Dentists, General Salary in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV

In the Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV area, dentists generally earn a median annual salary of $176,800, which is slightly higher than the national median of $172,790 for this occupation. This median income significantly surpasses the local area's median household income of $123,896, indicating that dentists in this region command substantially more earnings compared to the average household. The hourly equivalent for a dentist’s salary stands at approximately $85.00, reflecting the high value placed on dental professionals within this metropolitan area where employment is robust with an estimated 3,110 individuals holding positions as general dentists.

Salaries for entry-level versus experienced dentists in the region show notable differences, primarily driven by factors such as years of experience, specialization, and practice ownership. At the lower end of the pay scale, a dentist earning at the 10th percentile takes home around $99,990 annually, while those at the 25th percentile earn approximately $129,590. As experience grows, salaries increase substantially, with dentists at the 75th percentile earning up to $215,340 per year. This widening gap is attributed to increased expertise, higher demand for specialized services, and often a shift towards private practice or leadership roles within dental institutions, all of which contribute significantly to an experienced dentist’s ability to command higher compensation.