How Much Dentists Make by State in 2026
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/
