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Dentist Salary in Bellingham, WA

How much does a dentist make in Bellingham? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Bellingham's cost of living.

Median Salary
$243,358
per year in Bellingham
Entry Level
$140,970
Starting salary
Senior Level
$348,714
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
127
27% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how dentist salaries break down across different pay periods in Bellingham.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$140,970$243,358$348,714
Monthly$11,748$20,280$29,060
Biweekly$5,422$9,360$13,412
Weekly$2,711$4,680$6,706
Hourly$68$117$168

Bellingham vs National Average

How Bellingham's dentist salaries compare to national figures.

Bellingham Salary
$243,358
COL Index: 127
National Average
$171,090
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$72,268
Higher in Bellingham

Cost of Living in Bellingham

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,800
per month
Median Income
$59,234
per year
Population
92,061
residents
Rent % of Income
36.5%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 127 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Bellingham have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Dentist

Overview

Diagnose and treat teeth and gum diseases and perform dental procedures.

Education

Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD)

Key Skills

Dental ProceduresPatient CareClinical SkillsSterilization Protocols

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +14% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Dentist Salary

See Dentist salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$159,990
-34%
Los Angeles, CA
$176,200
-28%
Chicago, IL
$175,140
-28%
Houston, TX
$170,170
-30%
Phoenix, AZ
$211,260
-13%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Dentist Salary in Bellingham, WA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a dentist in Bellingham, WA is $243,358 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 127. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Bellingham's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level dentist professionals in Bellingham can expect to earn around $140,970 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level dentists earning approximately $348,714 per year. This represents a 147% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Bellingham's cost of living index of 127 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Bellingham are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $171,090, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a dentist's salary in Bellingham typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,800 per month, housing represents about 8.9% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Dentists are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 14% over the next decade. In Bellingham, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.