Average Dentists, General Salary in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
General Dentists in the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA area earn an impressive average annual salary of $187,320. This figure is slightly below the national average of $196,440, but the local economic landscape and demand for specialized healthcare services often influence compensation in this region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $187,320 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 4.8% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $280,980.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,480 General Dentists and a Location Quotient of 1.77, the job market in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA, indicates a significant concentration of these professionals compared to the national average. This suggests a robust demand and a well-established professional community within the area.
Salary Overview
The average Dentists, General in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA earns-4.6%below the national average.
$90.1
$3,602
$15,610
Dentists, General Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for General Dentists in a high-demand area like San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA, have seen consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and the increasing need for dental care.
Dentists, General Salary Distribution in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
Salary progression for General Dentists typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start lower, but as professionals gain years of practice, develop specialized skills, and build a patient base, their earning potential increases significantly. The gap between entry-level and senior-level salaries reflects this career trajectory and the value placed on seasoned expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $110,570 | $53.2 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $140,490 | $67.5 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $181,230 | $87.1 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $234,150 | $112.6 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $280,980 | $135.1 |
Detailed Dentists, General Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$187,320
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$187,320
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $187,320 in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA, aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is substantial, the purchasing power of that income is comparable to the national average, suggesting that the high earnings are balanced by the local cost of living.
Job Market Context
1,480
Total Jobs
1.304
Per 1K Jobs
1.77
Location Quotient
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA has 1.8x 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 1.77 for General Dentists in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA, signifies that this profession is more than 77% more concentrated in this region than the national average. This indicates a strong presence and potentially high demand for dental services, making it a competitive yet opportunity-rich market for practitioners.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Dentists, General
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA Dentists, General Salary | $193,510↑ 3% | 26 mi |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA Dentists, General Salary | $227,090↑ 21% | 42 mi |
| Salinas, CA Dentists, General Salary | $187,550↑ 0% | 47 mi |
| Modesto, CA Dentists, General Salary | $186,590↓ 0% | 53 mi |
| Stockton-Lodi, CA Dentists, General Salary | $157,720↓ 16% | 54 mi |
Comparing salaries near San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
Hiring Dentists, Generals?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Dentists, General make in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA?
The median annual salary for a Dentists, General in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA is $187,320. This typically ranges from $110,570 for entry-level positions to $280,980 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA is 4.6% lower than the national median of $196,440.
Is San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA a lucrative place for Dentists, Generals?
Yes, with caveats.The average salary of $187,320 is substantial, and the high concentration of dentists (LQ 1.77) suggests strong market demand. However, the cost of living being at the national average means the high salary's purchasing power is standard.
Is San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA a good place to live for Dentists, Generals?
The Cost of Living Index in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA ($193,510) and San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA.
How does the San Jose dentist salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for General Dentists in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA, is $187,320, which is slightly lower than the national average of $196,440.
What is the concentration of dentists in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 1.77, meaning there are significantly more General Dentists per worker in this area compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the dentist salary in San Jose?
The Cost of Living Index in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA, is 100, which is the national average. This means the $187,320 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
How many general dentists are employed in the San Jose area?
There are approximately 1,480 General Dentists employed in the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,480 employees in the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA area with a job density of 1.304 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 San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA