Average Dentists, General Salary in Montana
General Dentists in Montana earn an average annual salary of $180,630, which is slightly below the national average of $196,440. This differential can be attributed to a variety of localized economic factors, including the specific demand within the state and the overall cost of doing business for dental practices in Montana.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $180,630 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 5.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $270,945.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 480 General Dentists, Montana presents a stable, albeit niche, employment landscape for these professionals. The location quotient of 1.27 indicates a higher concentration of dentists in Montana compared to the national average, suggesting a robust and established presence within the state's healthcare sector.
Salary Overview
The average Dentists, General in Montana earns-8.0%below the national average.
$86.8
$3,474
$15,053
Dentists, General Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for General Dentists in Montana have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing healthcare demand, inflation, and advancements in dental technology likely contribute to upward pressure on compensation.
Dentists, General Salary Distribution in Montana
Salary progression for General Dentists in Montana typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with extensive clinical experience and specialized skills can command salaries in the higher percentiles, reflecting their expertise and value to practices.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $108,890 | $52.4 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $135,473 | $65.1 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $159,480 | $76.7 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $225,788 | $108.6 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $270,945 | $130.3 |
Detailed Dentists, General Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$180,630
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$168,971
Adjusted for COL (106.9)
The average annual salary of $180,630 in Montana, when compared to a Cost of Living Index of 106.9 (meaning it's 6.9% higher than the national average), suggests that the purchasing power of a dentist's income is slightly diminished locally. While the nominal salary is substantial, the higher cost of living means that take-home pay may not stretch as far as in more affordable regions.
Job Market Context
480
Total Jobs
0.936
Per 1K Jobs
1.27
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.27, Montana has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Dentists, General roles compared to the national norm.
Montana's location quotient of 1.27 signifies a notable concentration of General Dentists relative to the national average. This suggests that the job market may be moderately competitive, with a solid demand for dental services that supports a slightly larger professional base than typically found elsewhere.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Dentists, General
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Great Falls, MT Dentists, General Salary | $160,640↓ 11% | 56 mi |
| Helena, MT Dentists, General Salary | $171,970↓ 5% | 77 mi |
| Bozeman, MT Dentists, General Salary | $183,060↑ 1% | 90 mi |
Comparing salaries near Montana
Hiring Dentists, Generals?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Dentists, General make in Montana?
The median annual salary for a Dentists, General in Montana is $180,630. This typically ranges from $108,890 for entry-level positions to $270,945 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Montana is 8.0% lower than the national median of $196,440.
Is Montana a lucrative place for Dentists, Generals?
Yes, with caveats.Montana offers a strong average salary of $180,630, exceeding many other professions, though slightly below the national average for dentists. The higher cost of living requires careful financial planning to maximize earning potential.
Is Montana a good place to live for Dentists, Generals?
The Cost of Living Index in Montana is 106.9. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Montana?
Some top paying nearby cities include Great Falls, MT ($160,640) and Helena, MT.
How does Montana's dentist concentration compare nationally?
Montana has a higher concentration of General Dentists than the national average, indicated by a location quotient of 1.27.
What is the average number of dentists per 1,000 workers in Montana?
In Montana, there are approximately 0.936 General Dentists per 1,000 workers.
How does the cost of living in Montana affect a dentist's salary?
With a cost of living index of 106.9, Montana is 6.9% more expensive than the national average, meaning the $180,630 salary has slightly less purchasing power locally.
Is the job market for dentists growing in Montana?
The stable workforce size and location quotient suggest a consistent demand for dentists, indicating a robust job market, though specific growth rates would require further data.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 480 employees in the Montana area with a job density of 0.936 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 Montana