Salary Outlook
According to the BLS, dentists earned $142,740 in 2011, or approximately $68.62 per hour. The best-paid earned more than $187,999, while the lowest-paid earned less than $74,490. Dentists who work in private offices are paid particularly well, but so are those who work alongside other health practitioners. Certain cities also compensate well—specifically, the metro areas of Manchester, N.H., Tyler, Texas, and Rocky Mount, N.C.
| Job Salary | Year |
|---|---|
| 2002 | $137,500.00 |
| 2004 | $134,700.00 |
| 2006 | $142,080.00 |
| 2008 | $155,320.00 |
| 2010 | $159,510.00 |
Average Dentist Pay vs. All Healthcare Jobs
With an average salary that’s above $140,000 per year, dentists earn far more than most other healthcare workers. For instance, dental assistants earn $34,140 per year, and dental hygienists have an average salary of $69,280. Registered nurses and pharmacists also make less than the average dentist.
| Job Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Dentist | $142,740.00 |
| Pharmacist | $113,390.00 |
| Dental Hygienist | $69,280.00 |
| Registered Nurse | $65,690.00 |
| Clinical Laboratory Technician | $36,950.00 |
| Dental Assistant | $34,140.00 |
See Complete List of Best Healthcare Jobs
Best Paying Cities for Dentists
The highest paid in the dentist profession work in the metropolitan areas of Manchester, NH, Abilene, TX, and Tyler, TX. The Asheville, NC area also pays well, as does the city of Rocky Mount, NC.
Manchester, NH
The annual median wage of a dentist working in Manchester, NH is greater than $250,000. It's also more than the average salary for this profession.
Abilene, TX
The annual median wage of a dentist working in Abilene, TX is greater than $250,000. It's also more than the average salary for this profession.
Tyler, TX
The annual median wage of a dentist working in Tyler, TX is greater than $250,000. It's also more than the average salary for this profession.
Asheville, NC
The annual median wage of a dentist working in Asheville, NC is greater than $250,000. It's also more than the average salary for this profession.
Rocky Mount, NC
The annual median wage of a dentist working in Rocky Mount, NC is greater than $250,000. It's also more than the average salary for this profession.
