Orthodontist Salary in 2025: How Much Do Orthodontists Really Make?

Introduction – Orthodontists have a reputation for being among the highest-earning dental specialists. This may or may not come as a surprise. Why? Well, becoming an orthodontist requires YEARS of additional training beyond dental school, and the services they provide (braces, aligners, etc.) are often high-fee, elective treatments in high demand. In this article, we’ll break down how much orthodontists are earning in 2025. We’ll look at the national average salary (and how it compares to general dentists), differences by practice type (private practice owners vs. corporate/DSO orthodontists), regional salary variations across the U.S., and how experience level affects income. We’ll also touch on lifestyle factors like work-life balance and debt. We’ll also review how orthodontist salaries stack up against other dental specialists. All data is up-to-date for 2025 as of the date of this published article, drawing on sources like SalaryDr’s dental salary database, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and industry surveys. Let’s dive into what orthodontists really make in 2025.

Average Orthodontist Salary in 2025

According to the latest data, the typical U.S. orthodontist earns around a quarter-million dollars per year. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports an average annual wage for orthodontists of about $243,620 (as of 2023). Other surveys and self-reported data suggest the average is in the mid-$250,000s and one analysis puts the 2025 average orthodontist salary around $254,600 per year. For context, this is roughly $60,000+ more than what the average general dentist makes (general dentists earn about $180k–$200k on average). It’s also a bit less than oral and maxillofacial surgeons, the dental specialists who typically earn the most (oral surgeons average about $360k a year). In short, orthodontists are very well-compensated, reflecting their specialized skills and the strong demand for orthodontic treatment.

It’s worth noting that the median pay for orthodontists is also very high. In fact, the BLS data maxes out at a reporting threshold of $208,000, and the median orthodontist salary exceeds that threshold. In other words, well over half of practicing orthodontists earn more than $208k annually (and many earn considerably above that). This places orthodontists near the top of the dental profession in terms of income. The distribution is skewed upward by high earners who own successful practices, which we’ll discuss in a moment. But even at the median, an orthodontist’s income in 2025 is roughly a quarter million dollars per year – solidly within the top few percent of U.S. household incomes.

To visualize the income gap: an average general dentist (~$190k/year) versus an average orthodontist (~$250k/year) versus an average oral surgeon (~$360k/year). Orthodontists clearly outearn general dentists by a significant margin and come in below oral surgeons in the dental field. This reflects the extra training orthodontists undergo (2-3 years of residency after dental school) and the higher fees their services command (braces and aligners are expensive treatments). Next, we’ll explore how these averages can vary based on how an orthodontist practices and whether they own a practice or work for a corporation.

Orthodontist Salary by Practice Setting

One of the biggest factors influencing an orthodontist’s salary is their practice setting or employment arrangement. Orthodontists, like general dentists, can either own a private practice or work as an employee/associate (for example, in a corporate dental chain or dental service organization, often abbreviated DSO). There are also orthodontists in academic or public health settings, though the majority are in private sector practice. Here’s how income tends to differ:

• Private Practice Owner: Orthodontists who own their practice (solo or as partners) typically have the highest earning potential. As owners, they not only earn a salary for their clinical work but also take home the practice’s profits. Surveys by the American Dental Association (ADA) indicate that practice-owning orthodontists earned about $353,000 per year on average. And that’s an average – meaning many owners earn well above that. In fact, SalaryDr data and industry reports note that established orthodontic owners in lucrative markets can earn $500,000+ annually. Some anecdotal examples even approach seven-figure incomes for those running multiple high-performing clinics. Why so high? Orthodontic practices can be extremely profitable – an average practice operates at roughly ~45% profit margin (after overhead), and with production per orthodontist often exceeding $1.5 million a year, the math can yield a very high take-home pay for owners. Of course, not every practice nets that much (the ADA’s median for private-practice ortho was ~$286k net in 2023), but it underscores that ownership offers the greatest upside.
  

• Corporate/DSO Employed Orthodontist: Many newer orthodontists (and some who prefer not to manage a business) work as employees for large dental companies or DSOs. These organizations (e.g. orthodontic chains, multi-specialty dental groups) pay orthodontists a salary or percentage of production to run the ortho side of their clinics. Compensation in these roles is still high – often in the mid-$200,000s – but generally less than an owner would make. For example, one industry analysis pegged the average orthodontist associate salary around $250,000 per year. Typically, a DSO orthodontist might get a fixed daily rate or base salary (nowadays often $1,200–$1,500 per day for full-time work) plus bonuses for each patient start or based on production. An experienced ortho working at a high-volume DSO practice could certainly clear $300k with bonuses, but the ceiling is lower than in private practice because the company retains a portion of profits. In recent years, as more orthodontists enter the job market, some corporate offers for new grads have actually come down – there are reports of certain DSOs offering closer to $200k for entry-level orthodontists (often with incentives like signing bonuses up to $50k). The trade-off is that DSO-employed orthodontists enjoy a stable paycheck, typically have lower stress regarding business operations, and can focus purely on orthodontics, but they give up the higher profit share that owners get.
  

• Other Settings (Academia, Military, etc.): A small percentage of orthodontists work in academic institutions (teaching in dental schools or ortho residency programs) or for the military/public health. These positions tend to pay less than private practice, often closer to general dentist income levels. For example, an orthodontist in academia might earn in the low $100,000s. However, they often come with other benefits (like research opportunities, lighter schedules, or military benefits). Most orthodontists, though, gravitate to private practice or group practice settings where earning potential is highest.
  

Key takeaway: Owning a practice unlocks the highest salaries for orthodontists – often double what an orthodontist might make as an employee. SalaryDr’s data across dentistry illustrates this clearly (for general dentists, owners earned ~$695k vs ~$433k for DSO dentists on average), and a similar dynamic applies in orthodontics. Of course, ownership comes with significant overhead costs, management responsibilities, and risk. Not every private practice orthodontist will make half a million a year – many run smaller practices or newer offices with more modest profits. But on average, an orthodontist who is an owner will earn substantially more than one who is an associate. Meanwhile, working for a DSO or corporate practice can still provide a comfortable $200k+ income with less hassle – a route some orthodontists prefer, especially early in their careers or as they pay down student loans.

Regional Salary Differences

Just as in general dentistry, where an orthodontist practices can influence their earnings. Orthodontist salaries show some regional variation across the United States. According to BLS data, some of the highest-paying states for orthodontists include Michigan, Florida, and Connecticut, each with average ortho incomes in the low $300,000s per year. For example, Michigan orthodontists average about $329,620 annually, claiming one of the highest state averages reported. Florida isn’t far behind at roughly $323,030. Connecticut orthodontists average around $320,500, and New Jersey and North Carolina are also believed to be very high (though exact figures were suppressed, likely indicating very high values). On the other end, there are states where orthodontist pay is notably lower. For instance, South Carolina has an average of around $149,660 and Maine around $164,700. These are among the lower averages, possibly due to a mix of lower fees or fewer high-income orthodontists in the data. Many states fall somewhere in between, often in the $200k–$250k range.

Why the differences? Often, supply and demand plays a role. In states or cities with many orthodontists (high competition), fees can be driven down and individual doctors might earn less. Interestingly, data suggests orthodontists in some smaller cities or less saturated areas can earn more than those in major metropolitan areas. For example, an orthodontist practicing in a mid-sized city with few competitors might command higher fees and see more patients (boosting income), whereas one in a big city with an orthodontist on every corner might have to keep fees competitive.

Cost of living is another consideration. Orthodontists in very high cost areas (think Manhattan or San Francisco) might charge more for treatment, but they also face higher expenses (staff salaries, rent, etc.), which can eat into net income. Conversely, in a low cost-of-living state, an orthodontist making $250k may actually have more disposable income than one making $300k in an expensive city.

In general, all regions offer strong incomes for orthodontists – even at the “low” end, $150k+ is a solid salary. But if maximizing income is a goal, it can pay (literally) to research geographic differences. Some of the top-paying areas in recent data are states like Michigan, Florida, Connecticut, Wisconsin, and North Carolina, whereas historically states like Mississippi or Hawaii have trended lower for dental incomes (though individual results will vary). Orthodontists often balance these data points with personal preferences, you might earn more in one state, but if it’s not where you want to live, that’s an important factor too.

(Interested in the numbers for your state? Check out our interactive map or the SalaryDr database to see orthodontist salary data by state.)

Years of Experience and Career Stage

Experience matters in orthodontics not only because seasoned orthodontists may be more efficient and have a larger referral base, but also because career stage often dictates whether one is an owner or associate, which hugely impacts income. Here’s how orthodontist earnings tend to evolve over a career:

• Early Career (0–5 years): The first few years out of residency, most orthodontists work as associates (or are starting up a practice from scratch). As associates, their incomes are high for a new professional but on the lower end of the ortho spectrum.Typically between $150,000 to $250,000 per year range to start. A brand-new ortho might take a position at ~$150k – $180k if patient load is light initially, but as they gain experience and see more cases, it’s common to hit the $200k+ mark within a couple of years. Many new orthodontists also moonlight or travel between multiple offices to boost income. Importantly, this is also the stage where orthodontists carry heavy student debt (often $500k or more), so a big chunk of those early earnings might go towards loan payments. Few orthodontists buy a practice immediately upon finishing residency, most will associate for a few years to build capital and learn the ropes.
  

• Mid Career (5–10 years): In this stage, many orthodontists transition to practice ownership – either by buying into a practice, starting a new one, or becoming a partner in a group. Income tends to jump substantially once ownership is in play. A mid-career orthodontist who has become an owner might see earnings in the $250,000 to $350,000 range on average, with lots of variation. ADA data showed non-owner specialists averaging ~$257k vs. owners at ~$353k, which gives a sense of the jump that often occurs in this period. Even those who remain associates usually negotiate higher pay as their experience grows (e.g. a senior associate might get a larger revenue share). By ~10 years out, many orthodontists are well into the multiple-six-figures if they have established themselves in a community.
  

• Late Career (10+ years): Established orthodontists with a decade or more under their belt – especially those who own thriving practices – often reach the $300k–$500k+ level. They benefit from years of building a referral network, possibly opening additional locations, and optimizing their practice efficiency. It’s not unusual for a successful orthodontist 15–20 years into practice to earn somewhere around $400,000 in a good year, particularly outside saturated urban markets. Some truly hit it out of the park, clearing half a million or more (as noted earlier, there are orthodontists reporting $600k, $700k, even $1M+ incomes, though that’s the exception rather than the rule). On the flip side, some late-career orthodontists choose to slow down or semi-retire, working part-time and earning less – but by then, they’ve usually achieved their financial goals. Notably, by late career many orthodontists have paid off their loans, so they keep more of their income as profit.
  

In summary, an orthodontist’s salary trajectory tends to start high, then climb higher with ownership and experience. The table below provides a rough illustration of income progression:

(Sources: ADA Health Policy Institute survey, SalaryDr data, industry reports)

Of course, individual paths vary. Some orthodontists take on a different route (e.g., academic career, or become a partner in a large group where the structure is different). But generally, the biggest inflection point is becoming a practice owner. An orthodontist who remains a career-long employee might plateau in the mid $200k’s, whereas one who builds a successful practice can double that. Also, keep in mind that around the 20+ year mark, some orthodontists work less (or retire early, thanks to the money they’ve made!) so average incomes might dip for that cohort. In any case, orthodontists have a very strong lifetime earning potential, often $8–10 million (or more) over a 30+ year career, which helps justify those extra years of training and hefty student loans.

Job Satisfaction and Lifestyle Factors

Salary is only one part of the picture. Orthodontists often cite quality of life and job satisfaction as big perks of the career. So how do orthodontists fare in terms of work-life balance, stress, and other lifestyle considerations?

Work-Life Balance: Orthodontics is generally viewed as having a favorable work-life balance compared to some other medical/dental fields. Most orthodontists maintain fairly normal work hours seeing patients Monday through Friday, often with one weekday off or half-days (a common schedule is 4 days a week of patient care). Nights and weekends are rarely required, since orthodontic emergencies (like a broken bracket) are minor and can wait until the office reopens. This is in contrast to general dentists who might need to handle weekend emergencies or take call for issues like severe toothaches. Orthodontists also don’t typically face the same physical strain of doing long procedures like surgeries or root canals; much of their day is spent evaluating patients and making adjustments, which many find less stressful on the body. It’s not a “cushy” job by any means. They see a high volume of patients in short visits, which can be tiring, but it’s a predictable routine. As one source humorously put it, orthodontists “enjoy a low-stress environment with a healthy work-life balance”. Many orthodontists take pride in being able to balance a lucrative practice with family time, hobbies, etc.

Job Satisfaction: Surveys consistently show high job satisfaction among orthodontists. In one study, over 95% of orthodontists reported being satisfied with their career choice. This ranks among the highest in dentistry (and even among all jobs). The reasons are easy to see: orthodontists help create beautiful smiles and improve patients’ self-confidence. It’s a positive, rewarding outcome-driven field. Patients are often excited to see their transformations, which makes for a happy patient-doctor interaction. Additionally, orthodontists avoid much of the “dread” that general dentists face (few people enjoy getting cavities drilled, but getting your braces tightened, while not fun, is part of an exciting journey to a better smile). Orthodontists often develop long-term relationships with young patients and families over the course of treatment, adding to the fulfillment. It’s telling that dentistry in general scores high on career satisfaction, and orthodontics is usually near the top of the list among dental specialties.

That said, challenges exist. Running an orthodontic practice involves significant overhead and management stress. On average, orthodontic practices run about a 55% overhead (expenses) ratio. This means for every $1 an orthodontist collects, about $0.55 goes to costs like staff salaries, rent, equipment, labs, etc. Many surveys find “high overhead” to be the #1 concern of practice owners. Orthodontists have to keep a steady stream of patients (which means continuous marketing and referrals) to cover these costs. Competition from corporate dental chains or direct-to-consumer aligner companies can also add pressure to private practitioners. And while orthodontists generally avoid dental emergencies, they do have busy days with dozens of back-to-back adjustment appointments, keeping on schedule and managing a full clinic can be hectic.

Debt and Financial Stress: Another lifestyle factor for newer orthodontists is the massive student debt many carry. Becoming an orthodontist often means borrowing for 4 years of dental school plus 2-3 years of residency, and unlike medical residencies, dental specialty residencies are often tuition-based. It’s not uncommon for young orthodontists to graduate with $500,000 to $600,000 in loans (in fact, the average orthodontic debt was reported around $597k). Early in their careers, orthodontists may have hefty monthly loan payments, which can impact their lifestyle despite a high income. Many tackle this by working for a DSO initially (which can come with loan repayment programs or signing bonuses), or living frugally for a few years until their debt is under control. The good news is, with the high salaries discussed, most orthodontists can manage to pay off their loans within 10 years or so and then really start reaping the financial rewards.

Overall Outlook: On the whole, orthodontists often enjoy a combination of high income and a satisfying, family-friendly lifestyle. It’s a big reason the profession is attractive to dental students (ortho programs are notoriously competitive to get into). No career is perfect – orthodontists are essentially small business owners, which comes with headaches like any other business. They deal with staffing issues, rising supply costs, and sometimes the stress of perfectionism (making sure every case turns out just right). But relative to many medical professions, orthodontics allows for a comfortable work schedule and the ability to control one’s practice style. As evidence of their positive lifestyle, U.S. News and World Report rankings often list Orthodontist among the top jobs. In fact, it was ranked in the top 10 for health care jobs in recent years (and dentistry overall often makes the top jobs list for its pay and work-life balance). So, it appears that the high salary does translate into a high quality of life for most in this field.

(Fun fact: Many orthodontists take Fridays off or half-days – some joke that they work “Tuesday to Thursday, 10 to 4” – though that’s certainly not the norm for everyone!)

Orthodontist Salary Compared to Other Specialists

We’ve compared orthodontists to general dentists, but how do they stack up against other dental specialists? In 2025, orthodontist salaries are near the top among dental professionals, second only to one major category:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons: These dental specialists (who perform surgeries like wisdom tooth extractions, jaw surgery, etc.) tend to be the top earners in dentistry. The average oral surgeon makes around $360,000 per year. This is roughly 40-45% higher than the average orthodontist. Oral surgeons often have dual degrees (DDS and MD) and their work overlaps with medical procedures, which helps drive their fees higher. They also handle more trauma/emergency cases. So while orthodontists do extremely well, oral surgeons generally have the edge in pay.
  

• Prosthodontists: Prosthodontists specialize in complex dental prosthetics (like dentures, implants, full-mouth reconstructions). Their incomes are in a similar ballpark to orthodontists. BLS data indicates prosthodontists average about $258,660 per year, essentially on par with (or slightly above) the ~$255k for orthodontists. Prosthodontic work is high-value but the patient pool is smaller (fewer people need full-mouth reconstructions than braces), which keeps their numbers around the same range.
  

• Endodontists and Periodontists: These are the root canal specialists and gum specialists, respectively. The BLS groups some of these under “all other specialist dentists,” but estimates put their averages around $246,000 per year. So, endodontists/periodontists are typically earning in the mid-$200k’s; quite comparable to orthodontists. They usually out-earn general dentists, but are just a notch below or on par with orthodontics. Factors here: endodontists often can do multiple root canals a day at high fees, and periodontists place implants and do surgeries – both are lucrative, but the volume and demand for braces/invisalign might be even a bit higher.
  

• Pediatric Dentists: Among specialists, pediatric dentists (children’s dentists) tend to earn the least – often closer to general dentist income. Pediatric dentists’ average income is around $200k (maybe $220k in some surveys). That’s lower because pediatric dental care has lower fees per procedure and often a lot of insurance involvement. Some pediatric dentists who also offer orthodontics in their practice can boost their earnings, but purely pediatric practices, while busy, don’t generate the same revenue per patient as adult-oriented specialties. Thus, orthodontists generally earn more than pediatric dentists.
  

To summarize, orthodontists rank near the top of dental salaries, roughly tied or slightly behind oral surgeons for #1. They are in the same elite earnings tier as endodontists, periodontists, and prosthodontists (all in that $240k–$280k zone on average). Every one of these specialists significantly outearns the typical general dentist. The additional training (and delayed gratification of extra schooling) clearly pays off financially. An orthodontist specifically enjoys a great mix of high demand and high fees – virtually every teenager (and an increasing number of adults) could benefit from orthodontic treatment, and many are willing to pay out-of-pocket for a better smile. This broad, cosmetic appeal keeps orthodontists’ incomes strong relative to, say, endodontists who only see patients when there’s a problem.

It’s also interesting to note that on the medical side, orthodontists’ ~$250k average is comparable to many physician specialists. For example, it’s similar to what an internal medicine subspecialist or dermatologist might make, and oral surgeons’ ~$360k is akin to an anesthesiologist or general surgeon. In other words, top dental specialists (ortho, oral surgery) are on par with high-earning doctors making dentistry one of the few non-MD fields where that’s true. This underscores orthodontists’ position as some of the best-paid professionals in health care overall.

(For further reading, see our separate salary reports on related specialties Dentist Salary 2025 for general dentists)

Future Outlook for Orthodontist Salaries

What does the future hold for orthodontist earnings? While we don’t have a crystal ball, we can look at trends to make some educated predictions for the next 5-10 years.

Continued Strong Demand: The fundamental demand for orthodontic services remains high and is even growing. Beyond the classic teenage braces market, there’s been an explosion of adult orthodontics thanks to clear aligner technology (Invisalign and competitors). More adults in their 20s, 30s, and beyond are seeking treatment for a better smile, which expands the patient base. Cosmetic consciousness and social media (everyone wants straight, white teeth on Instagram!) will likely keep fueling interest. As such, the volume of orthodontic cases could continue to rise. The BLS projects overall dentist employment (including specialists) to grow around 4–5% over the decade. Showing a steady, modest growth rate. Orthodontists specifically are expected to be in demand as long as people care about straight teeth (which isn’t going away). So, the job outlook is positive: there will be new openings each year due to retirements and expansions.

Technological Disruption and Competition: On the flip side, the profession is facing some new competitive pressures. The rise of direct-to-consumer aligner companies (like SmileDirectClub and others) in the past few years introduced cheaper, at-home orthodontic options. While these haven’t eclipsed traditional ortho (and have faced some pushback and limitations), they represent an alternative for mild cases. Additionally, general dentists offering Invisalign have encroached on simpler orthodontic cases. Many general dentists now get certified in Invisalign and will treat mild/moderate cases themselves, referring only complex cases to the orthodontist. This could mean fewer easy cases for orthodontic offices and more competitive local markets.

Furthermore, the trend of corporate dentistry/DSOs in orthodontics is a double-edged sword: on one hand, it’s providing more jobs and expanding practices (which is good for access and perhaps total volume of work), but on the other hand, corporate management often aims to standardize and reduce costs, which can put downward pressure on salaries. We’ve already seen anecdotal evidence that some DSOs are hiring new orthodontists at lower salaries than a few years ago, likely because the supply of orthodontists has increased (many new residency programs opened in the last decade, graduating more orthos each year). Private equity investment in orthodontic “OSO” (Orthodontic Service Organizations) consolidates solo practices into larger groups, which might gradually shift more orthos to employee roles rather than owners.

Adapting with New Tech: On a positive note, technology is also empowering orthodontists. Digital workflows, think 3D scanners, 3D printers, AI-driven treatment planning are making orthodontists more efficient and potentially more profitable. For example, some orthodontists are now 3D-printing clear aligners in-house, reducing lab costs and creating a new revenue stream. Remote monitoring apps allow them to safely lengthen the interval between in-person visits, meaning they can manage more patients at once. All these innovations could increase an orthodontist’s capacity and thereby income. Early adopters of such tech may see income growth.

Salary Trajectory: Taking it all together, it’s likely that orthodontist salaries will remain high in the coming years, but the rate of increase may level off a bit. We might not see huge jumps year-to-year, especially if more orthodontists enter the field and if more competition chips away at market share. However, given the strong public demand for quality orthodontic care, specialists who differentiate themselves (through superior outcomes, great patient experience, leveraging tech) should continue to command premium fees. It’s possible we’ll see a bit more polarization: superstar orthodontic practices thriving and making even more, whereas average performers in saturated markets may face stagnant incomes.

For the next 5-10 years, a reasonable outlook is that orthodontist incomes will grow roughly in line with inflation or a bit above, perhaps slowly edging from that ~$250k average toward $270k or $300k over a decade, if all goes well economically. If a recession hits, orthodontic treatment being somewhat discretionary could slow down temporarily (as seen in 2008 where ortho production dipped ~10%), but historically the field rebounds as soon as the economy stabilizes. In fact, the recent trend (2021–2023) saw a bounce-back with orthodontists’ median net income jumping significantly, showing resilience.

Bottom line: Orthodontics is expected to remain one of the most financially rewarding dental careers. The exact figures may fluctuate with market dynamics, but we’re likely to still talk about orthodontist salaries in the high-5 to low-6 figures for the foreseeable future. Anyone entering the field should of course do it for the love of the work – but can rest assured that the financial prospects in 2025 and beyond look bright.

In the words of one seasoned orthodontist: “Is it worth it? Every dime of my student loans and every late night studying – absolutely. I get to change lives with a smile and make a great living doing it.” For many, that sentiment will hold true as the profession moves forward.

FAQs

Q: How much do orthodontists make in 2025?
A: The average orthodontist in the U.S. in 2025 earns on average between $240,000 to $250,000 per year. This is a nationwide figure – individual earnings can be lower or often much higher. The median salary is roughly around $200k+ (in fact, BLS data indicates the median is above their reporting cutoff of $208,000, meaning more than half of orthodontists top $208k). Many orthodontists, especially those who own successful practices, make $300k-$400k+ annually, while orthodontists starting out or working part-time might make closer to the low $200k’s. Overall, mid-six-figures is the norm for practicing orthodontists in 2025.

Q: Do orthodontists make more than dentists?
A: Yes, absolutely. Orthodontists (who are dental specialists) earn significantly more on average than general dentists. In 2025, general dentists have a national average around $180k–$200k per year. Orthodontists, by contrast, average about $250k per year. So we’re talking roughly a $50k-$70k+ pay difference in favor of orthodontists. Incomes for both can vary widely, but virtually all data sources (BLS, ADA surveys, etc.) show orthodontists at a higher tier. The extra years of training and the specialized nature of orthodontic services allow orthodontists to charge higher fees than a general dentist, which translates into higher earnings. Even when comparing new orthodontists to experienced general dentists, the specialists usually come out ahead. It’s one big reason many dentists consider specializing as orthodontics tends to pay more than general practice dentistry.

Q: Which state pays orthodontists the most?
A: According to recent data, states like Michigan, Florida, and Connecticut top the list for highest orthodontist salaries. For example, Michigan’s average orthodontist salary is around $329,620, one of the highest in the country. Florida is close behind at about $323,030, and Connecticut averages around $320,500. These states currently offer some of the best pay for orthodontists. It’s worth noting that data for a state like North Carolina showed very high wages as well (potentially even higher), but exact figures weren’t published (likely due to data limitations). On the lower end, some states like South Carolina or Maine have average ortho salaries closer to the $150k-$170k range. Keep in mind, “highest paying state” can change year to year, and often it’s influenced by a few very successful practices in that state. Also, a high salary in an expensive state might not go as far as a slightly lower salary in a cheaper state. But in pure salary terms, as of 2025, Michigan and Florida are hot spots for orthodontist income.

Q: How long does it take to become an orthodontist?
A: Becoming an orthodontist is a long journey. First, you need to complete a 4-year undergraduate degree, typically with a focus on pre-dental science courses. Then you attend 4 years of dental school to earn a DDS or DMD degree. After dental school, you must be accepted into an orthodontic residency program, which lasts about 2 to 3 years. During residency, dentists learn the specialty of orthodontics and often earn a certificate or Master’s degree in orthodontics. In total, that’s around 10 to 11 years post-high school (not counting any gap years or additional advanced degrees some may pursue). After residency, you’ll also need to get licensed as a specialist in your state. Many orthodontists choose to become board-certified by the American Board of Orthodontics, which involves a rigorous exam process (and that certification is renewed every 10 years). So from college through residency, expect about a decade of training to officially become an orthodontist.

Q: Is orthodontics worth it financially?
A: Financially, orthodontics can be very rewarding, but it comes with hefty upfront costs (tuition and time). Orthodontists often graduate with large student debt – often $500k or more, due to dental school and specialty training. However, their salaries are among the highest in dentistry. A successful orthodontist can earn $300k, $400k, even $500k+ per year in the prime of their career. Over a lifetime, this can far exceed what a general dentist might earn, even accounting for the delayed start. In purely economic terms, an orthodontist’s return on investment (ROI) can be excellent, especially if they eventually own a practice. That said, it’s not guaranteed – it depends on running a good business. Some general dentists without the extra schooling also do extremely well by offering advanced procedures. But on average, the specialist premium makes orthodontics financially lucrative. Many orthodontists feel the career is personally worth it too – they enjoy the work. Ultimately, if you manage your student loans wisely and either join a strong practice or build your own, orthodontics is worth it in the long run both financially and in job satisfaction. Just go in with eyes wide open about the student debt and the years of training before the payoff. It is definitely a game of delayed gratification.

Conclusion

In summary, orthodontists are among the top earners in dentistry in 2025. The typical orthodontist earns a comfortable six-figure salary well into the $200,000+ range, reflecting the high skill and specialized services they provide. We’ve seen that factors like owning a practice, choosing the right location, and gaining experience can push that income even higher – often into the high-six-figures for many established orthodontists. Regional differences exist, but across the board, orthodontics remains a financially rewarding profession, outpacing what general dentists make by a significant margin.

Of course, those high salaries come after years of training and come with day-to-day challenges (running a business, managing overhead, etc.). But from a big-picture perspective, orthodontists in 2025 enjoy an excellent blend of high income and professional satisfaction. They literally change people’s lives by creating beautiful, healthy smiles – and they’re well-compensated for doing so.

If you’re an orthodontist or an aspiring one, it’s helpful to stay informed and benchmark your earnings. Are you earning what you should be for your experience level and region? Want to see what your peers are making? Check out SalaryDr’s dental salary database, where orthodontists and other dentists anonymously share compensation info. You can explore real-time data and even submit your own salary to contribute to transparency. Knowledge is power – and knowing the numbers can help with career decisions and negotiations.

Ready to compare your salary or explore more? Visit our Dentist Salary Explorer and join the conversation. Here’s to continued success and more smiles in the future!

In the end, orthodontics proves that putting in extra years of education can lead to a truly top-tier income. But beyond the dollars, many would agree the real payoff is seeing a patient’s confident smile at the end of treatment. And that’s something you just can’t put a price on.

Sources: SalaryDr Dental Salary Database (2025); Bureau of Labor Statistics (Orthodontists, Dentists); ADA Health Policy Institute (2023 survey); StudentLoanPlanner analysis; Orthodontic Products Online survey; SalaryDr Blog (Dentist Salary 2025), etc.