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Average Orthodontists Salary in California

Orthodontists in California earn an average annual salary of $193,160, which is notably lower than the national average of $254,710. This disparity is often influenced by a complex interplay of factors including the state's unique regulatory environment, the concentration of dental schools, and the specific demand dynamics within its major metropolitan areas.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $193,160 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 2.3% ↘ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $289,740.
  • Outlook: With a total local workforce of 670 Orthodontists, California presents a substantial, albeit concentrated, market. The Location Quotient of 1.1 indicates a slightly higher concentration of Orthodontists relative to the national average, suggesting a stable demand that aligns with the number of professionals practicing in the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$193,160

The average Orthodontists in California earns-24.2%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$92.9

Weekly

$3,715

Monthly

$16,097

Orthodontists Salary Distribution in California

Salary progression for Orthodontists in California typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with extensive clinical experience and a strong patient base can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior salaries reflects the value placed on accumulated expertise and a proven track record in the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience.10% (Entry)$91,370$43.9
Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures.25% (Junior)$144,870$69.6
Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification.50% (Median)$101,420$48.8
SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases.75% (Senior)$241,450$116.1
Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider.90% (Expert)$289,740$139.3

Detailed Orthodontists Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$193,160

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$139,466

Adjusted for COL (138.5)

The average Orthodontist salary of $193,160 in California must be viewed in the context of its high Cost of Living Index of 138.5. This means that while the nominal salary appears substantial, the purchasing power is reduced due to the elevated costs of housing, goods, and services, making it essential for professionals to carefully consider their financial planning when relocating.

Job Market Context

670

Total Jobs

0.037

Per 1K Jobs

1.1

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.10, California has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Orthodontists roles compared to the national norm.

A Location Quotient of 1.1 for Orthodontists in California signifies a job market that is only slightly more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a competitive environment where the number of practitioners is proportionally a bit higher than elsewhere, but not overwhelmingly so, indicating a balanced market with opportunities for skilled professionals.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Orthodontistss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Orthodontists make in California?

The median annual salary for a Orthodontists in California is $193,160. This typically ranges from $91,370 for entry-level positions to $289,740 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in California is 24.2% lower than the national median of $254,710.

Is California a lucrative place for Orthodontists?

Yes, but with caveats.California offers a high average salary of $193,160, but this is offset by a significantly higher cost of living, making its true financial attractiveness dependent on individual spending habits and location within the state.

Is California a good place to live for Orthodontists?

The Cost of Living Index in California is 138.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

How does California's Orthodontist salary compare to the national average?

Orthodontists in California earn an average of $193,160 annually, which is below the national average of $254,710.

What is the concentration of Orthodontists in California?

California has a Location Quotient of 1.1 for Orthodontists, indicating a slightly higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average.

How does the cost of living affect an Orthodontist's salary in California?

With a Cost of Living Index of 138.5, California is significantly more expensive than the national average, meaning the $193,160 salary has less purchasing power than it might in a lower-cost state.

What is the total number of Orthodontists in California?

There are approximately 670 Orthodontists practicing in California.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 670 employees in the California area with a job density of 0.037 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Orthodontists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in California