Orthodontist Salary
Bureau of Labor Statistics title: Orthodontists
The median orthodontist salary in the United States is $289,140 per year ($139.01/hour). Salaries range from $99,850 at the entry level to $416,000+ for the top 10% of earners. There are 6,210 orthodontist jobs nationwide. Employment is projected to grow 4.4% through 2034.
Last updated: June 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Median Salary
$289,140
per year
Hourly Rate
$139.01
per hour
Employment
6,210
jobs in the U.S.
Salary Distribution
10th percentile
$99,850
25th percentile
$146,580
Median
$289,140
75th percentile
$342,300
90th percentile
$416,000
Job Growth (2024-2034)
+4.4%
As fast as average
Annual Openings
200
jobs/year (growth + replacements)
Education Required
Doctoral or professional degree
Training Needed
Internship/residency
Orthodontist Salary by State
Best Cities (cost-adjusted) →Salary Map — Click a state for details
$159K$479K■ No data
Top Paying States
Connecticut
$479K
+66%
Colorado
$416K
+44%
Maryland
$361K
+25%
Michigan
$357K
+24%
Illinois
$343K
+19%
Tennessee
$340K
+17%
Missouri
$333K
+15%
Montana
$313K
+8%
South Carolina
$311K
+8%
Pennsylvania
$311K
+8%
Vertical line = national median. Click a state for full details.
| State | Median | vs. National |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | $478,680 | +65.6% |
| Colorado | $416,000 | +43.9% |
| Maryland | $361,030 | +24.9% |
| Michigan | $357,090 | +23.5% |
| Illinois | $343,100 | +18.7% |
| Tennessee | $339,610 | +17.5% |
| Missouri | $332,630 | +15.0% |
| Montana | $312,840 | +8.2% |
| South Carolina | $311,450 | +7.7% |
| Pennsylvania | $311,180 | +7.6% |
Showing 1–10 of 19
Orthodontist Salary by Metro Area
| Metro Area | Median | vs. National |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | $361,650 | +25.1% |
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | $361,040 | +24.9% |
| Portland-South Portland, ME | $323,460 | +11.9% |
| Cleveland, OH | $318,070 | +10.0% |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $311,180 | +7.6% |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | $281,850 | -2.5% |
| Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ | $272,330 | -5.8% |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $248,110 | -14.2% |
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC | $199,990 | -30.8% |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | $159,230 | -44.9% |
Data Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS). Data reflects the most recent annual survey.
How does this compare to pro athletes?
A orthodontist earning $289,140/year would need 206 years to match Stephen Curry's NBA salary, or 221 yearsto match Patrick Mahomes' NFL contract.
See all sports & celebrity salaries →📈 See how orthodontist salaries have changed over the past decade.
View Orthodontist salary trend (2011–2024) →