Average Dentists, General Salary in Kentucky
General Dentists in Kentucky earn an average annual salary of $179,380, which is notably below the national average of $196,440. This disparity can often be attributed to regional economic factors, the specific demand for dental services within the state, and the overall cost of doing business for dental practices.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $179,380 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 39.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $269,070.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 910 General Dentists and a Location Quotient of 0.62, Kentucky presents a market with a slightly lower concentration of these professionals compared to the national average. While not indicating an oversaturated market, the lower LQ suggests that demand might be moderate, but the presence of nearly a thousand practitioners signifies a stable, established professional community.
Salary Overview
The average Dentists, General in Kentucky earns-8.7%below the national average.
$86.2
$3,450
$14,948
Dentists, General Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for General Dentists across the United States, including Kentucky, have experienced steady growth over the past four years. This trend is typically driven by increasing healthcare demands, advancements in dental technology, and the rising cost of education and practice overheads, which collectively push compensation upwards.
Dentists, General Salary Distribution in Kentucky
The career trajectory for General Dentists in Kentucky, as in most regions, involves significant salary progression from entry-level to senior positions. Early-career dentists typically earn at the lower percentiles, while those with extensive experience, specialized skills, and established patient bases command salaries in the upper percentiles. These percentile gaps are crucial indicators of career advancement and earning potential within the profession.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $68,280 | $32.8 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $134,535 | $64.7 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $135,550 | $65.2 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $224,225 | $107.8 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $269,070 | $129.4 |
Detailed Dentists, General Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$179,380
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$199,755
Adjusted for COL (89.8)
The average annual salary of $179,380 in Kentucky offers a strong purchasing power, especially when considered against the state's Cost of Living Index of 89.8, which is below the national average of 100. This means that the nominal income earned by dentists in Kentucky can translate into a higher real income and a better quality of life compared to areas with a higher cost of living, even with a slightly lower average salary.
Job Market Context
910
Total Jobs
0.456
Per 1K Jobs
0.62
Location Quotient
Kentucky has 0.62x the national average concentration of Dentists, General jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
Kentucky's Location Quotient of 0.62 for General Dentists indicates that the profession is less concentrated in the state compared to the national average. This suggests that while the market is not as densely populated with dentists as the nation overall, there is still a consistent presence of these professionals. It implies a balanced market where opportunities may exist without intense competition from an overabundance of practitioners.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Dentists, General
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lexington-Fayette, KY Dentists, General Salary | $179,130↓ 0% | 28 mi |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN Dentists, General Salary | $187,730↑ 5% | 72 mi |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN Dentists, General Salary | $215,480↑ 20% | 100 mi |
Comparing salaries near Kentucky
Hiring Dentists, Generals?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Dentists, General make in Kentucky?
The median annual salary for a Dentists, General in Kentucky is $179,380. This typically ranges from $68,280 for entry-level positions to $269,070 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Kentucky is 8.7% lower than the national median of $196,440.
Is Kentucky a lucrative place for Dentists, Generals?
Yes, with caveats.Kentucky offers a competitive salary of $179,380, which, combined with a cost of living below the national average, provides good financial standing. However, the salary is below the national average for the profession.
Is Kentucky a good place to live for Dentists, Generals?
With a Cost of Living Index of 89.8 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Kentucky?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lexington-Fayette, KY ($179,130) and Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN.
How does Kentucky's dentist salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for General Dentists in Kentucky is $179,380, which is lower than the national average of $196,440.
What is the concentration of dentists in Kentucky compared to the rest of the US?
Kentucky has a lower concentration of General Dentists, indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.62, meaning there are fewer dentists per capita relative to the national average.
How does the cost of living in Kentucky affect a dentist's salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 89.8, Kentucky is more affordable than the national average. This makes the $179,380 salary more valuable in terms of purchasing power.
What is the total number of General Dentists in Kentucky?
There are approximately 910 General Dentists employed in Kentucky.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 910 employees in the Kentucky area with a job density of 0.456 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Dentists, General • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Kentucky