How Much Do Dentists Make In Boston? Your Simple Salary Guide

That question—How much do dentists make in Boston?—is one of the most asked (and most important) things for anyone thinking about a dental job, moving, or what’s after dental school. If you’re looking at career options, checking job offers, or just wondering if your child’s orthodontist is rich, you’re not the only one! In a city like Boston, where living isn’t cheap, it’s important to really know dentist salaries—and what those numbers mean.

Here, we break down what dentists really make in Boston, why they earn what they do, how things like specialties and years on the job change pay, and if those paychecks actually add up to a good life in New England’s busiest city. We’ll explain, guide, and give you the facts, not just hype. Ready?

The Average Dentist Salary in Boston: Quick Overview

Let’s get to the numbers, since that’s probably why you’re here. In 2024, the average dentist in Boston makes $180,000 to $250,000 a year. If you’re just starting out—just finished dental school or with only a year or two of practice—expect $120,000 to $180,000. If you’ve been at it for years, have a busy practice, and lots of patients, you can make $300,000, $350,000, or even more.

What about specialists? That’s a different pay range (more below). Compared to the national average for dentists—usually $160,000 to $180,000—Boston pays a bit more. Why? There’s a huge demand for dentists, great healthcare everywhere, and living in Boston costs a lot.

But these are just averages. A dentist’s pay depends on a bunch of things and Boston isn’t the same all over. Let’s look closer.

Key Factors Affecting Dentist Pay in Boston

Maybe you’ve heard people say their dentist cousin earns “more than most doctors,” while others say they barely get by as new dentists. Both can be true, depending on these things:

Experience Counts

Entry-Level Dentists (0-2 Years):

If you just finished Tufts or Harvard dental school, you’ll start lower—usually $120,000 to $180,000 a year. Most are associates, with a smaller base pay plus maybe some bonuses. At this stage, the goal is learning skills and finding patients, not making the most money. On top of that, most new grads have student loans—about $300,000 on average.

Mid-Career (3-9 Years):

Dentists here, building their names and getting faster at work, usually earn $170,000 to $230,000. You might get better contracts or start thinking about being a partner.

Experienced Dentists (10+ Years):

Now, pay really goes up. General dentists who have lots of patients or own part of their practice often make $230,000 to $350,000+ each year. Owners see the biggest ups and downs, as income depends big time on how well their office runs.

Who Gets Paid Most? Specialties Explained

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons

This specialty earns the most. They do big surgeries (like jaw fixes), and often make $300,000 to $550,000+ a year.

Orthodontists

Making and fixing braces is a good business! In Boston, orthodontists usually make $250,000 to $400,000+, with the owner orthodontists or those in busy areas earning more.

Endodontists & Periodontists

Endodontists focus on root canals—usually $220,000 to $350,000. Periodontists (gum and implant specialists) get about $200,000 to $320,000.

Pediatric Dentists

Dentists for kids often earn $190,000 to $280,000. Anyone great with nervous kids (and parents) is always wanted.

General Dentists

General dentists set the regular pay range in Boston: $170,000 to $230,000. More years and busier offices mean higher pay.

Where Dentists Work: Private or Not?

How a dentist works also changes their pay.

Private Practice (Owner vs. Associate):

Associates (not owners) make $140,000 to $210,000. Owners, after paying all bills, can make over $250,000 and up to half a million for the biggest offices. There’s more risk, but way more reward.

Corporate Dentistry (Dental Service Groups/DSOs):

Big companies like Aspen Dental offer steady pay ($150,000 to $220,000), good benefits, and less business stress. It’s a good start for new dentists or for people wanting easy hours.

Public Health, Hospitals, Schools:

Teaching, running community clinics, or training students at places like Mass General pays about $130,000 to $190,000. The hours are often better, and there are extras like loan help or knowing you’re helping others.

Boston Isn’t Just One Place

Boston is a bunch of different neighborhoods and nearby towns.

Downtown Boston: Loads of patients, lots of dentist competition, and sky-high rent. You’ll see more patients and make more money, but pay more for your office.
Suburbs (Newton, Brookline, Cambridge, Waltham): Sometimes less competition, patients who stick around, and great families—good for kids’ dentists.
Other Areas (Cambridge, Somerville): Still high rents, but younger patients and chances for new types of dental work.

What You Do Each Day Matters

Dentists who see a ton of patients or do special procedures (like implants or clear aligners) can make a lot more. Your pay is a mix of your skills, speed, and how busy you are—but also, how much your patients like and trust you.

Dentist Salary vs. Boston’s High Cost of Living

“$200,000 sounds great—but can you really live well in Boston on that?” Lots of new dentists ask this, and with good reason.

Boston isn’t a cheap city. Its cost of living index is 162.4, much higher than the US average of 100. Here’s what that means:

Housing: Rent for a small apartment is about $3,000 a month. Buying? Starter homes are $700,000 or more.
Transportation: Good public transit, but parking is expensive and hard to find.
Taxes: State income tax isn’t too bad, but property and car taxes add up.
Healthcare, Groceries, Childcare: All cost more here.

Can You Stretch Your Pay?

Dentist pay in Boston is higher to help with these costs, but living here takes good planning:

New dentist making $140,000: After tax and loan payments, careful budgeting is a must—maybe living with roommates or waiting to buy a house.
Mid-career, $210,000: It’s easier—maybe you’re saving more, owning a place, or paying off loans.
Specialists or owners at $300,000+: Now you can get into Boston’s housing market, plan for kids’ college, and maybe catch some Red Sox games.

Bottom line: Boston dentists earn more, but will spend more too.

Pay Setups and Benefits

When people ask, “How much do dentists make in Boston?” they usually think of pay only. Actually, a dentist’s full pay package is more than just salary.

How Dentists Get Paid

Flat Salary: Easy and stable, usually with big groups or in public jobs. Good for new dentists.
Paid by Work Done: A percentage (often 30-40%) of what you bill. Money can go up and down, but if you’re fast, you can make a lot.
Mixed Model: A set base pay plus bonuses.

Usual Benefits—and More

Most dental jobs in Boston will give:

Health insurance: Often covers medical, dental, and sometimes eyes.
Malpractice insurance: Usually covered by the office.
401(k) or retirement plan: Some jobs set these up for you; owners do it themselves.
Paid time off

Some jobs have extra stuff:

Continuing education money: Helps you keep learning.
Signing or moving bonuses: Helpful if the job is harder to fill.
Flexible hours or family leave
Loan help: More common in public or teaching jobs.

These benefits can be worth thousands more each year. If you’re moving to Boston, include these in your negotiations.

Career Outlook and Job Market in Boston

Are Boston dentists scared of robots or too many new dentists? Not really. The job market here is strong and looks good for years ahead.

Always a Need for Dentists

Boston keeps growing, thanks to students, doctors, families, and lots of schools and hospitals. People here care a lot about health, so dentists stay busy.

Jobs Growing: The Bureau of Labor Statistics says Massachusetts dentists will see a 6-8% job bump through 2032, better than most health fields.
Older Population: As people live longer and keep their teeth, they need more dental care.
Many Types of Work: Besides private offices, you can teach, do research, or run clinics.

Advice for New or Moving Dentists

Licensing: Massachusetts needs a state license and ongoing learning. Be ready with proof from Tufts, BU, or Harvard.
Networking: Join with groups like the Massachusetts Dental Society or ADA for jobs and advice.
City or Suburbs: Don’t just look downtown. Towns around Boston (like Newton or Somerville) can have better family life and more patients per dentist.

Where to Find Good Salary Info

The numbers here come from top sources. Not all salary websites are the same.

Best Places for Boston Dentist Pay Info:

Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): Reliable, updated every year.
American Dental Association (ADA): Has paycheck surveys and reports for each state.
Salary Websites: Glassdoor, Indeed, Salary.com, Payscale, and ZipRecruiter.
Local dental societies: The Massachusetts Dental Society reports on Boston area pay.

Tip:

Salary numbers can be off if you don’t check what’s included—bonuses, benefits, or just base pay? Always ask and compare.

Negotiating Pay:

Look up the going rate, know what you want, and ask! If you can’t get more pay, maybe get more vacation, learning money, or a higher bonus.

How to Earn More as a Dentist in Boston

In a city where everyone works hard, smart moves can raise your pay.

Smart Career Moves

Specialize: Being an orthodontist, oral surgeon, or endodontist can double or triple your pay.
Own Your Practice: Higher risk, but you keep more of what you make—after costs.
Learn New Skills: Try new treatments. Adding things like implants or clear aligners (with help from a modern digital dental lab) brings in more business.

Networking and Learning

Boston’s dental world is pretty close. Meet people at local events, help out, and keep up with the newest stuff (check out a china dental lab for materials and tech).

Smart Money Moves

Earning a lot doesn’t always mean saving a lot. Here’s what works:

Team up with a good money planner who knows healthcare.
Have a plan to pay off your school loans.
Put money back into your office, but don’t forget to save for retirement.
Use 401(k) or your own IRAs for saving.
Check your insurance—malpractice, disability, life—regularly.

For more tips, see a dental practical guide.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dentist Salaries in Boston

How much does the average dentist earn in Boston?

Most make $180,000 to $250,000, but specialists, owners, and busy dentists can make a lot more.

How does a Boston dentist’s salary compare to the US average?

Boston dentists get paid more than the US average ($160,000-$180,000). But living here costs a lot more, too.

What about dental specialists?

Orthodontists: $250,000 to $400,000+.

Oral Surgeons: $300,000 to $550,000+.

Other types (endodontists, kids, gum dentists): $190,000 to $350,000+.

Can I live well on a dentist’s pay in Boston?

Yes—with smart planning. Starting salaries take careful saving, but things get easier as you gain experience or specialize.

Is Boston a good place for new dentists?

Yes, if you want to learn, help different people, and be in an active dental community. Just be ready for the high cost of living and lots of competition.

Bottom Line: Simple Salary Facts

Main Points:

General dentists usually earn $180,000–$250,000 in Boston (specialists and owners make more).
Main pay factors: experience, specialty, office type, how many patients you see, neighborhood.
High salaries in Boston help balance higher living costs.
Lots of choices: private offices, hospitals, teaching—many ways to have a dental career.
The job market in Boston is strong and growing.

What to Do Next:

New grad or moving? Join local dental groups, find mentors.
Think carefully about your specialty, since it changes pay and job options.
Don’t just look at salary—benefits and daily work matter too.
Keep learning and making connections—being active helps you earn more.
For more tips, check out the dental practical guide or reach out to Boston dental schools.

Remember: There’s no one number that says you’ve “made it.” In Boston, your dental career is what you do with it—smart moves, good skills, and some common sense will get you far.

This guide was put together with the latest pay, job, and living cost info for Boston as of 2024. For personal finance or career help, talk to a licensed expert or counselor.

How Much Do Dentists Make in Boston? Your Simple Salary Guide

In This Article

The Average Dentist Salary in Boston: Quick Overview