2026 Salary — North Dakota
Updated April 29, 2026
Dentist Salary in North Dakota: $162K Median
Dentists in North Dakota earn between $124K and $271K per year.
That's -5% below the US national median.
Quick Answer
As of April 2026, the median Dentist salary in North Dakota is $162,365 per year — -5% below the US national median of $170,910. Salaries range from $123,500 (entry, 25th percentile) to $270,750 (90th percentile). North Dakota's cost-of-living index is 94. State income tax applies.
Median
$162,365
+560.0% YoY
Entry
$133,000
Experienced
$237,500
Top 10%
$270,750
About Dentists in North Dakota
Dentists diagnose and treat oral health conditions through preventive care, fillings, extractions, and specialty procedures.
Hot 2026 Skills
Digital dentistryCosmetic proceduresPractice managementCAD/CAM (CEREC)Implants
ATS Keywords
DDSpatient carerestorative dentistrypreventive careCERECpractice management
How to Negotiate Your Dentist Salary in North Dakota
Walk-away anchor: $147,605.
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
Negotiate Beyond Base
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
Dentist Salary FAQ — North Dakota
What is the average Dentist salary in North Dakota?
The average Dentist salary in North Dakota is $162,365 per year as of April 2026. Salaries range from $123,500 (entry, 25th percentile) up to $270,750 (90th percentile). State income tax applies.
How does Dentist pay in North Dakota compare to the US average?
Dentists in North Dakota earn approximately 5% less than the US national median ($170,910 nationally vs $162,365 in North Dakota). North Dakota's cost-of-living index of 94 amplifies the real purchasing power.
Did Dentist salaries in North Dakota increase in 2026?
Yes — Dentist salaries in North Dakota grew approximately 560.0% year-over-year, from $24,601 in 2025 to $162,365 in 2026. This reflects the broader Healthcare sector's wage growth, driven by Digital dentistry and Cosmetic procedures demand.
Which North Dakota cities pay Dentists the most?
North Dakota has no major metros in our database — fallback to the closest tracked city for detailed breakdowns.
What's the job outlook for Dentists in North Dakota?
Dentist roles growing 4%. Specialty dentists (orthodontists, oral surgeons) earning $300K+. North Dakota's top industries include Energy (Bakken Oil), Agriculture, Manufacturing, and the state's unemployment rate is 2.5% — a tight labor market favoring candidates.
Does North Dakota have state income tax?
Yes, North Dakota has state income tax. This affects take-home pay — at $162,365, expect 4-7% effective state tax depending on filing status. See city pages for detailed take-home calculations.
What skills are most in demand for Dentists in 2026?
Hottest 2026 skills: Digital dentistry, Cosmetic procedures, Practice management, CAD/CAM (CEREC), Implants. ATS systems specifically scan for these. Adding them to your resume — naturally and in context — improves your match rate with North Dakota employers.
How can I increase my Dentist salary in North Dakota?
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? Beyond base, negotiate: 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%). Walk-away anchor for North Dakota: $147,605.
Methodology
North Dakota Dentist salary is the BLS national median ($170,910) adjusted by North Dakota's state multiplier (0.95×). YoY rate from BLS Employment Cost Index. Last reviewed April 29, 2026.
Dentist Salary in Other States
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