As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Locum Dentist in the United States is $132,230 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $64.
However, a Locum Dentist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Locum Dentist'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 Locum Dentist'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 Locum Dentist | $124,826 |
| Intermediate Level Locum Dentist | $125,644 |
| Senior Level Locum Dentist | $128,371 |
| Specialist Level Locum Dentist | $133,052 |
| Expert Level Locum Dentist | $134,579 |
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 Locum Dentists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Collaboration | 6.67% |
| Data Domain | 6.67% |
| Quality Assurance | 6.67% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Presentation
|
$148,098 |
12%
|
|
Tableau
|
$137,519 |
4%
|
|
Quality Assurance
|
$133,552 |
1%
|
|
Data Analytics
|
$133,552 |
1%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Locum Dentists enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree 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 Locum Dentist with a Bachelor's Degree is between $140,225 and $155,728).
Locum Dentist Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 10.0% |
| High School | 10.0% |
| Associates | 10.0% |
| Bachelors | 40.0% |
| Masters | 40.0% |
| Doctorate | 40.0% |
Understanding how a Locum Dentist'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 January 01, 2026Salaries for a Locum Dentist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $82,205 in 2023 to around $80,100 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Locum Dentist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $82,205 |
| 2024 | $81,304 |
| 2025 | $80,100 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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