Average Dentists, General Salary in Columbia, SC
General Dentists in Columbia, SC, command an impressive average annual salary of $250,330, significantly exceeding the national average of $196,440. This elevated compensation is likely driven by a combination of local demand, the specialized nature of dental care, and potentially a competitive market for skilled professionals within the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $250,330 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 91.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $375,495.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 570 General Dentists and a Location Quotient of 2, Columbia, SC, demonstrates a robust demand for dental professionals. A Location Quotient above 1.0 indicates a higher concentration of these jobs locally compared to the national average, suggesting a strong and potentially growing job market for dentists in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Dentists, General in Columbia, SC earns+27.4%above the national average.
$120.4
$4,814
$20,861
Dentists, General Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for General Dentists in Columbia, SC, have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing healthcare needs, advancements in dental technology, and inflation typically contribute to a steady upward trajectory in compensation for this vital profession.
Dentists, General Salary Distribution in Columbia, SC
Salary progression for General Dentists in Columbia, SC, typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior-level salaries signifies substantial career growth opportunities and the value placed on accumulated expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $101,880 | $49 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $187,748 | $90.3 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $198,310 | $95.3 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $312,913 | $150.4 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $375,495 | $180.5 |
Detailed Dentists, General Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$250,330
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$250,330
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $250,330 in Columbia, SC, aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living, indicated by an index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a dentist's income in Columbia is equivalent to the national average, making it a financially stable and attractive location without the burden of significantly higher living expenses.
Job Market Context
570
Total Jobs
1.473
Per 1K Jobs
2
Location Quotient
Columbia, SC has 2.0x the national concentration of Dentists, General jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
A Location Quotient of 2 for General Dentists in Columbia, SC, signifies that the concentration of these professionals is double the national average. This suggests a highly competitive market where demand may be outstripping supply, or where the profession is a significant component of the local healthcare landscape, potentially leading to higher earning potential for qualified individuals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Dentists, General
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Dentists, General Salary | $157,350↓ 37% | 13 mi |
| Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Dentists, General Salary | $195,900↓ 22% | 13 mi |
| Sumter, SC Dentists, General Salary | $170,930↓ 32% | 30 mi |
| Florence, SC Dentists, General Salary | $185,610↓ 26% | 64 mi |
Comparing salaries near Columbia, SC
Hiring Dentists, Generals?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Dentists, General make in Columbia, SC?
The median annual salary for a Dentists, General in Columbia, SC is $250,330. This typically ranges from $101,880 for entry-level positions to $375,495 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Columbia, SC is 27.4% higher than the national median of $196,440.
Is Columbia, SC a lucrative place for Dentists, Generals?
Yes, Columbia, SC, offers a lucrative environment for General Dentists.The average salary of $250,330 significantly surpasses the national average, and the cost of living remains at the national benchmark, providing excellent earning potential.
Is Columbia, SC a good place to live for Dentists, Generals?
The Cost of Living Index in Columbia, SC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Columbia, SC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area ($157,350) and Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area.
How does the local dentist workforce compare to the national average?
Columbia, SC, has a higher concentration of General Dentists than the national average, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 2.
What is the job outlook for dentists in Columbia, SC?
The job outlook appears robust, with a significant local workforce and a concentration suggesting strong demand for dental services in the area.
Does the cost of living affect the value of a dentist's salary in Columbia, SC?
No, the cost of living in Columbia, SC, is exactly at the national average (index 100), meaning the high salary of $250,330 offers strong purchasing power.
How many dentists are employed per 1,000 workers in Columbia, SC?
There are approximately 1.473 General Dentists per 1,000 workers in Columbia, SC, which is higher than the national average.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 570 employees in the Columbia, SC area with a job density of 1.473 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Dentists, General Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Columbia, SC
- All Occupations Salary in Columbia, SC
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Columbia, SC
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Columbia, SC
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Columbia, SC
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Columbia, SC
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Columbia, SC
- Production Occupations Salary in Columbia, SC
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Columbia, SC
- Management Occupations Salary in Columbia, SC
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Columbia, SC
- Browse All Jobs in Columbia, SC →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Dentists, General • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Columbia, SC