Average Dentists, General Salary in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
The average salary for a Dentists, General in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is $193,510. This compensation is in line with national standards, reflecting a balanced and stable local job market.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $193,510 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 3.4% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $290,265.
- Outlook: This role remains a specialized component of the broader Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA economy.
Salary Overview
The average Dentists, General in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA earns-1.5%below the national average.
$93
$3,721
$16,126
Dentists, General Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Dentists, General salaries in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA have seen a slight adjustment of -3.4%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Dentists, General Salary Distribution in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
The earning potential for Dentists, Generals in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA varies significantly by experience level. There is a substantial income gap, with top earners (90th percentile) making over 2.7x the starting salary. This indicates strong career progression opportunities. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $105,720, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $290,265.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $105,720 | $50.8 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $145,133 | $69.8 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $202,520 | $97.4 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $241,888 | $116.3 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $290,265 | $139.6 |
Detailed Dentists, General Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$193,510
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$193,510
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $193,510 to $193,510.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Dentists, General
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA Dentists, General Salary | $187,320↓ 3% | 26 mi |
| Salinas, CA Dentists, General Salary | $187,550↓ 3% | 30 mi |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA Dentists, General Salary | $227,090↑ 17% | 58 mi |
| Modesto, CA Dentists, General Salary | $186,590↓ 4% | 73 mi |
| Vallejo, CA Dentists, General Salary | $193,240↓ 0% | 79 mi |
Comparing salaries near Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
Hiring Dentists, Generals?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Dentists, General make in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA?
The median annual salary for a Dentists, General in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is $193,510. This typically ranges from $105,720 for entry-level positions to $290,265 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is 1.5% lower than the national median of $196,440.
Is Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA a good place for Dentists, Generals?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Dentists, General salary in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is $193,510 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA a good place to live for Dentists, Generals?
The Cost of Living Index in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($187,320) and Salinas, CA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes employees in the Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA area with a job density of 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 Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA