How Much Dentists Make by State in 2026
Dentist salaries vary enormously depending on the state, specialty, patient demand, and cost of living. In 2026, many dentists earn:
$180,000–$400,000+,
while specialists and practice owners may earn far more.
Here are estimated average annual earnings for general dentists by state in 2026.
Top Paying States for Dentists
California
Average:
$220,000–$350,000+
New York
Average:
$200,000–$325,000+
Texas
Average:
$190,000–$320,000+
Florida
Average:
$180,000–$300,000+
Massachusetts
Average:
$200,000–$320,000+
New Jersey
Average:
$210,000–$330,000+
Washington
Average:
$190,000–$310,000+
Connecticut
Average:
$210,000–$340,000+
Illinois
Average:
$180,000–$290,000+
Colorado
Average:
$180,000–$280,000+
Middle Range States
North Carolina
$170,000–$260,000
Georgia
$170,000–$270,000
Arizona
$175,000–$275,000
Virginia
$180,000–$280,000
Pennsylvania
$175,000–$270,000
Ohio
$170,000–$260,000
Lower Cost States With Strong Relative Earnings
Alabama
$160,000–$250,000
Mississippi
$160,000–$240,000
Oklahoma
$160,000–$245,000
Arkansas
$155,000–$235,000
West Virginia
$155,000–$230,000
The highest earners are usually:
practice owners,
cosmetic dentists,
implant specialists,
oral surgeons,
and orthodontists.
A dentist who owns a busy suburban practice may earn dramatically more than an associate working for another office.
Specialists often earn:
Orthodontists
$300,000–$600,000+
Oral Surgeons
$400,000–$800,000+
Endodontists
$300,000–$500,000+
Pediatric Dentists
$220,000–$400,000+
In major cities like:
Manhattan,
Beverly Hills,
Miami,
and Silicon Valley,
elite cosmetic dentists may reportedly earn seven figures annually.
However, dentistry also comes with major expenses:
student debt,
staff payroll,
equipment,
malpractice insurance,
and office overhead.
In 2026, dentistry remains attractive because it combines:
high income,
strong job stability,
entrepreneurship,
and relatively strong work-life balance compared with many medical specialties.
High Authority Sources
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Dentists
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dentists.htm
American Dental Association
https://www.ada.org/
Dental Economics Compensation Reports
https://www.dentaleconomics.com/
Mayo Clinic Dentist Career Overview
https://college.mayo.edu/academics/explore-health-care-careers/careers-a-z/dentist/
American Student Dental Association
https://www.asdanet.org/
