How Much Does a Dentist in California make?

Dentist in California made a median salary around $199,737 in April, 2025. The best-paid 25 percent made $225,086 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $178,757. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
25% $178,757 10% $159,655 90% $248,165 75% $225,086 $199,737 50%(Median)
Check out Dentist in California jobs in Columbus, Ohio

Dentist - California

Barton Associates - , CA

Dentist - California

Barton Associates - , CA

Dentist - California

Barton Associates - , CA

Dentist - California

Barton Associates - , CA

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Best-Paying Cities for Dentist in California

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Dentist in California profession are San Jose , San Francisco , Oakland , New York , Queens Village .
San Jose, CA $251,929
San Francisco, CA $249,452
Oakland, CA $243,919
New York, NY $231,476
Queens Village, NY $229,977

Best-Paying States for Dentist in California

The states and districts that pay Dentist in California the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $221,149) , California (around $220,310) , Massachusetts (around $217,374) , Washington (around $216,575) , and New Jersey (around $216,495) .
District of Columbia $221,149
California $220,310
Massachusetts $217,374
Washington $216,575
New Jersey $216,495

Frequently Asked Questions for Dentist in California

Q: What is the salary range of Dentist in California?
A: In 2025 , the lowest-paid Dentist in California earned an average annual salary of $178,757 , while the highest-paid made $225,086.
Q: What is the salary for a Dentist in California in California?
A: Dentist in California employed in California earned an average salary of $220,310 in 2025.

Average Dentist in California Pay vs. Other Jobs

Dentist in California earned an average salary of $199,737 in 2025. Other jobs related to Dentist in California earned the following average salary in April, 2025. Dentist made $184,316 , Sales Lead California made $141,622 , Cosmetic Dentist and Associate Dentist made $169,971 and $199,737 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Dentist in California

Dentist - Average Salary $184,316
Examines and treats diseases and injuries of teeth and gums. Performs preventative and maintenance dentistry and educates the patient in proper tooth and gum care. Recommends braces or surgery to correct any malformations. Requires a doctorate degree in dentistry, either a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree from an accredited school. Requires a state licensed to practice. Typically reports to a top management. Years of experience may be unspecified. Certification and/or licensing in the position's specialty is the main requirement.
Sales Lead California - Average Salary $141,622
There is currently no job description for Sales Lead California, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Sales Lead California.
Cosmetic Dentist - Average Salary $169,971
Cosmetic dentistry is generally used to refer to any dental work that improves the appearance (though not necessarily the functionality) of teeth, gums and/or bite. It primarily focuses on improvement in dental aesthetics in color, position, shape, size, alignment and overall smile appearance. Many dentists refer to themselves as "cosmetic dentists" regardless of their specific education, specialty, training, and experience in this field. This has been considered unethical with a predominant objective of marketing to patients. The American Dental Association does not recognize cosmetic dentistry as a formal specialty area of dentistry. However, there are still dentists that promote themselves as cosmetic dentists.
Associate Dentist - Average Salary $199,737
There is currently no job description for Associate Dentist, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Associate Dentist.
General Dentist - Average Salary $199,737
There is currently no job description for General Dentist, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for General Dentist.