As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Dentist DDS in the United States is $193,307 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $93.
However, a Dentist DDS's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Dentist DDS'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 a Dentist DDS'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 Dentist DDS | $187,766 |
| Intermediate Level Dentist DDS | $188,413 |
| Senior Level Dentist DDS | $189,059 |
| Specialist Level Dentist DDS | $189,963 |
| Expert Level Dentist DDS | $193,307 |
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 Dentist DDS. 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
|
$212,638 |
10%
|
|
Coaching
|
$206,838 |
7%
|
|
Insight
|
$206,838 |
7%
|
|
Pediatric
|
$202,972 |
5%
|
|
Leadership
|
$201,039 |
4%
|
|
Support Services
|
$199,106 |
3%
|
For Dentist DDS 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, Dentist DDS positions in Pharmaceuticals or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Dentist DDS as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $289,960 | $139.0 | 50% |
| Biotechnology | $231,968 | $112.0 | 20% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Dentist DDS 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 a Dentist DDS with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent is between $190,456 and $203,180).
Dentist DDS 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 a Dentist DDS'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 a Dentist DDS can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $109,757 in 2023 to around $109,334 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Dentist DDS salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $109,757 |
| 2024 | $111,085 |
| 2025 | $109,334 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Dentist DDS 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.)
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