How does a Dentist's salary in Columbus compare to the rest of Ohio?

Columbus's cost of living index is 90 vs. the national average of 100, so salaries are adjusted downward accordingly. A Dentist earning the city-adjusted median of $157,959 earns $93,359 more than the median household income in Columbus ($64,600).

Dentist Salary in Columbus, OH — 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Columbus's cost of living (index: 90). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Dentist Salary in Columbus — Key Numbers

$157,959

Median Salary

$103,923

25th Percentile

$215,127

75th Percentile

$270,000

90th Percentile

National median (Dentist)$175,510

vs. National median-10.0%

Columbus median household income$64,600

vs. City household income+144.5%

Cost of Living in Columbus

Cost of Living Index

90(100 = avg)

Median Monthly Rent$1,199/mo

Rent-to-Income Ratio9.1%

Annual rent cost$14,388

Median Home Price$265,000

Home Price / Salary1.7×

20% Down Payment$53,000

Years to save (20% rate)1.7 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3× is affordable; above 5× is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Columbus

3.8%

Unemployment Rate

2,150,000

Metro Population

23 min

Avg Commute

33.2

Median Age

Columbus has a metro population of 2,150,000, offering a large, diverse job market with many employers across all industries. The 3.8% unemployment rate is below the national average, suggesting a tight labor market favorable to job seekers.

Financial Calculators for Columbus

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Cost of Living — Columbus

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Dentist Salary in Ohio

Statewide salary breakdown

Other Professions in Columbus

Physician$206,370 Chief Executive Officer$189,000 IT Manager$152,559 Marketing Manager$141,858 Lawyer$131,184 HR Manager$122,715

Dentist Salary — Other Ohio Cities

Cleveland, OH$149,184 Cincinnati, OH$159,714 Dayton, OH$145,673 Akron, OH$145,673 Toledo, OH$140,408

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Dentist make in Columbus, OH?

The estimated median salary for a Dentist in Columbus is $157,959 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $175,510 adjusted by Columbus's cost of living index (90). The typical salary range runs from $103,923 (25th percentile) to $215,127 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $270,000.

Is Columbus affordable for a Dentist?

On a $157,959 annual salary, a Dentist in Columbus would spend approximately 9.1% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,199/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Columbus relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $265,000 is 1.7× the annual salary.

How does a Dentist's salary compare to Columbus's overall income?

Columbus's median household income is $64,600. A Dentist earning the city-adjusted median of $157,959 earns 144.5% more than the typical Columbus household — placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

Explore More Salary Data

Dentist — National Dentist in Ohio All Salary Guides

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.