How does a Dentist's salary in Phoenix compare to the rest of Arizona?

Phoenix's cost of living index is 106 vs. the national average of 100, so salaries are adjusted upward accordingly. A Dentist earning the city-adjusted median of $186,041 earns $118,441 more than the median household income in Phoenix ($67,600).

Dentist Salary in Phoenix, AZ — 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Phoenix's cost of living (index: 106). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Dentist Salary in Phoenix — Key Numbers

$186,041

Median Salary

$122,398

25th Percentile

$253,372

75th Percentile

$318,000

90th Percentile

National median (Dentist)$175,510

vs. National median+6.0%

Phoenix median household income$67,600

vs. City household income+175.2%

Cost of Living in Phoenix

Cost of Living Index

106(100 = avg)

Median Monthly Rent$1,150/mo

Rent-to-Income Ratio7.4%

Annual rent cost$13,800

Median Home Price$420,000

Home Price / Salary2.3×

20% Down Payment$84,000

Years to save (20% rate)2.3 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 Phoenix

3.7%

Unemployment Rate

5,130,000

Metro Population

26 min

Avg Commute

33.8

Median Age

Phoenix has a metro population of 5,130,000, offering a large, diverse job market with many employers across all industries. The 3.7% unemployment rate is below the national average, suggesting a tight labor market favorable to job seekers.

Financial Calculators for Phoenix

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Cost of Living — Phoenix

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Dentist Salary in Arizona

Statewide salary breakdown

Other Professions in Phoenix

Physician$243,058 Chief Executive Officer$222,600 IT Manager$179,681 Marketing Manager$167,077 Lawyer$154,506 HR Manager$144,531

Dentist Salary — Other Arizona Cities

Tucson, AZ$159,714

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Dentist make in Phoenix, AZ?

The estimated median salary for a Dentist in Phoenix is $186,041 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $175,510 adjusted by Phoenix's cost of living index (106). The typical salary range runs from $122,398 (25th percentile) to $253,372 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $318,000.

Is Phoenix affordable for a Dentist?

On a $186,041 annual salary, a Dentist in Phoenix would spend approximately 7.4% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,150/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Phoenix relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $420,000 is 2.3× the annual salary.

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

Phoenix's median household income is $67,600. A Dentist earning the city-adjusted median of $186,041 earns 175.2% more than the typical Phoenix household — placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

Explore More Salary Data

Dentist — National Dentist in Arizona 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.