Average Dentists, General Salary in West Virginia
General Dentists in West Virginia earn an average annual salary of $171,380, which is below the national average of $196,440. This disparity can be attributed to several factors, including the state's specific economic conditions and the demand for dental services within its population. Regional economic drivers and the overall cost of doing business often influence compensation levels for specialized professions.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $171,380 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 33.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $257,070.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 400 General Dentists and a Location Quotient of 0.77, the job market in West Virginia indicates a slightly lower concentration of these professionals compared to the national average. While not indicating a shortage, this suggests a stable, albeit not booming, demand for dental services within the state, offering consistent opportunities for practitioners.
Salary Overview
The average Dentists, General in West Virginia earns-12.8%below the national average.
$82.4
$3,296
$14,282
Dentists, General Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for General Dentists in West Virginia have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increasing demand for dental care, and advancements in dental technology likely contribute to a positive salary trajectory for the profession within the state.
Dentists, General Salary Distribution in West Virginia
Salary progression for General Dentists in West Virginia typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior salaries signifies clear career advancement opportunities and the value placed on accumulated expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $65,490 | $31.5 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $128,535 | $61.8 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $147,440 | $70.9 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $214,225 | $103 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $257,070 | $123.6 |
Detailed Dentists, General Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$171,380
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$193,650
Adjusted for COL (88.5)
The average annual salary of $171,380 in West Virginia presents a strong purchasing power, especially when contrasted with the state's Cost of Living Index of 88.5 (which is 11.5% lower than the national average). This means that the nominal salary earned by dentists in West Virginia can translate into a higher real income and improved quality of life compared to areas with a higher cost of living.
Job Market Context
400
Total Jobs
0.566
Per 1K Jobs
0.77
Location Quotient
West Virginia has 0.77x 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.
A Location Quotient of 0.77 suggests that General Dentists are slightly less concentrated in West Virginia than the national average. This indicates a potentially less saturated job market, which could translate to more opportunities for new dentists entering the field or for those looking to relocate. While not a high-demand indicator, it points to a steady presence of the profession within the state's healthcare landscape.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Dentists, General
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Charleston, WV Dentists, General Salary | $183,320↑ 7% | 38 mi |
| Beckley, WV Dentists, General Salary | $177,250↑ 3% | 50 mi |
| Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH Dentists, General Salary | $166,600↓ 3% | 80 mi |
| Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA Dentists, General Salary | $157,170↓ 8% | 92 mi |
Comparing salaries near West Virginia
Hiring Dentists, Generals?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Dentists, General make in West Virginia?
The median annual salary for a Dentists, General in West Virginia is $171,380. This typically ranges from $65,490 for entry-level positions to $257,070 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in West Virginia is 12.8% lower than the national median of $196,440.
Is West Virginia a lucrative place for Dentists, Generals?
Yes, with a caveat regarding the national average.While the average salary is below the national figure, West Virginia's lower cost of living significantly enhances the purchasing power of the $171,380 average salary, making it financially advantageous.
Is West Virginia a good place to live for Dentists, Generals?
With a Cost of Living Index of 88.5 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near West Virginia?
Some top paying nearby cities include Charleston, WV ($183,320) and Beckley, WV.
How does the cost of living affect dentist salaries in West Virginia?
West Virginia's cost of living is 11.5% lower than the national average. This means the $171,380 average salary for dentists provides a higher real income and greater purchasing power than the same salary would in a high-cost-of-living state.
What is the concentration of General Dentists in West Virginia compared to the nation?
The Location Quotient of 0.77 indicates that General Dentists are slightly less concentrated in West Virginia than the national average. This suggests a potentially less competitive market for dental professionals.
How many General Dentists are there in West Virginia?
There are approximately 400 General Dentists employed within West Virginia, representing 0.566 jobs per 1,000 workers in the state's total workforce.
Can experienced dentists earn more than the average in West Virginia?
Yes, experienced dentists in West Virginia can expect to earn significantly more than the average of $171,380. Salary typically increases with years of practice, specialization, and the development of a strong patient base.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 400 employees in the West Virginia area with a job density of 0.566 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Dentists, General Salaries by State
Top Jobs in West Virginia
- All Occupations Salary in West Virginia
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in West Virginia
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in West Virginia
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in West Virginia
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in West Virginia
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in West Virginia
- Construction and Extraction Occupations Salary in West Virginia
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in West Virginia
- Management Occupations Salary in West Virginia
- Healthcare Support Occupations Salary in West Virginia
- Browse All Jobs in West Virginia →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Dentists, General • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in West Virginia