Find a Job You Really Want In
Dentists remain a vital profession across America, with practitioners working in every state, demonstrating an essential role in community health. The demand for dental services continues to grow, making it crucial for aspiring dentists to identify the best states for career opportunities and competitive salaries.
At Zippia, we analyzed data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to pinpoint the states where dentists can thrive. Factors such as job availability, salary levels, and overall career advancement opportunities were all taken into account to compile our list of top states for dentists.
After analyzing the data, we present to you the top states for dentists in America:
- Delaware
- South Carolina
- Wisconsin
- North Carolina
- New Hampshire
- Alaska
- Wyoming
- Kansas
- South Dakota
- North Dakota
Delaware ranks as the top state for dentists, providing an ideal environment for both established professionals and newcomers alike.
Curious about how we ranked these states? Here’s a breakdown of our research methodology for determining the best states for dentists (and future dentists) and our insights into the top ten states.
Methodology for Determining the Best States for Dentists
At Zippia, we engage with a variety of job seekers to understand what they prioritize when exploring career options. Our research indicates that two key factors stand out:
- Job Availability
- Compensation
To identify the best states for dentists, we analyzed where jobs are plentiful and how competitive salaries are across states. Our criteria included data sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Employment Statistics for 2025:
- Location Quotient – indicating the concentration of dentists in each state.
- Average Annual Salary.
- Average Entry-Level Salary.
- Average Salary for Experienced Professionals.
To ensure a fair comparison of salary data, we adjusted the figures according to the cost of living in each state. This adjustment allows us to highlight that while states like California may offer higher salaries, the purchasing power may be lower compared to states with lower living costs.
Each state was ranked on the aforementioned criteria, with the overall Job Score calculated as the average of these rankings. The state with the lowest score earned the title of the best state for dentists in America.
Now, let’s delve into what makes each of these states exceptional for dental professionals.
1. Delaware
Total Jobs: 330
Average Annual Salary: $227,160
Average Entry Level Salary: $110,190
Average Experienced Salary: Not available
Location Quotient: 1.04
2. South Carolina
Total Jobs: 1,670
Average Annual Salary: $195,350
Average Entry Level Salary: $81,900
Average Experienced Salary: Not available
Location Quotient: 1.19
3. Wisconsin
Total Jobs: 2,010
Average Annual Salary: $203,570
Average Entry Level Salary: $107,840
Average Experienced Salary: Not available
Location Quotient: 1.0
4. North Carolina
Total Jobs: 3,160
Average Annual Salary: $211,370
Average Entry Level Salary: $90,210
Average Experienced Salary: Not available
Location Quotient: 1.06
5. New Hampshire
Total Jobs: 430
Average Annual Salary: $217,790
Average Entry Level Salary: $124,550
Average Experienced Salary: Not available
Location Quotient: 0.94
6. Alaska
Total Jobs: 200
Average Annual Salary: $217,120
Average Entry Level Salary: $133,610
Average Experienced Salary: Not available
Location Quotient: 0.85
7. Wyoming
Total Jobs: 250
Average Annual Salary: $171,340
Average Entry Level Salary: $86,680
Average Experienced Salary: Not available
Location Quotient: 1.2
8. Kansas
Total Jobs: 950
Average Annual Salary: $182,340
Average Entry Level Salary: $96,130
Average Experienced Salary: Not available
Location Quotient: 0.96
9. South Dakota
Total Jobs: 340
Average Annual Salary: $153,880
Average Entry Level Salary: $88,190
Average Experienced Salary: Not available
Location Quotient: 1.12
10. North Dakota
Total Jobs: 240
Average Annual Salary: $214,450
Average Entry Level Salary: $93,450
Average Experienced Salary: Not available
Location Quotient: 0.74
Conclusion
For those embarking on a career as a dentist, these states represent the best opportunities for high pay, job availability, and professional growth. As the profession evolves, staying informed about regional opportunities is crucial for making strategic career decisions.
If you’re interested in the less favorable states for dentists, here are the bottom three:
Detailed List Of The Best States For Dentists
| Rank | State | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Delaware | $227,160 |
| 2 | South Carolina | $195,350 |
| 3 | Wisconsin | $203,570 |
| 4 | North Carolina | $211,370 |
| 5 | New Hampshire | $217,790 |
| 6 | Alaska | $217,120 |
| 7 | Wyoming | $171,340 |
| 8 | Kansas | $182,340 |
| 9 | South Dakota | $153,880 |
| 10 | North Dakota | $214,450 |
| 11 | Minnesota | $193,320 |
| 12 | Ohio | $191,270 |
| 13 | Oregon | $193,960 |
| 14 | Idaho | $191,140 |
| 15 | Montana | $147,250 |
| 16 | New York | $173,980 |
| 17 | Mississippi | $178,610 |
| 18 | Tennessee | $176,080 |
| 19 | Maine | $185,290 |
| 20 | Iowa | $185,270 |
| 21 | Michigan | $169,080 |
| 22 | Nevada | $195,360 |
| 23 | West Virginia | $163,610 |
| 24 | Oklahoma | $155,250 |
| 25 | Massachusetts | $179,390 |
| 26 | Missouri | $166,000 |
| 27 | Arkansas | $171,450 |
| 28 | New Mexico | $170,570 |
| 29 | Rhode Island | $180,220 |
| 30 | Colorado | $178,710 |
| 31 | Kentucky | $168,460 |
| 32 | Connecticut | $188,580 |
| 33 | Georgia | $177,540 |
| 34 | Vermont | $180,970 |
| 35 | Texas | $171,870 |
| 36 | Hawaii | $154,880 |
| 37 | Washington | $182,990 |
| 38 | Arizona | $155,940 |
| 39 | Florida | $170,270 |
| 40 | New Jersey | $166,700 |
| 41 | California | $170,490 |
| 42 | Maryland | $158,310 |
| 43 | Virginia | $156,040 |
| 44 | Alabama | $174,870 |
| 45 | Utah | $121,340 |
| 46 | Indiana | $146,760 |
| 47 | Pennsylvania | $150,620 |
| 48 | Nebraska | $153,460 |
| 49 | Illinois | $149,400 |
| 50 | Louisiana | $139,080 |
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
