Dentist Salary in California
Dentists in California earn an average of $199,194 per year across 6 metro areas. This is +16.5% higher than the national average.
Average Salary
$199,194
per year
Hourly Rate
$95.77
per hour
vs National
+16.5%
$170,910 national
Salary Range
$129,998
to $294,821
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$199,194
Cost of Living Index
142
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$140,277
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for California's cost of living (above average), a Dentist's salary of $199,194 has the purchasing power of $140,277 in an average-cost area.
Dentist Salary by City in California
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $233,754 | $112.38/hr | $149,382 | $345,942 | 148 |
| San Francisco, CA | $233,712 | $112.36/hr | $151,397 | $345,457 | 144 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $190,314 | $91.50/hr | $123,630 | $282,993 | 183 |
| San Diego, CA | $187,296 | $90.05/hr | $126,511 | $275,584 | 123 |
| Sacramento, CA | $176,586 | $84.90/hr | $118,428 | $260,357 | 106 |
| Riverside, CA | $173,503 | $83.41/hr | $110,638 | $258,595 | 131 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
California vs National Average
Dentist Salary Comparison
Employment in California
There are approximately 835 Dentists employed across 6 metro areas in California.
Key Industries: Technology, Entertainment & Media, Agriculture
State Income Tax: 1% - 13.3%
Dentist Salary Range in California
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$129,998
Starting salary for new Dentists
Median (50th Percentile)
$199,194
Mid-career Dentist salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$294,821
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in California
Dentist Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Dentist salaries in California with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Dentist salary in California?
The average Dentist salary in California is $199,194 per year ($95.77/hour) based on 2026 data across 6 metro areas. This is 16.5% above the national average of $170,910.
What is the highest paying city for Dentists in California?
San Jose, CA is the highest paying city for Dentists in California, with a median salary of $233,754 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Riverside, CA at $173,503.
What is the salary range for Dentists in California?
Dentist salaries in California range from $129,998 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $294,821 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $199,194 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within California. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.