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Dentist Salary in State College, PA

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

Median Salary
$165,786
per year in State College
Entry Level
$96,035
Starting salary
Senior Level
$237,559
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
102
2% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$96,035$165,786$237,559
Monthly$8,003$13,816$19,797
Biweekly$3,694$6,376$9,137
Weekly$1,847$3,188$4,568
Hourly$46$80$114

State College vs National Average

How State College's dentist salaries compare to national figures.

State College Salary
$165,786
COL Index: 102
National Average
$171,090
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$5,304
Lower in State College

Cost of Living in State College

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,150
per month
Median Income
$38,920
per year
Population
42,034
residents
Rent % of Income
35.5%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 102 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in State College 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
-3%
Los Angeles, CA
$176,200
+6%
Chicago, IL
$175,140
+6%
Houston, TX
$170,170
+3%
Phoenix, AZ
$211,260
+27%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Dentist Salary in State College, PA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a dentist in State College, PA is $165,786 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 102. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering State College's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level dentist professionals in State College can expect to earn around $96,035 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level dentists earning approximately $237,559 per year. This represents a 147% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

State College's cost of living index of 102 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in State College 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 State College typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,150 per month, housing represents about 8.3% 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 State College, 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.