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2026 Salary Data — Los Angeles, CA
Updated April 28, 2026

Dentist Salary in Los Angeles: $219K Median

Dentists in Los Angeles, CA earn between $166K and $365K per year.

That's +28% above the US national median of $170,910 for this role.

Quick Answer

As of April 2026, the median Dentist salary in Los Angeles, CA is $218,765 per year — +28% above the US national median of $170,910. Salaries range from $166,400 (entry, 25th percentile) to $364,800 (90th percentile). Dentists in Los Angeles earned approximately $33,146 in 2025, representing 560.0% year-over-year growth.

Median
$218,765
+560.0% YoY · $18,230/mo
Entry
$179,200
0–2 years
Experienced
$320,000
5+ years
Top 10%
$364,800
Senior/lead
Dentist Salary — Los Angeles vs Nearby
Los Angeles
$219K
San Diego
$202K
+8% vs Los Angeles
San Francisco
$265K
-17% vs Los Angeles
Fresno
$162K
+35% vs Los Angeles

Free ATS scan · Los Angeles employers · Results in 60 seconds

About Dentists in Los Angeles

Dentists diagnose and treat oral health conditions through preventive care, fillings, extractions, and specialty procedures.

Core Responsibilities

  • Patient examinations
  • Restorative procedures
  • Preventive care
  • Treatment planning
  • Practice management

Education & Certifications

Typical path: DDS or DMD (4-year doctoral program)

In-demand certifications

DDS or DMDState dental licenseDEA registrationCPR

Los Angeles Job Market

Entertainment capital with growing tech sector ("Silicon Beach") and major aerospace industry.

Population
3979K
Cost of Living
173
vs 100 US avg
Unemployment
5.1%
Median Home
$950K

Top Industries in Los Angeles

EntertainmentAerospaceTechHealthcareTourism

Top Employers Hiring Dentists

Major employers active in Los Angeles or hiring remotely from this metro.

Private practices (most)
Heartland Dental
Aspen Dental
Pacific Dental Services
Hospital systems

All major employers use ATS software.

Workday, Greenhouse, Taleo, and iCIMS auto-screen 75% of resumes before a human ever sees them. Scan your resume free to see your match rate.

2026 Hot Skills & Resume Keywords

Skills that command salary premiums and pass ATS keyword filters.

Hottest 2026 Skills

These appear in the highest-paying Dentist listings.

Digital dentistryCosmetic proceduresPractice managementCAD/CAM (CEREC)Implants

ATS Resume Keywords

Include these naturally throughout your resume.

DDSpatient carerestorative dentistrypreventive careCERECpractice management
Career Outlook
+4% Growth Projected (2024-2034)

Dentist roles growing 4%. Specialty dentists (orthodontists, oral surgeons) earning $300K+.

Dentist Salary Breakdown — Los Angeles

PeriodEntry (25th)Median (50th)Top (90th)
Annual$166,400$218,765$364,800
Monthly$13,867$18,230$30,400
Weekly$3,200$4,207$7,015
Hourly$80$105$175

Based on 2080 working hours/year. Local figures derived from BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics national median ($170,910) adjusted for Los Angeles's cost-of-living multiplier (1.28×, sourced from BEA Regional Price Parities).

Dentist Take-Home Pay in Los Angeles

After federal, state and FICA taxes — single filer, standard deduction.

Net Annual Take-Home
$150,246.833
Per month$12,521
Biweekly paycheck$5,779
Effective tax rate31.3%

Tax Breakdown on $218,765

Gross salary$218,765
Federal income tax−$42,395.8
California state tax−$12,032.075
FICA (Social Security + Medicare)−$14,090.293
Take-home (net)$150,246.833

Estimates assume single filer, standard deduction ($14,600 for 2026), no 401(k)/HSA/dependents. Actual take-home varies with deductions, dependents, and benefits elections. Not tax advice.

Dentist Salary by Experience — Los Angeles

Career-stage progression for Dentists in Los Angeles.

ExperienceAnnual Salary
0–1 yr$164,864
2–3 yr$179,200
4–6 yr$249,600
7–10 yr$320,000
11–15 yr$377,600
15+ yr$342,400

Curve derived from BLS percentile data adjusted for Los Angeles's 1.28× cost-of-living multiplier. Highlighted row = 7–10 year experienced level.

Year-Over-Year Trend

+560.0% vs 2025

2025 median:$33,146
2026 median:$218,765
Change:+$185,619

Healthcare sector growth driven by demand for Digital dentistry and Cosmetic procedures.

Is This A Good Salary?

Excellent

Adjusted for local cost of living, this salary delivers top-tier real purchasing power - well above what the same nominal pay would buy in most US metros. Strong savings, home-buying, and discretionary spending are all realistic.

COL-Adjusted Purchasing Power
$126,454
Difficult on the median - the nominal salary masks how little real purchasing power remains after rent, taxes, and basic costs.

How to Negotiate Your Dentist Salary in Los Angeles

Walk-away anchor: $198,877 (offers below this are below market for Los Angeles).

Leverage Points

  • Specialty certifications (CCRN, OCS, BCPS, FNP) command 8-15% premiums
  • Compact license / multi-state authority and willingness to float between units
  • Night, weekend, and holiday shift differentials add up to $10K-$25K annually
  • Critical-shortage specialties (ICU, ER, NICU, oncology) have the most leverage

Beyond Base Salary, Negotiate

Sign-on bonus ($10K-$30K, often $50K+ for hard-to-fill roles)Tuition reimbursement and certification stipendsLoan repayment programs (especially federal/HRSA-eligible)Shift differentials (nights +15%, weekends +10%)Relocation package and housing stipend

What To Say

"Given the current shortage in this specialty and my certifications, I'm looking for $X base plus shift differential and a sign-on bonus. What flexibility do you have on those line items?"

Anchor on $320K–$365K for experienced roles, citing Los Angeles market data and your specific Digital dentistry/Cosmetic procedures expertise.

Dentist Salary FAQ — Los Angeles

What is the average Dentist salary in Los Angeles, CA?
The average Dentist salary in Los Angeles is $218,765 per year as of April 2026 — $18,230/month, $4,207/week, or about $105/hour. Salaries range from $166,400 (entry, 25th percentile) up to $364,800 (experienced, 90th percentile). Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics adjusted for Los Angeles's cost-of-living multiplier (1.28×).
Is $218,765 a good Dentist salary in Los Angeles?
Excellent. Adjusted for local cost of living, this salary delivers top-tier real purchasing power - well above what the same nominal pay would buy in most US metros. Strong savings, home-buying, and discretionary spending are all realistic. Los Angeles's cost-of-living index is 173 (vs 100 nationally), giving $218,765 a real purchasing power of approximately $126,454 in national terms. Difficult on the median - the nominal salary masks how little real purchasing power remains after rent, taxes, and basic costs.
Can you live on $218,765 in Los Angeles?
Median pay is below HUD's low-income threshold for a family of four in some of these metros (notably San Francisco, where $104K qualifies as 'low income'). Raising a family on the median typically requires two earners, a long commute, or family help with housing. Spending 30% on rent is impossible at the median in this market - most workers spend 40-50% or take roommates well into their 30s. HUD classifies anything over 30% as 'cost-burdened' here. For Los Angeles specifically (median home price $950,000), a $218,765 salary supports a comfortable lifestyle.
Is $218,765 enough for a single person in Los Angeles?
A single adult in Los Angeles typically needs ~$77,850 for a comfortable lifestyle (housing, food, transport, healthcare, modest savings). A $218,765 salary is well above that threshold — a single person can live comfortably with significant savings room.
Is $218,765 enough for a couple in Los Angeles?
A couple (one earner) in Los Angeles typically needs ~$124,560 for a comfortable lifestyle. A $218,765 salary as the sole household income is sufficient — enabling moderate housing, savings, and discretionary spending. Two earners at $218,765 each ($437,530 household) provides solid middle-class comfort.
Is $218,765 enough for a family of 4 in Los Angeles?
A family of 4 (one earner) in Los Angeles typically needs ~$190,300 for a comfortable middle-class lifestyle (housing for 4, childcare/school, food, healthcare, transport, savings). A $218,765 salary as the sole household income is sufficient — a family of 4 can afford this metro on a single Dentist income with prudent budgeting. Childcare costs in Los Angeles typically run $26K-$48K per child per year.
What is the take-home pay for a Dentist in Los Angeles?
On a $218,765 Dentist salary in Los Angeles, CA, you take home approximately $150,246.833 per year ($12,521/month, $5,779 per biweekly paycheck) after taxes. Breakdown: federal $42,395.8, state $12,032.075, FICA $14,090.293. Effective tax rate: 31.3%. (Single filer, standard deduction, no other adjustments.)
How much do Dentists in Los Angeles earn compared to the US average?
Dentists in Los Angeles earn approximately 28% more than the US national median for this role ($170,910 nationally vs $218,765 in Los Angeles). However, Los Angeles's cost-of-living index of 173 means real purchasing power is approximately $126,454 when adjusted for local prices.
What does an entry-level Dentist earn in Los Angeles?
Entry-level Dentists in Los Angeles typically start at around $179,200 (0–2 years experience). With 5+ years, Dentists earn $320,000 or more. Top earners (90th percentile) reach $364,800+, typically at senior or lead levels with specialized skills.
Did Dentist salaries in Los Angeles increase in 2026?
Yes — Dentist salaries in Los Angeles grew approximately 560.0% year-over-year, from $33,146 in 2025 to $218,765 in 2026 (+$185,619). This reflects the broader Healthcare sector's compensation trend, driven by Digital dentistry and Cosmetic procedures demand.
What's the job outlook for Dentists in Los Angeles?
Dentist roles growing 4%. Specialty dentists (orthodontists, oral surgeons) earning $300K+. Los Angeles's top industries include Entertainment, Aerospace, Tech, and the metro's current unemployment rate is 5.1% — steady demand for skilled workers.
What skills are most in demand for Dentists in 2026?
The hottest 2026 skills for Dentists are: Digital dentistry, Cosmetic procedures, Practice management, CAD/CAM (CEREC), Implants. ATS systems specifically scan for these keywords. Adding them to your resume — naturally and in context — significantly improves your match rate with employers in Los Angeles.
Who are the top employers hiring Dentists in Los Angeles?
Top employers hiring Dentists in or near Los Angeles include: Private practices (most), Heartland Dental, Aspen Dental, Pacific Dental Services, Hospital systems. Most use ATS software (Workday, Greenhouse, Taleo, iCIMS) to screen resumes — meaning your resume must be ATS-optimized to even get a human reader.
How do I negotiate a higher Dentist salary in Los Angeles?
Given the current shortage in this specialty and my certifications, I'm looking for $X base plus shift differential and a sign-on bonus. What flexibility do you have on those line items? Key leverage points for Healthcare negotiations: Specialty certifications (CCRN, OCS, BCPS, FNP) command 8-15% premiums; Compact license / multi-state authority and willingness to float between units; Night, weekend, and holiday shift differentials add up to $10K-$25K annually. Beyond base salary, negotiate for: Sign-on bonus ($10K-$30K, often $50K+ for hard-to-fill roles), Tuition reimbursement and certification stipends, Loan repayment programs (especially federal/HRSA-eligible), Shift differentials (nights +15%, weekends +10%).
How can I increase my Dentist salary in Los Angeles?
Three highest-leverage moves: (1) Add 2026's hot skills (Digital dentistry, Cosmetic procedures, Practice management) — they command 15-30% premiums. (2) Get a recognized certification (e.g., DDS or DMD or State dental license). (3) Tailor your resume to each role's keywords — CVCraft's ATS scanner shows you exactly what's missing.
What education do I need to become a Dentist in Los Angeles?
DDS or DMD (4-year doctoral program) is the typical path. However, Los Angeles's competitive market increasingly values demonstrable skills, portfolios, and certifications alongside (or in place of) traditional degrees — particularly for Healthcare roles.

Methodology & Sources

Dentist salary figures for Los Angeles are computed by adjusting the BLS national median ($170,910) by Los Angeles's cost-of-living multiplier of 1.28× — a composite of regional wage data and price parities. Year-over-year change (560.0%) reflects the Healthcare sector's 2025-2026 wage growth per BLS Employment Cost Index trends. Last reviewed April 28, 2026.

Data Sources

Related Roles in Los Angeles

Physician →Registered Nurse →Pharmacist →Physical Therapist →Occupational Therapist →Nurse Practitioner →

Dentist Salary in Other Cities

San Diego, CA$202KSan Francisco, CA$265KSeattle, WA$226KWashington, DC$222KBoston, MA$222KFresno, CA$162KSacramento, CA$185KLong Beach, CA$205K

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