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Dentist Salary in Houston, TX

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

Median Salary
$170,170
per year in Houston
Entry Level
$98,574
Starting salary
Senior Level
$243,841
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
99
1% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$98,574$170,170$243,841
Monthly$8,215$14,181$20,320
Biweekly$3,791$6,545$9,379
Weekly$1,896$3,273$4,689
Hourly$47$82$117

Houston vs National Average

How Houston's dentist salaries compare to national figures.

Houston Salary
$170,170
COL Index: 99
National Average
$171,090
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$920
Lower in Houston

Cost of Living in Houston

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,400
per month
Median Income
$56,203
per year
Population
2,320,268
residents
Rent % of Income
29.9%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 99 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Houston 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
-6%
Los Angeles, CA
$176,200
+4%
Chicago, IL
$175,140
+3%
Phoenix, AZ
$211,260
+24%
Philadelphia, PA
$174,220
+2%

Financial Tools to Explore

Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a dentist salary in Houston.

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Rent vs Buy Calculator

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Dentist Salary in Houston, TX — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a dentist in Houston, TX is $170,170 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 99. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Houston's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level dentist professionals in Houston can expect to earn around $98,574 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level dentists earning approximately $243,841 per year. This represents a 147% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Houston's cost of living index of 99 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Houston 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 Houston typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,400 per month, housing represents about 9.9% 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 Houston, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024Metro-level wage data for this occupation and area
Data source: Salary data on this page are sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program May 2024 estimates. 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.