Dentist Salary 2026: $295K Median by Specialty & State | SalaryDr

Source: SalaryDr salary data for in Massachusetts (N=4 verified submissions, updated April 17, 2026, data as of 2026-04-17). URL: https://www.salarydr.com

Dentist Salaries in Massachusetts

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Explore verified dentist salary data from 4 submissions. Compare total compensation by specialty, state, and practice setting.

SalaryDr Intelligence

Median Pay: $311K

From 4+ verified dentist reports.

4+ verified reports•75% would choose again
Median $310,5004 reports

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Dentist Salary in Massachusetts

Specialties

General Dentist·Orthodontist·Prosthodontist·Endodontist·Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon·Pediatric Dentist·Periodontist

Locations

California·Texas·New York·Florida·Pennsylvania·Ohio·Illinois·North Carolina·Georgia·Michigan·New Jersey

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Dentist Salaries in MassachusettsDentists

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Explore verified dentist salary data from 4 submissions. Compare total compensation by specialty, state, and practice setting.

SalaryDr Intelligence

Median Pay: $311K

From 4+ verified dentist reports.

4+ verified reports•75% would choose again

MEDIAN TOTAL COMP

$310,500

AVERAGE BASE

$300,000

AVG BONUS / INCENTIVE

$150,000

100% received

AVG WORKLOAD

29

hrs/wk

Compensation

Base Salary$125,000
Total Compensation$125,000
Effective $/hr$60/hr

Model: salary

Work & Schedule

Employmentassociate
Hours/wk40
PTO3 weeks
3/5 satisfactionWould choose again

Compensation

Base Salary$300,000
Bonus/Incentives$150,000
Total Compensation$450,000
Effective $/hr$361/hr

Model: Fixed Salary

Lifestyle Insights

Work-life balance

“4 days a week 8-2, 8 weeks off/ year. No weekends, really good life balance, couldn't complain.”

Work & Schedule

Hours/wk24
PTO8 weeks

Benefits

Medical Insurance · Dental Insurance · Vision Insurance · Retirement Plan (401k or similar) · Paid Parental/Adoption Leave · Paid Sick Leave · Paid Holidays

5/5 satisfactionWould choose again

Compensation

Base Salary$171,000
Total Compensation$171,000
Effective $/hr$110/hr

Model: Percentage of Collections

Annual Collections$450,000

Work & Schedule

Hours/wk30
Days/wk4
PTO0 weeks
Patients/day6

Benefits

Retirement Plan (401k or similar) · Paid Continuing Education

CE Budget$1,000/yr
Student Loans$150,000
2/5 satisfaction

Compensation

Base Salary$1,500,000
Total Compensation$1,500,000
Effective $/hr$1,374/hr

Work & Schedule

Hours/wk21
PTO5 weeks

Benefits

Medical Insurance · Dental Insurance · Vision Insurance

5/5 satisfactionWould choose again
Showing 1–4 of 4+ entries

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Search, filter, and compare across every dental specialty

Dentist Salary in Massachusetts

Specialties

General Dentist·Orthodontist·Prosthodontist·Endodontist·Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon·Pediatric Dentist·Periodontist

Locations

California·Texas·New York·Florida·Pennsylvania·Ohio·Illinois·North Carolina·Georgia·Michigan·New Jersey

Explore More

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Dental Salary FAQs

Data-driven answers for Massachusetts

Live DataUpdated Apr 2026

How much do dentists make in 2026 in Massachusetts?

The median dentist salary is $310,500 in 2026 in Massachusetts, based on 0+ verified salary submissions on SalaryDr. The average dentist salary is $561,500, with compensation varying significantly based on specialty, location, experience, and practice setting.

  • Median total compensation: $310,500
  • Average total compensation: $561,500
  • Based on 0+ verified submissions
  • Data updated in real-time as new salaries are reported

What is the base salary vs total compensation for dentists in Massachusetts?

The median base salary for dentists in Massachusetts is $300,000, with median bonuses and incentives adding $150,000. Total compensation ($310,500 median) includes base salary, productivity bonuses, signing bonuses, call pay, and other incentives.

  • Median base salary: $300,000
  • Median bonuses/incentives: $150,000
  • Median total compensation: $310,500
  • Bonus structures vary by employer and productivity metrics

How many hours do dentists work per week in Massachusetts?

Dentists in Massachusetts work an average of 29 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.

  • Average weekly hours: 29
  • Hours vary significantly by specialty and setting
  • Includes clinical, administrative, and on-call time
  • Part-time and locums arrangements offer flexibility

Are dentists satisfied with their compensation in Massachusetts?

Dentists in Massachusetts report 76% satisfaction with their careers, and 75% would choose their specialty again. Satisfaction varies by practice setting, work-life balance, and compensation relative to workload.

  • Career satisfaction: 76%
  • Would choose specialty again: 75%
  • Satisfaction influenced by autonomy and work-life balance
  • Private practice often reports higher satisfaction

Do private practice dentists make more than employed dentists?

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.

  • Private practice: 15-30% higher median compensation
  • Greater earning potential but more variability
  • Practice owners bear overhead and business risk
  • Employed roles offer stability and benefits packages

How much does a new dentist make right out of dental school?

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.

  • Starting salary range: $150,000-$200,000
  • Signing bonuses: $20,000-$50,000+ common
  • Loan repayment programs available
  • Significant salary growth in first 5 years

Should dentists work as 1099 contractors or W-2 employees?

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.

  • 1099: Higher day rates, but 15.3% self-employment tax
  • W-2: Lower gross, but employer pays half of payroll taxes
  • Consider health insurance costs ($15,000-$25,000/year)
  • Retirement matching can add $20,000+ in W-2 value

What is the take-home pay for a dentist earning $310,500?

A dentist earning $310,500 gross typically takes home $192,510-$223,560 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.

  • Gross salary: $310,500
  • Estimated take-home: $192,510-$223,560
  • State tax impact varies by 0-13%
  • Tax-advantaged accounts reduce effective rate

How is physician salary data on SalaryDr collected?

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.

  • 0+ verified salary submissions
  • Anonymous data from practicing professionals
  • Includes base, bonuses, location, and setting
  • Updated in real-time with statistical outlier handling

Help improve salary transparency

Your anonymous submission helps dental professionals negotiate fair compensation.

Submit Your Salary

Dental Salary FAQs

Data-driven answers for Massachusetts

Live DataUpdated Apr 2026

How much do dentists make in 2026 in Massachusetts?

The median dentist salary is $310,500 in 2026 in Massachusetts, based on 0+ verified salary submissions on SalaryDr. The average dentist salary is $561,500, with compensation varying significantly based on specialty, location, experience, and practice setting.

  • Median total compensation: $310,500
  • Average total compensation: $561,500
  • Based on 0+ verified submissions
  • Data updated in real-time as new salaries are reported

What is the base salary vs total compensation for dentists in Massachusetts?

The median base salary for dentists in Massachusetts is $300,000, with median bonuses and incentives adding $150,000. Total compensation ($310,500 median) includes base salary, productivity bonuses, signing bonuses, call pay, and other incentives.

  • Median base salary: $300,000
  • Median bonuses/incentives: $150,000
  • Median total compensation: $310,500
  • Bonus structures vary by employer and productivity metrics

How many hours do dentists work per week in Massachusetts?

Dentists in Massachusetts work an average of 29 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.

  • Average weekly hours: 29
  • Hours vary significantly by specialty and setting
  • Includes clinical, administrative, and on-call time
  • Part-time and locums arrangements offer flexibility

Are dentists satisfied with their compensation in Massachusetts?

Dentists in Massachusetts report 76% satisfaction with their careers, and 75% would choose their specialty again. Satisfaction varies by practice setting, work-life balance, and compensation relative to workload.

  • Career satisfaction: 76%
  • Would choose specialty again: 75%
  • Satisfaction influenced by autonomy and work-life balance
  • Private practice often reports higher satisfaction

Do private practice dentists make more than employed dentists?

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.

  • Private practice: 15-30% higher median compensation
  • Greater earning potential but more variability
  • Practice owners bear overhead and business risk
  • Employed roles offer stability and benefits packages

How much does a new dentist make right out of dental school?

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.

  • Starting salary range: $150,000-$200,000
  • Signing bonuses: $20,000-$50,000+ common
  • Loan repayment programs available
  • Significant salary growth in first 5 years

Should dentists work as 1099 contractors or W-2 employees?

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.

  • 1099: Higher day rates, but 15.3% self-employment tax
  • W-2: Lower gross, but employer pays half of payroll taxes
  • Consider health insurance costs ($15,000-$25,000/year)
  • Retirement matching can add $20,000+ in W-2 value

What is the take-home pay for a dentist earning $310,500?

A dentist earning $310,500 gross typically takes home $192,510-$223,560 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.

  • Gross salary: $310,500
  • Estimated take-home: $192,510-$223,560
  • State tax impact varies by 0-13%
  • Tax-advantaged accounts reduce effective rate

How is physician salary data on SalaryDr collected?

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.

  • 0+ verified salary submissions
  • Anonymous data from practicing professionals
  • Includes base, bonuses, location, and setting
  • Updated in real-time with statistical outlier handling

Help improve salary transparency

Your anonymous submission helps dental professionals negotiate fair compensation.

Submit Your Salary