Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links marked with (Ad). If you click through and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more

Dentists, General Salary in California

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Dentists, General make in California?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$165,950
Median Annual Salary
▼ -7.1% vs 2024
$170,690
Mean Salary
$165,950
Median Salary
$79.78
Hourly Rate
16,770 people work as Dentists, General in California

Dentists, General salary by percentile in California

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Dentists, General salary in California — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Dentists, General in California.10thBottom 10% earn less than $74,510$74,51025th25% earn less than $124,470$124,470MedianHalf earn more than $165,950$165,95075th75% earn less than $213,260$213,26090thTop 10% earn more than $272,730$272,730

Dentists, General in California earn a median salary of $165,950 per year ($13,829/month). This is 5.6% below the national average of $175,707. California ranks #33 out of 47 states for Dentists, General pay. Approximately 16,770 people work in this occupation across California. Salaries decreased by 7.1% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Dentists, General

Examine, diagnose, and treat diseases, injuries, and malformations of teeth and gums. May treat diseases of nerve, pulp, and other dental tissues affecting oral hygiene and retention of teeth. May fit dental appliances or provide preventive care.

Top Skills

Critical Thinking
4.12
Judgment and Decision Making
4.12
Reading Comprehension
4.0
Active Listening
4.0
Speaking
4.0

Key Knowledge Areas

Medicine and Dentistry
5.0
Customer and Personal Service
4.24
English Language
3.93
Biology
3.52
Psychology
3.43
Typical Education: Doctoral Degree (81.4% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Dentists, General in California

Salaries for Dentists, General in California range from $74,510 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $272,730 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $124,470 and $213,260.

Median $165,950
P10: $74,510 P25: $124,470 P75: $213,260 P90: $272,730
10th
$74,510
25th
$124,470
Median
$165,950
75th
$213,260
90th
$272,730
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $74,510 $35.82 $6,209
25th Percentile $124,470 $59.84 $10,372
Median (50th) $165,950 $79.78 $13,829
75th Percentile $213,260 $102.53 $17,771
90th Percentile (Experienced) $272,730 $131.12 $22,727

Note: The mean (average) salary of $170,690 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#33
California ranks #33 of 47 states
$175,707
National avg. for Dentists, General
-5.6%
vs. national average
Below Average

What does this salary really buy? See Dentists, General salary in California adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Dentists, General take-home pay in California after taxes →

Explore Dentists, General Data in California

Dentists, General Salary by State

Compare Dentists, General pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Dentists, General make in California?
The median annual salary for Dentists, General in California is $165,950 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $170,690.
What is the salary range for a Dentists, General in California?
Salaries for Dentists, General in California range from $74,510 at the 10th percentile to $272,730 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $124,470 and $213,260.
What is the starting salary for a Dentists, General in California?
Entry-level Dentists, General positions in California typically start around $74,510 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $124,470 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Dentists, General in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 16,770 people are employed as Dentists, General in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Dentists, General in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Dentists, General in California is approximately $79.78 per hour.

💼 Earning $165,950/year? Here's Your Next Move

* Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Full disclosure

📊 Get Monthly Salary Insights & Career Data

Free data-driven career updates — no spam, unsubscribe anytime.

Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

Share this page: X Facebook LinkedIn