Who Earns More: Dentist or Doctor?
Who Earns More: Dentist or Doctor?
Who earns more, a dentist or a doctor? In the United States, physicians and surgeons generally have higher median earnings than dentists, but the answer depends significantly on specialty, experience, location, and whether the professional owns a practice.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for physicians and surgeons was $275,930 in May 2025. The median annual wage for dentists was $176,110.
That represents a difference of nearly $100,000 in median annual earnings.
Dentist vs. Doctor Salary
The BLS data show a substantial difference between the two professions:
Profession2025 Median Annual PayPhysicians and surgeons$275,930Dentists$176,110General dentists$170,950
These are national figures and do not represent what every individual earns. Physician and dentist income can vary substantially based on specialty, geography, hours worked, employment arrangement, and practice ownership.
Which Dentists Earn the Most?
Dentistry includes several specialties with significantly higher reported earnings than general dentistry.
In 2025, the BLS reported median annual wages of approximately $352,220 for oral and maxillofacial surgeons, $311,180 for prosthodontists, and $289,140 for orthodontists. General dentists had a median wage of $170,950.
This means that some dental specialists earn more than many physicians, although the amount of additional education and training required varies by specialty.
Which Doctors Earn the Most?
Physician compensation also varies enormously by specialty.
The BLS reported 2025 median wages of approximately $559,030 for pediatric surgeons, $496,010 for cardiologists, $420,860 for radiologists, $391,490 for anesthesiologists, and $358,550 for orthopedic surgeons. Family medicine physicians had a median wage of $244,180, while general internal medicine physicians had a median of $256,560.
Consequently, comparing an individual dentist with an individual physician requires looking at the specific specialties involved.
Can Dentists Make More Than Doctors?
Yes.
A dentist who owns a successful practice or works in a high-paying specialty can earn more than some physicians. Dental practice ownership can also introduce a business component to a dentist's income because the owner participates in the economics of the practice.
However, practice ownership also involves expenses and business risks, so gross practice revenue should not be confused with the owner's personal income.
Does a Doctor's Longer Training Affect Earnings?
It can.
Physicians generally complete medical school followed by residency training, with residency lasting three to nine years depending on specialty. Dentists can generally begin practicing after dental school and meeting applicable licensing requirements, although dental specialists complete additional residency training.
Therefore, comparing lifetime financial outcomes requires considering education costs, student debt, years of training, working hours, and career earnings rather than simply comparing annual salaries.
The Bottom Line
So, who earns more: dentist or doctor?
Based on 2025 national BLS median wage data, physicians and surgeons earn more than dentists overall: $275,930 versus $176,110.
However, there is considerable variation within both professions. Some dental specialists earn more than many physicians, while certain medical specialties have median earnings substantially above those of most dentists.
For students choosing between medicine and dentistry, salary is only one factor. The length of training, education costs, specialty options, work environment, hours, and opportunities for practice ownership can all materially affect the financial and professional experience.
