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Healthcare

Dentist Salary 2025

Dentists diagnose and treat teeth, gums, and related oral health conditions. Many dentists own private practices, making business deductions especially relevant.

$175,510
Median Salary
per year
$10,235
Monthly Take-Home
after taxes (est.)
107,000
Jobs in US
total employed
4.0%
Job Growth
10-year outlook

Salary Range (2025)

$115,470
25th %ile
$175,510
Median
$239,030
75th %ile
$300,000
90th %ile

Take-Home Pay at Median Salary

Single filer, standard deduction, 2025 rates, ~4.5% avg state income tax

Gross Annual Salary$175,510
Federal Income Tax-$31,371
FICA (SS + Medicare)-$13,427
Est. State Income Tax (avg)-$7,898
Estimated Take-Home (Annual)$122,814
Estimated Take-Home (Monthly)$10,235

* This is an estimate. Your actual take-home depends on your state, filing status, pre-tax contributions (401k, HSA), and other factors.

How to Maximize Your Take-Home Pay as a Dentist

  • βœ“
    Dental equipment and supplies
  • βœ“
    Practice overhead expenses
  • βœ“
    Malpractice insurance
  • βœ“
    Continuing dental education
  • βœ“
    Business vehicle expenses
  • βœ“Maximize pre-tax retirement contributions β€” each $1 in your 401(k) reduces your taxable income by $1
  • βœ“Consider a Health Savings Account (HSA) if you have a high-deductible health plan β€” triple tax advantage

Career Information

Typical Education
Doctoral or professional degree (DDS/DMD)
10-Year Job Growth
4.0% (Average)
Total Employed (US)
107,000
Category
Healthcare

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Dentist make per year?

The national median salary for a Dentist is $175,510 per year as of 2025, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS). Entry-level positions typically start lower, while experienced professionals in high-cost metros can earn significantly more. The 10th–90th percentile range is approximately $96,531–$289,592.

What is the take-home pay for a Dentist?

On a $175,510 gross salary, a single filer typically takes home approximately $126,367–$133,388 per year after federal income tax and FICA taxes (Social Security + Medicare). State taxes vary by location β€” use the state-specific pages to get exact figures.

Which states pay Dentists the most?

Geographic pay differentials exist in every profession. Coastal metros (New York, San Francisco, Seattle, Boston) tend to offer higher nominal salaries, though cost of living offsets some of that advantage. No-income-tax states like Texas, Florida, and Nevada effectively provide higher take-home pay on the same gross salary.

How accurate is this salary data?

Salary figures are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS data, which surveys over 1.1 million establishments. National median figures are updated annually. Tax calculations use 2025 IRS tax brackets and standard deductions. Results reflect median national salaries; actual pay varies by employer, experience, and location.

Salary data sourced from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024 release. Tax calculations use 2025 IRS federal brackets and state tax rates. Last updated: March 2025.