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Dentist Salary in Des Moines, IA

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

Median Salary
$136,085
per year in Des Moines
Entry Level
$78,830
Starting salary
Senior Level
$194,999
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
97
3% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$78,830$136,085$194,999
Monthly$6,569$11,340$16,250
Biweekly$3,032$5,234$7,500
Weekly$1,516$2,617$3,750
Hourly$38$65$94

Des Moines vs National Average

How Des Moines's dentist salaries compare to national figures.

Des Moines Salary
$136,085
COL Index: 97
National Average
$171,090
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$35,005
Lower in Des Moines

Cost of Living in Des Moines

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,300
per month
Median Income
$55,234
per year
Population
210,330
residents
Rent % of Income
28.2%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 97 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Des Moines 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
+18%
Los Angeles, CA
$176,200
+29%
Chicago, IL
$175,140
+29%
Houston, TX
$170,170
+25%
Phoenix, AZ
$211,260
+55%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Dentist Salary in Des Moines, IA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a dentist in Des Moines, IA is $136,085 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 97. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Des Moines's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level dentist professionals in Des Moines can expect to earn around $78,830 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level dentists earning approximately $194,999 per year. This represents a 147% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Des Moines's cost of living index of 97 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Des Moines 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 Des Moines typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,300 per month, housing represents about 11.5% 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 Des Moines, 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.