As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Associate Dentist DDS DMD in the United States is $197,835 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $95.
However, an Associate Dentist DDS DMD's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Compensation Planning
Develop a Job Description
Pay Equity
2026 Compensation Trend
AI-Powered HR
Recruit with AI
An Associate Dentist DDS DMD's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Associate Dentist DDS DMD's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Associate Dentist DDS DMD | $192,164 |
| Intermediate Level Associate Dentist DDS DMD | $192,826 |
| Senior Level Associate Dentist DDS DMD | $193,487 |
| Specialist Level Associate Dentist DDS DMD | $194,413 |
| Expert Level Associate Dentist DDS DMD | $197,835 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Associate Dentist DDS DMDs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 6.53% |
| Clinical Skills | 3% |
| HIPAA | 1.98% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Medical Prescriptions
|
$217,619 |
10%
|
|
Coaching
|
$211,683 |
7%
|
|
Insight
|
$211,683 |
7%
|
|
Pediatric
|
$207,727 |
5%
|
|
Leadership
|
$205,748 |
4%
|
|
Support Services
|
$203,770 |
3%
|
For Associate Dentist DDS DMD roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 100% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Healthcare and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Associate Dentist DDS DMD positions in Pharmaceuticals or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Associate Dentist DDS DMD as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $296,752 | $143.0 | 50% |
| Biotechnology | $237,402 | $114.0 | 20% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Associate Dentist DDS DMDs enter the field with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Associate Dentist DDS DMD with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent is between $190,456 and $203,180).
Associate Dentist DDS DMD Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.7% |
| High School | 4.3% |
| Associates | 8.4% |
| Bachelors | 10.8% |
| Masters | 10.1% |
| Doctorate | 64.7% |
Understanding how an Associate Dentist DDS DMD's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026Salaries for an Associate Dentist DDS DMD can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $112,327 in 2023 to around $111,895 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Associate Dentist DDS DMD salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $112,327 |
| 2024 | $113,687 |
| 2025 | $111,895 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution.
Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Associate Dentist DDS DMD and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Associate Dentist DDS DMD job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Get a Salary Increase
Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.
Search Job Openings
Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.
Adjust Employee Salary
Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.
Price My Industry Jobs
Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.
The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Associate Dentist DDS DMD roles, with salaries approximately 50% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:
