How much does a dentist make?
Dentists earn a median of about $179,210 per year, which works out to roughly $86 per hour (BLS, May 2024). Pay ranges from under about $72,420 for the lowest earners to over $276,050 for the top 10 percent, with specialists and practice owners earning the most.
Cost breakdown
| Option | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Entry level (lowest 10%) | Under ~$72,420 | About $35/hour; new dentists and lower-volume roles (BLS) |
| Median (national) | $179,210 | About $86/hour; median for all dentists (BLS, May 2024) |
| Top earners (highest 10%) | Over ~$276,050 | About $133/hour; experienced dentists and busy practices (BLS) |
| Specialists (oral surgeons, orthodontists) | $250,000 - $400,000+ | Specialist median wages run well above general dentists |
| Practice owners (high end) | $250,000 - $400,000+ | Reflects business profit and overhead, not just salary |
Typical dentist pay
The median annual wage for dentists is about $179,210, or roughly $86 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024). Median means half of dentists earn more and half earn less, so it sits below the higher averages some surveys report because a group of high earners pulls those averages up.
Earnings vary widely. The lowest 10 percent earn under about $72,420 per year, while the top 10 percent earn over about $276,050. The range reflects differences between employed associates, established general dentists, and high-volume or specialist practices.
What drives earnings
The biggest factors are specialty, ownership, years in practice, patient volume, and location. General dentists cluster near the median, while specialists such as oral surgeons and orthodontists often earn $250,000 to $400,000 or more because their procedures command higher fees.
Practice ownership is a major lever. Owners can earn well into the high six figures, but that income reflects business profit and carries the overhead, staffing, and risk of running a clinic. Employed associates typically earn closer to the median with a base salary plus a share of production.
Outlook for dentists
Demand for dental care remains steady as the population grows and ages, supporting reliable employment and pay. Dentists who own a practice or pursue a specialty have the most room to raise their income over a career.
Because survey-based averages run higher than the BLS median, it is best to treat the BLS figure (about $179,210) as a realistic midpoint for a working dentist and the larger numbers as reflecting specialists and successful owners.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median dentist salary?
- About $179,210 per year, or roughly $86 per hour, according to BLS data (May 2024), with half of dentists earning more and half earning less.
- Do specialists earn more than general dentists?
- Yes. Specialists such as oral and maxillofacial surgeons and orthodontists often earn $250,000 to $400,000 or more, well above the general-dentist median.
- Can dentists earn more by owning a practice?
- Often, yes. Practice owners can reach the high six figures, but that income reflects business profit and the overhead and risk of running a clinic.
Researched and edited by Calvin Lauderdale, Lead Researcher & Editor. Figures on this page were verified against the sources above as of June 23, 2026.