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

Source: SalaryDr salary data for in Texas (N=15 verified submissions, updated April 17, 2026, data as of 2026-04-17). URL: https://www.salarydr.com

Dentist Salaries in Texas

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Explore verified dentist salary data from 15 submissions. Compare total compensation by specialty, state, and practice setting.

SalaryDr Intelligence

Top Satisfaction: General Dentist

3.8/5 avg rating · 15+ total reports.

15+ verified reports•93% would choose again
Median $253,75015 reports

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Dentist Salary in Texas

Specialties

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

Locations

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

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Dentist Salaries in TexasDentists

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Explore verified dentist salary data from 15 submissions. Compare total compensation by specialty, state, and practice setting.

SalaryDr Intelligence

Top Satisfaction: General Dentist

3.8/5 avg rating · 15+ total reports.

15+ verified reports•93% would choose again

MEDIAN TOTAL COMP

$253,750

AVERAGE BASE

$280,000

AVG BONUS / INCENTIVE

$22,500

100% received

AVG WORKLOAD

36

hrs/wk

Compensation

Base Salary$208,250
Total Compensation$208,250
Effective $/hr$95/hr

Model: Percentage of Collections

Annual Collections$595,000

Work & Schedule

Hours/wk42
PTO0 weeks
3/5 satisfactionWould choose again

Compensation

Base Salary$250,000
Total Compensation$250,000
Effective $/hr$120/hr

Model: Fixed Salary

Work & Schedule

Hours/wk40
PTO8 weeks

Benefits

Medical Insurance · Vision Insurance · Dental Insurance · Retirement Plan (401k or similar)

3/5 satisfactionWould choose again

Compensation

Base Salary$250,000
Total Compensation$250,000
Effective $/hr$114/hr

Model: Fixed Salary

Work & Schedule

Hours/wk42
PTO8 weeks

Benefits

Dental Insurance · Medical Insurance · Vision Insurance · Retirement Plan (401k or similar) · Paid Holidays · Paid Vacation

Most wanted: “A dog”

5/5 satisfactionWould choose again

Compensation

Base Salary$253,750
Total Compensation$253,750
Effective $/hr$128/hr

Model: Percentage of Collections

Annual Collections$875,000

Work & Schedule

Hours/wk38
PTO2 weeks

Benefits

None of the above

4/5 satisfactionWould choose again

Compensation

Base Salary$525,000
Total Compensation$525,000
Effective $/hr$316/hr

Lifestyle Insights

What could be improved

“More flexibility to take time off. I am shackled to my practice as I am the sole provider with 3 hygienists. I am booked out several months, which is a blessing and a curse”

Work-life balance

“32 hours per week, total vacation time, including holidays is 4 weeks total. I mainly take vacation during holidays as that is when most patients do not mind us being closed.”

Work & Schedule

Hours/wk32
PTO0 weeks
Patients/day50

Benefits

None of the above

4/5 satisfactionWould choose again

Compensation

Base Salary$200,000
Bonus/Incentives$15,000
Total Compensation$215,000
Effective $/hr$103/hr

Model: Fixed Salary

Work & Schedule

Hours/wk40
PTO20 weeks

Benefits

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

3/5 satisfactionWould choose again

Compensation

Base Salary$360,000
Bonus/Incentives$30,000
Total Compensation$390,000
Effective $/hr$234/hr

Model: Fixed Salary

Lifestyle Insights

What could be improved

“The compensation does not match the amount of production being done. It almost comes out to 15% of production”

Work-life balance

“I work four days a week, (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday) 8 hours a day I receive four weeks of unpaid time off 401(k) match, and health partially paid by the company.”

Work & Schedule

Hours/wk32
PTO0 weeks

Benefits

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

Most wanted: “Paid time off for holidays and vacations Better medical, dental, vision plan that is paid by company ”

3/5 satisfaction

Compensation

Base Salary$1,490,000
Total Compensation$1,490,000
Effective $/hr$716/hr

Lifestyle Insights

Work-life balance

“Second year owning my own practice. Fantastic work life balance. 8:30am to 4pm clinic hours with half days on Fridays. I work less than 40 hours a week. I take facial trauma call every other week (a few calls a week, maybe once every two months have to go into the hospital for a facial trauma case). Have an external billing contractor and external fractional CFO that takes a lot of the administrative burden on simplifying the day to day for me and my staff. ”

Work & Schedule

Hours/wk40
PTO2.5 weeks
Patients/day40

Benefits

Medical Insurance · Retirement Plan (401k or similar)

5/5 satisfactionWould choose again

Compensation

Base Salary$200,000
Total Compensation$200,000
Effective $/hr$192/hr

Work & Schedule

Hours/wk20
PTO6 weeks

Benefits

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

3/5 satisfactionWould choose again

Compensation

Base Salary$190,000
Total Compensation$190,000
Effective $/hr$91/hr

Model: Fixed Salary

Lifestyle Insights

Work-life balance

“5 day”

Work & Schedule

Hours/wk40
PTO1 weeks

Benefits

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

5/5 satisfactionWould choose again

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Dentist Salary in Texas

Specialties

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

Locations

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

Explore More

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Dental Salary FAQs

Data-driven answers for Texas

Live DataUpdated Apr 2026

How much do dentists make in 2026 in Texas?

The median dentist salary is $253,750 in 2026 in Texas, based on 0+ verified salary submissions on SalaryDr. The average dentist salary is $361,308, with compensation varying significantly based on specialty, location, experience, and practice setting.

  • Median total compensation: $253,750
  • Average total compensation: $361,308
  • 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 Texas?

The median base salary for dentists in Texas is $280,000, with median bonuses and incentives adding $22,500. Total compensation ($253,750 median) includes base salary, productivity bonuses, signing bonuses, call pay, and other incentives.

  • Median base salary: $280,000
  • Median bonuses/incentives: $22,500
  • Median total compensation: $253,750
  • Bonus structures vary by employer and productivity metrics

How many hours do dentists work per week in Texas?

Dentists in Texas 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.

  • Average weekly hours: 36
  • 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 Texas?

Dentists in Texas report 80% satisfaction with their careers, and 93% would choose their specialty again. Satisfaction varies by practice setting, work-life balance, and compensation relative to workload.

  • Career satisfaction: 80%
  • Would choose specialty again: 93%
  • 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 $253,750?

A dentist earning $253,750 gross typically takes home $157,325-$182,700 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: $253,750
  • Estimated take-home: $157,325-$182,700
  • 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 Texas

Live DataUpdated Apr 2026

How much do dentists make in 2026 in Texas?

The median dentist salary is $253,750 in 2026 in Texas, based on 0+ verified salary submissions on SalaryDr. The average dentist salary is $361,308, with compensation varying significantly based on specialty, location, experience, and practice setting.

  • Median total compensation: $253,750
  • Average total compensation: $361,308
  • 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 Texas?

The median base salary for dentists in Texas is $280,000, with median bonuses and incentives adding $22,500. Total compensation ($253,750 median) includes base salary, productivity bonuses, signing bonuses, call pay, and other incentives.

  • Median base salary: $280,000
  • Median bonuses/incentives: $22,500
  • Median total compensation: $253,750
  • Bonus structures vary by employer and productivity metrics

How many hours do dentists work per week in Texas?

Dentists in Texas 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.

  • Average weekly hours: 36
  • 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 Texas?

Dentists in Texas report 80% satisfaction with their careers, and 93% would choose their specialty again. Satisfaction varies by practice setting, work-life balance, and compensation relative to workload.

  • Career satisfaction: 80%
  • Would choose specialty again: 93%
  • 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 $253,750?

A dentist earning $253,750 gross typically takes home $157,325-$182,700 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: $253,750
  • Estimated take-home: $157,325-$182,700
  • 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