How Much Does a Dentist in California make?

Dentist in California made a median salary around $187,354 in April, 2025. The best-paid 25 percent made $211,131 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $167,674. 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% $167,674 10% $149,756 90% $232,779 75% $211,131 $187,354 50%(Median)
download asset banner
Facing Salary Structure Challenges? Let Our Expert Guide You
The job market is increasingly challenging. Our whitepaper, Navigating the Challenges of Creating Salary Structures, offers guidance on creating salary structures. Provide your phone number and work email to download the full version.
We will handle your contact details in line with our Privacy Policy. If you prefer not to receive marketing emails from Salary.com, you can opt-out out of marketing communications at any time by clicking unsubscribe.

Best-Paying Cities for Dentist in California

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Dentist in California profession are Mc Lean , Annandale , Arlington , Greenway , Dhs .
Mc Lean, VA $221,149
Annandale, VA $221,149
Arlington, VA $221,149
Greenway, VA $221,149
Dhs, VA $221,149

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 in Norfolk, VA?
A: In 2025 , the lowest-paid Dentist in California in Norfolk, VA earned an average annual salary of $167,674 , while the highest-paid made $211,131.
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 $187,354 in 2025. Other jobs related to Dentist in California earned the following average salary in April, 2025. Dentist made $185,605 , Sales Lead California made $132,842 , Cosmetic Dentist and Associate Dentist made $171,160 and $187,354 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Dentist in California

Dentist - Average Salary $185,605
Dentist 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. Being a Dentist 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. Additionally, Dentist requires a state licensed to practice. Typically reports to a top management. Dentist's years of experience requirement may be unspecified. Certification and/or licensing in the position's specialty is the main requirement.
Sales Lead California - Average Salary $132,842
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 $171,160
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 $187,354
There is currently no job description for Associate Dentist, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Associate Dentist.
General Dentist - Average Salary $187,354
There is currently no job description for General Dentist, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for General Dentist.