living for a single adult is estimated around $56,800 per year, one of the highest in the U.S. This means a $136k salary in Hawaii gets heavily eaten up by basic expenses. By contrast, take Delaware, where dentists earn about $228k on average and the cost of living is roughly $47,000 for a single person. After essential expenses, a Delaware dentist may still have a substantial amount of their income left, whereas a Hawaii dentist could see a much smaller remainder. In short, Hawaii dentists face a double whammy: below-average pay and above-average costs – drastically limiting purchasing power.
  

• High Salary vs. Low Cost States: Some states offer the best of both worlds: relatively high pay and moderate living costs. For example, Texas general dentists average around $207k-$220k in annual salary, and Texas has no state income tax and a cost of living below the national average (about $43.5k for a single adult). This means dentists in Texas often get to keep and enjoy more of their income compared to peers on the coasts. Similarly, states like Alaska or North Dakota pay dentists well and, while their costs can be high in some categories, they frequently offer incentive programs or have no sales/income tax which help offset living expenses. On the flip side, consider a state like New York. A dentist in upstate New York might earn a decent salary near the national average (~$185k), but if they live in New York City or surrounding areas, the steep cost of housing, taxes, and services (NYC has one of the highest costs of living in the country) could make that income feel much smaller. A $180k salary in Mississippi (low cost) can actually provide a higher standard of living than a $200k salary in New York City, once you factor in rent, taxes, and prices.
  

In quantitative terms, one way to look at this is the salary-to-cost index: dividing the average dentist salary by the typical cost of living in that state. Using the earlier examples, Delaware dentists have a high ratio (salary ~$228k vs. ~$47k expenses), whereas Hawaii dentists have a much lower ratio ($136k vs. ~$57k expenses). A higher ratio means more disposable income or savings potential.

For dentists considering relocation or evaluating job offers, it’s wise to adjust salaries for cost of living. A $150,000 offer in a low-cost state may actually afford the same lifestyle as a $200,000 offer in a high-cost coastal city. Besides living costs, remember to consider state taxes as well – a state with no income tax can effectively add several percentage points to your take-home pay compared to a similarly salaried job in a high-tax state.

Key takeaway: Always put salary in context. The nominal dollar amount is important, but the real value of that salary depends on where you live. High dentist pay in an expensive state might still mean a tight budget, whereas modest pay in a low-cost region can go a long way. Savvy dentists will weigh both factors – salary and cost of living – to judge the true quality of life a position offers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Dentist Salaries

What is the average dentist salary in the U.S. in 2025?

The average annual salary for a general dentist in the United States is around $180,000 to $200,000 in 2025. According to the latest BLS data, general dentists earn about $196,100 on average. The median dentist salary is roughly $179,000, meaning half of dentists earn more than that and half earn less. In practical terms, most general dentists have six-figure incomes. Keep in mind this is a broad national figure – actual salaries can be higher or lower depending on factors like location, experience, and practice type. Other sources corroborate this range: for example, SalaryDr’s 2025 self-reported data shows a median in the mid-$ Hundred-thousands (approximately $160k–$190k) for general dentists, and the ADA reports an average of about $218k for private-practice general dentists (who tend to earn on the higher end). So, while the average dentist salary is often quoted around ~$180-200k, individual earnings will vary widely around that mark.

Which state has the highest dentist salary?

As of 2025, Vermont is reported to have the highest average salary for general dentists. Dentists in Vermont earn about $240,740 per year on average, the highest of any state. Other top-paying states include Delaware (around $228k), Minnesota (~$225k), North Dakota (~$224k), and Maine (~$224k). These figures come from BLS data and industry analyses and reflect general dentist incomes. It’s worth noting that these states often have specific conditions contributing to higher pay – for example, Vermont and North Dakota have low dentist-to-population ratios and may offer higher pay to attract dentists to rural areas. Keep in mind that “highest average salary” doesn’t guarantee the highest take-home after expenses (cost of living and taxes vary), but strictly in terms of gross pay, Vermont leads the pack for dentists in 2025.

Which state has the lowest dentist salary?

The state with the lowest average dentist salary in 2025 is Hawaii, where general dentists earn roughly $136,000 per year on average. Despite Hawaii’s paradise appeal, its dentist salaries are at the bottom end nationally. Close behind are Mississippi (around $143k) and Nevada (about $146k), as well as Utah (around $149k) and Wyoming (~$154k) as other relatively low-paying states for dentists. Several factors contribute to these lower averages. In Hawaii’s case, there’s a localized oversupply of dentists in certain areas and many dentists working in lower-reimbursement environments, which pulls down the average. Mississippi’s low average reflects the generally lower fees and economic constraints in the region. Remember, these are state-wide averages – there certainly are dentists in Hawaii or Mississippi who earn above $200k, but there are also many earning well below the national median, resulting in a lower overall average for those states.

Why do dentist salaries vary so much by state?

Dentist salaries differ by state due to a combination of market demand, cost of living, competition, and practice patterns:

• Demand & Supply: Some states simply need more dentists (e.g. rural or underserved states) and thus pay more to attract them. Fewer dentists per capita = higher demand = higher salaries. Conversely, states with an abundance of dentists relative to the population see more competition for jobs/patients, which can suppress earnings.
  

• Cost of Living & Local Economy: States with a high cost of living (or high-income populations) often have higher nominal salaries to compensate. However, if the local economy can’t support high dental fees (as in some poorer regions), salaries will reflect that. For example, dentists in wealthy states or cities might charge more per procedure (leading to higher income), whereas those in states with lower average incomes charge less and thus earn less.
  

• Insurance and Payer Mix: In states where patients mostly have private dental insurance or pay cash, dentists can maintain higher fees. In states with more Medicaid or uninsured patients, dentists might face lower reimbursement rates and more uncompensated care, reducing average income. Essentially, who is paying for dental care (and how much) matters.
  

• Practice Models (Private vs. Corporate): The prevalent practice setting in a state influences income. States with many private practice owners might report higher average incomes because owners often earn more (they take home profits). States where corporate dental chains (DSOs) or large group practices dominate might see lower averages, since many dentists are salaried employees. Owners historically outearn associates – SalaryDr data shows owners can make hundreds of thousands more than non-owner dentists on average. Thus, the ratio of owners to employees in a given state can tilt the numbers.
  

• State Policies & Incentives: Some states offer bonuses, loan repayment, or other incentives for dentists, which effectively raise compensation. Also, differences in state income tax, malpractice insurance costs, and other expenses can indirectly affect what dentists take home or what salary they require to live comfortably.
  

In short, dentist salaries vary by state because of economic forces (demand and ability to pay) and professional dynamics. Each state has a unique mix of patients, payers, competition, and living costs that influence how much dentists can charge and earn. That’s why two dentists with the same skills can have very different incomes in two different states.

How does cost of living affect a dentist’s salary value?

Cost of living has a huge impact on the real value of a dentist’s salary. A dollar earned in one state might go twice as far as a dollar earned in another state. For example, imagine a dentist making $150,000 in a small Midwestern town and another making $200,000 in a big coastal city. Even though $200k > $150k on paper, the city dentist might actually feel more financially strained because housing, taxes, and everyday expenses are so much higher in the city.

Let’s take concrete data: Delaware is one of the top-paying states for dentists (~$228k average salary) and has a relatively moderate cost of living (about $47k/year expenses for a single adult). Hawaii, on the other hand, pays dentists much less (~$136k) but has one of the highest costs of living (~$57k for a single adult). After covering basic living expenses, a dentist in Delaware might still have a very large surplus of income, while a dentist in Hawaii could have very little left over. In essence, the purchasing power of a salary in Hawaii is far lower than that of an equal (or even smaller) salary in Delaware or other mainland states.

Another angle is considering salary adjusted for cost of living: Some analysts calculate “cost-of-living adjusted salary” to rank places. Often, states like Mississippi or Alabama – which might have only average salaries in raw terms – jump up the rankings once you adjust for their low living costs. On the flip side, high-pay but high-cost areas (like California or New York) drop down when adjusted. For dentists, this means a “lower” salary offer in a state with cheap housing and no state income tax might actually let you save more money than a “higher” salary in a state where rent, taxes, and bills are sky-high.

Bottom line: When evaluating dentist salaries (especially offers in different locations), always factor in cost of living. A good practice is to research the housing costs, state taxes, and other expenses in that area and maybe use a cost-of-living calculator to normalize the salaries. $180,000 in rural Texas will go a lot further than $180,000 in San Francisco, for example. Your quality of life and financial comfort depend on both how much you make and how much it costs to live where you are.

Do dentists in private practice earn more than those in DSOs?

In general, yes – dentists who own or co-own a private practice tend to earn more (often substantially more) than dentists working as employees for corporate dental chains or DSOs. The reason is that practice owners not only get a salary for their clinical work, but they also take home any profits from the business after expenses. In contrast, a dentist employed by a DSO is typically paid a fixed salary or a percentage of production/collections, and the parent company keeps the profits.

To put numbers on it, SalaryDr’s data from 2025 shows that general dentist owners report an average compensation around $600k–$700k a year, whereas dentists in corporate/DSO settings average roughly $350k–$450k. That’s a huge gap (owners making nearly double, on average). Even if those exact figures aren’t representative of every dentist (they likely skew high, since successful owners are keen to report), they illustrate the pattern: ownership usually carries higher earning potential. The ADA’s surveys also indicate that owner-dentists outearn non-owners; for instance, the average net income of general practitioner owners was about $218k in 2023, compared to significantly less for associates.

However, it’s important to consider why and trade-offs: Owners have to manage the business, bear the overhead costs, and their income can fluctuate with how well the practice performs. DSO or corporate-employed dentists enjoy more stability – they get a set paycheck, benefits, and don’t worry about office management – but that stability comes with a lower ceiling on earnings. Many new dentists start in DSOs for experience and a steady income floor, then move into ownership or partnerships later to increase their income.

From a state perspective, this matters because states with more private practices might show higher averages partly due to owner income. States with many DSOs (and thus more employed dentists) might show somewhat lower averages. So yes, private practice dentists generally earn more than DSO dentists, but with the caveat that running a practice involves more responsibility and financial risk.

Are dentist salaries increasing, and what does the future hold?

Dentist salaries have seen modest growth in recent years, but not dramatic jumps. The BLS data for 2024 showed that the national average dentist salary rose by about $4,350 from the previous year, which is roughly a 2% uptick – basically keeping pace with general inflation. The ADA’s data for 2023 indicated no statistically significant change in net incomes for general dentists compared to 2022. So, recent trends suggest that dentist pay is relatively stable with slight increases year-over-year.

Several factors could influence future salary trajectories for dentists:

• Workforce supply: The number of new dentists entering the field (from dental schools) versus retiring dentists will affect competition. If the supply grows faster than demand for dental services, there could be downward pressure on salaries in saturated areas. Currently, the U.S. has a growing dentist workforce, but also an aging population needing care, so demand is there. Shortages in rural areas persist, which may continue to push salaries up in those locales.
  

• Corporate Dentistry and Negotiation: The expansion of DSOs might standardize or cap salaries for many dentists, since large organizations often set pay scales. This could mean slower growth in salaries for employees. On the flip side, if there is high turnover or shortage in a region, DSOs might raise offers to attract talent.
  

• Economic conditions: General inflation, healthcare reimbursement rates, and dental insurance trends will also play a role. If dental insurance reimbursement improves or if people spend more on dental care, practices might earn more and thus pay more. Alternatively, economic downturns might tighten people’s dental spending, indirectly affecting dentist incomes.
  

• Specialization and Services: Growth in high-demand specialties or new lucrative services (e.g. dental implants, cosmetic dentistry) can increase income opportunities for those who adopt them. General dentists who expand their skills might boost earnings beyond the baseline.
  

In summary, dentist salaries are inching upward slowly. They are high relative to most occupations, and that is likely to remain true. While we don’t expect dentist pay to skyrocket in the short term, it’s also resilient – even during economic ups and downs, people need dental care. For 2025 and beyond, most forecasts suggest steady or slightly increased compensation for dentists, especially for those who find the right mix of location and practice model. Keeping an eye on local market conditions (e.g. is an area overfilled with dentists or under-served?) is one of the best ways to gauge whether salaries in a given state or city might rise faster or remain flat.

Conclusion & Call to Action

Dentist compensation in the U.S. is a complex picture, influenced by geography, practice type, and economics. In 2025, dentist salaries by state range from roughly $136k at the low end to about $240k at the high end, with most states landing near the national average of ~$180k–$200k. We’ve seen how factors like supply and demand, cost of living, and practice ownership can make the same profession pay very differently in different places. For dentists evaluating career moves or new graduates planning where to practice, this information is invaluable – it pays (literally) to do your homework on regional salary norms and living costs.

Finally, we invite you to contribute to greater transparency in dentist salaries. If you’re a dentist or dental professional, consider anonymously submitting your salary data to SalaryDr. By sharing what you earn (100% anonymously), you’ll help build a larger database of real-world salaries that can benefit the entire dental community. Knowing what others make in similar roles and locations empowers dentists in job negotiations and career decisions. SalaryDr will always keep your information confidential and free to use – it’s designed by doctors, for medical and dental professionals, to shine a light on compensation trends.

Join the movement for salary transparency: submit your salary on SalaryDr and help your fellow dentists make informed career choices. Together, we can keep this information accurate and up-to-date as we head into the future of dentistry. Here’s to making smart, informed decisions – and getting paid what you’re worth!