Average Dentists, General Salary in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
The average salary for Dentists, Generals in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA is $160,760. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power. Notably, Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA is a key hub for this profession, with a job concentration 1.25x higher than average.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $160,760 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 9.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $241,140.
- Outlook: The current demand for Dentists, Generals is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 190 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA economy.
Salary Overview
The average Dentists, General in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA earns-18.2%below the national average.
$77.3
$3,092
$13,397
Dentists, General Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Dentists, General salaries in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA have remained stable with a modest increase of 9.5%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Dentists, General Salary Distribution in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
The earning potential for Dentists, Generals in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $121,020, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $241,140.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $121,020 | $58.2 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $120,570 | $58 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $124,450 | $59.8 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $200,950 | $96.6 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $241,140 | $115.9 |
Detailed Dentists, General Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$160,760
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$160,760
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $160,760 to $160,760.
Job Market Context
190
Total Jobs
0.923
Per 1K Jobs
1.25
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.25, Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Dentists, General roles compared to the national norm.
190 people work as Dentists, General in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA.
Only 0.923 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Dentists, General roles — this is a niche profession in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Dentists, General
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA Dentists, General Salary | $213,470↑ 33% | 26 mi |
| Bakersfield-Delano, CA Dentists, General Salary | $166,320↑ 3% | 85 mi |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA Dentists, General Salary | $184,090↑ 15% | 88 mi |
| North Coast Region of California nonmetropolitan area Dentists, General Salary | $183,210↑ 14% | 92 mi |
| North Valley-Northern Mountains Region of California nonmetropolitan area Dentists, General Salary | $226,630↑ 41% | 92 mi |
Comparing salaries near Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
Hiring Dentists, Generals?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Dentists, General make in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA?
The median annual salary for a Dentists, General in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA is $160,760. This typically ranges from $121,020 for entry-level positions to $241,140 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA is 18.2% lower than the national median of $196,440.
Is Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA a good place for Dentists, Generals?
Yes, Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA is highly recommended due to strong job demand. While salaries are competitive ($160,760), the area is particularly notable for its high job density for Dentists, Generals. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA a good place to live for Dentists, Generals?
The Cost of Living Index in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA ($213,470) and Bakersfield-Delano, CA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 190 employees in the Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA area with a job density of 0.923 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 Maria-Santa Barbara, CA