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Dentist Salary in Tucson, AZ β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Tucson's cost of living (index: 91). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Dentist Salary in Tucson β€” Key Numbers

$159,714
Median Salary
$105,078
25th Percentile
$217,517
75th Percentile
$273,000
90th Percentile
National median (Dentist)$175,510
vs. National median-9.0%
Tucson median household income$50,000
vs. City household income+219.4%

Cost of Living in Tucson

Cost of Living Index
91(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$868/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio6.5%
Annual rent cost$10,416
Median Home Price$295,000
Home Price / Salary1.8Γ—
20% Down Payment$59,000
Years to save (20% rate)1.8 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 Tucson

4.4%
Unemployment Rate
1,050,000
Metro Population
23 min
Avg Commute
34.5
Median Age

Tucson has a metro population of 1,050,000, offering a sizeable job market with strong opportunities across key sectors. The 4.4% unemployment rate is near the national average.

Dentist Salary β€” Other Arizona Cities

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Dentist make in Tucson, AZ?

The estimated median salary for a Dentist in Tucson is $159,714 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $175,510 adjusted by Tucson's cost of living index (91). The typical salary range runs from $105,078 (25th percentile) to $217,517 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $273,000.

Is Tucson affordable for a Dentist?

On a $159,714 annual salary, a Dentist in Tucson would spend approximately 6.5% of gross monthly income on median rent ($868/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Tucson relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $295,000 is 1.8Γ— the annual salary.

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

Tucson's median household income is $50,000. A Dentist earning the city-adjusted median of $159,714 earns 219.4% more than the typical Tucson 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.