Dentist Salary Guide
Do you know how much dentists make in the United States? And how does the salary for dentists compare across states and between perm and temp work? Let’s find out!
Take a look at our dentist salary guide to discover:
- Dentist Salary
- Dentist Salary by State
- How Do Dentist Salaries Compare Against Other Physician Specialties?
- How Much Will Dentists Make in 2024?
Looking for dentist jobs? Check out our open dentist assignments nationwide.
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How Much Do Dentists Make?
The average annual dentist salary is $172,290 per year in the U.S., according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. Additionally. The BLS predicts a 4% increase in the job outlook for dentists over the next decade, making this a fast growing profession compared to the national average.
How Much Do Locum Tenens Dentists Make?
Locum tenens dentists can make upwards of $111 per hour on average, however, there are many factors that impact rates including location, years of experience, and the level of demand.
If you were to extrapolate that rate over a year (at 40 hours per week), the average locum salary comes out to around $230,880.
That means locum tenens dentists can make up to 34% more than the average provider. However, making direct salary comparisons can be complicated. Perm dentists are more likely to be salaried, however locum tenens dentists are independent contractors earning an hourly rate, which can vary based on which assignments they take in a year.
Because locum tenens dentists are paid by the hour, the hours they work are directly reflected in their pay. A salaried dentist additional hours may not be reflected in their salary.
Dentist Salary by State
The most recent state breakdown of dentist salaries comes from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. The BLS was not able to collect enough data for all 50 states, however the top 5 highest paying states for dentists salary include:
- Delaware (Dentist Salary of $186,690- $206,270)
- Rhode Island (Dentist Salary of $186,690- $206,270)
- North Carolina (Dentist Salary of $186,690- $206,270)
- New Hampshire (Dentist Salary of $186,690- $206,270)
- Arkansas (Dentist Salary of $186,690- $206,270)
How Do Dentists' Salaries Compare Against Other Specialties?
Dentists are among the top earners of healthcare practitioners, falling second to general physicians and surgeons according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The other top five occupations (physicians and surgeons, podiatrists, pharmacists, and medical dosimetrist) all reported annual income of greater than $128,000.
How Much Will Dentists Make in 2024?
Overall, most physicians can expect to increase their compensation in 2024. According to the Medscape 2023 Physician Compensation Overview, physician salaries have increased 17% since 2018. Based on this data, dentists can expect to make roughly $178,148, about a 3.4% increase in salary each year.
Explore Our Open Dentist Jobs
Job DetailsAssignment Duration: 15 daysSchedule: 8 hours for 1 day per week, starting immediatelyResponsibilities:• Provide emergency dental care• Perform extractions and temporary fillingsRequirements:• Experience with emergency dental procedures• Ability to start immediatelyApply today to learn more!Benefits:Strong compensationTravel-related expenses coveredA-rated medical malpractice insurance providedDedicated recruiter for future travel opportunitiesWhat are Locum Tenens Jobs?Locum tenens jobs... View This Job
Job DetailsAssignment Duration: 80 daysSchedule: Monday to Thursday 8am-5pm, starting in early DecemberResponsibilities:• Perform dental exams on older children• Conduct light procedures, primarily fillings• Assist with cleaningsAdditional Information:• Uncooperative children and sedation cases handled by clinic owner• Root canals are referred out• EMR system: EaglesoftApply today to learn more!Benefits:Strong compensationTravel-related expenses coveredA-rated medical malpractice insurance providedDedicated... View This Job
Job DetailsAssignment Duration: 20 days with possibility of extensionSchedule: Monday to Thursday 8am-5pm, starting immediatelyResponsibilities:• Perform new patient exams• Conduct extractions (including surgical)• Provide fillings• Perform crown and bridge procedures• Conduct root canalsRequirements:• Comfort with all listed procedures• Willingness to work on a military baseApply today to learn more!Benefits:Strong compensationTravel-related expenses coveredA-rated medical malpractice insurance providedDedicated recruiter... View This Job
Job DetailsAssignment Duration: 25 days with possibility of extensionSchedule: 3-4 hours weekly OR 6-8 hour shift biweeklyRequirements:• Comfortable with emergency dental procedures• Proficient in extractions and temporary fillings• Ability to start immediatelyAdditional Information:• No hygiene, endodontics, or implant procedures requiredApply today to learn more!Benefits:Strong compensationTravel-related expenses coveredA-rated medical malpractice insurance providedDedicated recruiter for future... View This Job
Find Your Next Dentist Job with Barton
Barton coordinates your job search from start to finish!
TALK WITH A REP
We’ll schedule a phone consultation with a Barton Associates team member to discuss your interests, goals, and work history in order to get a sense of what you’re looking for in your next job.
Your Barton team will then go to work, compiling a list of open jobs in our extensive network that match your interests and skill set.
REVIEW YOUR OPTIONS
Once you’ve had a chance to evaluate your list of opportunities, your Barton rep will submit your information to facility you want to take an assignment at.
If there’s a match, we’ll work with the client manager on next steps.
START YOUR JOB!
Don’t worry! Barton Associates will handle licensing, credentialing, and travel arrangements before you arrive.
Your Barton rep will also work with your new facility to ensure you’re set up and ready to go on day one.