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Dentist Salary in Sacramento, CA β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Sacramento's cost of living (index: 126). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Dentist Salary in Sacramento β€” Key Numbers

$221,143
Median Salary
$145,492
25th Percentile
$301,178
75th Percentile
$378,000
90th Percentile
National median (Dentist)$175,510
vs. National median+26.0%
Sacramento median household income$78,600
vs. City household income+181.4%

Cost of Living in Sacramento

Cost of Living Index
126(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,450/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio7.9%
Annual rent cost$17,400
Median Home Price$480,000
Home Price / Salary2.2Γ—
20% Down Payment$96,000
Years to save (20% rate)2.2 yrs

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

Job Market in Sacramento

4.7%
Unemployment Rate
2,380,000
Metro Population
28 min
Avg Commute
36.9
Median Age

Sacramento has a metro population of 2,380,000, offering a large, diverse job market with many employers across all industries. The 4.7% unemployment rate is near the national average.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Dentist make in Sacramento, CA?

The estimated median salary for a Dentist in Sacramento is $221,143 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $175,510 adjusted by Sacramento's cost of living index (126). The typical salary range runs from $145,492 (25th percentile) to $301,178 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $378,000.

Is Sacramento affordable for a Dentist?

On a $221,143 annual salary, a Dentist in Sacramento would spend approximately 7.9% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,450/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Sacramento relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $480,000 is 2.2Γ— the annual salary.

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

Sacramento's median household income is $78,600. A Dentist earning the city-adjusted median of $221,143 earns 181.4% more than the typical Sacramento household β€” placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

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.