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Average Dentists, General Salary in California

General Dentists in California earn an average annual salary of $184,350, which is slightly below the national average of $196,440. This figure reflects a complex interplay of factors, including the state's robust healthcare demand, high operational costs for practices, and the specialized skill set required for dental professionals.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $184,350 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $276,525.
  • Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 14,760 General Dentists and a Location Quotient of 1.11, California demonstrates a concentration of these professionals slightly above the national average. This indicates a healthy and active job market, suggesting consistent demand for dental services across the state, supporting a stable employment landscape for practitioners.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$184,350

The average Dentists, General in California earns-6.2%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$88.6

Weekly

$3,545

Monthly

$15,363

Dentists, General Salary Distribution in California

The salary progression for General Dentists in California typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries in the higher percentiles, often exceeding $200,000 annually. These percentile gaps clearly signify substantial career progression and earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience.10% (Entry)$97,280$46.8
Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures.25% (Junior)$138,263$66.5
Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification.50% (Median)$178,540$85.8
SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases.75% (Senior)$230,438$110.8
Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider.90% (Expert)$276,525$132.9

Detailed Dentists, General Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$184,350

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$133,105

Adjusted for COL (138.5)

While the nominal average salary of $184,350 in California is substantial, it must be considered within the context of a Cost of Living Index of 138.5. This means that everyday expenses, from housing to goods and services, are approximately 38.5% higher than the national average. Therefore, the purchasing power of a dentist's salary in California is somewhat diminished compared to areas with a lower cost of living.

Job Market Context

14,760

Total Jobs

0.818

Per 1K Jobs

1.11

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.11, California has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Dentists, General roles compared to the national norm.

The Location Quotient of 1.11 for General Dentists in California suggests that the concentration of these professionals is 11% higher than the national average. This indicates a slightly more competitive market, but also points to a strong demand for dental services within the state, ensuring ample opportunities for qualified practitioners to find employment.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Dentists, General

CitySalaryDist.
Hanford-Corcoran, CA Dentists, General Salary$225,810↑ 22%15 mi
Visalia, CA Dentists, General Salary$180,930↓ 2%25 mi
Fresno, CA Dentists, General Salary$201,430↑ 9%46 mi
Bakersfield-Delano, CA Dentists, General Salary$166,320↓ 10%64 mi
San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA Dentists, General Salary$213,470↑ 16%81 mi

Comparing salaries near California

Hiring Dentists, Generals?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Dentists, General make in California?

The median annual salary for a Dentists, General in California is $184,350. This typically ranges from $97,280 for entry-level positions to $276,525 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in California is 6.2% lower than the national median of $196,440.

Is California a lucrative place for Dentists, Generals?

Yes, but with caveats.California offers a high average salary for General Dentists, exceeding many other states. However, the significantly higher cost of living means that take-home pay and disposable income may not be as substantial as the nominal salary suggests.

Is California a good place to live for Dentists, Generals?

The Cost of Living Index in California is 138.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near California?

Some top paying nearby cities include Hanford-Corcoran, CA ($225,810) and Visalia, CA.

What is the average salary for a General Dentist in California?

The average annual salary for a General Dentist in California is $184,350.

How does California's dentist salary compare to the national average?

California's average salary of $184,350 is slightly lower than the national average of $196,440.

What is the Cost of Living Index in California?

California has a Cost of Living Index of 138.5, meaning it is 38.5% more expensive to live there than the national average.

Is there high demand for dentists in California?

With a Location Quotient of 1.11, California has a slightly higher concentration of dentists than the national average, indicating a robust and active job market with consistent demand.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 14,760 employees in the California area with a job density of 0.818 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Dentists, General • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in California