Dentists, General Salary in Los Angeles, CA
BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
Compare Dentists, General salary & buying power
Type a city below to see how Los Angeles, CA stacks up on salary and cost of living.
In Los Angeles, CA, dentists in general practice earn a median annual salary of $176,200, which is slightly higher than the national median for this occupation at $172,790. This positions their earnings well above the local area's median household income of $93,525, reflecting the specialized skills and education required for the profession. The hourly rate for dentists in Los Angeles stands at $84.71, underscoring a lucrative compensation structure that is significantly greater than many other professions within the same locale.
Entry-level dentists in Los Angeles typically earn around $93,590 annually, which aligns closely with the 10th percentile of earnings, while those just beyond entry levels (25th percentile) see annual salaries of approximately $131,710. On the other end of the spectrum, more experienced dentists at the 75th and 90th percentiles earn significantly higher, with incomes reaching $207,990 and $209,750 respectively. This considerable disparity in earnings between entry-level and experienced professionals is primarily driven by factors such as years of experience, level of specialization, ownership of a practice, and geographical location within Los Angeles, which can impact both demand for services and the cost of living adjustments necessary to attract top talent.
Salary percentile breakdown
Los Angeles economic context
Frequently asked questions
How much do Dentists, General make per hour in Los Angeles?
The median hourly wage for Dentists, General in Los Angeles, CA is $84.71, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $105.47 or more per hour.
Is Los Angeles above or below average for Dentists, General salaries?
The median Dentists, General salary in Los Angeles, CA is 2% above the national median of $172,790. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.
What is the entry-level salary for Dentists, General in Los Angeles?
Entry-level Dentists, General (10th percentile) earn around $93,590 per year in Los Angeles, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $131,710.