How Much Do Dentists Make in Hawaii?

(2024 Salary Guide & Career Outlook)

Ever dreamed of living—and working—where the rest of the world vacations? Palm trees, sandy beaches, nice breezes, and the joy of helping people smile every day. Sounds almost too good, right? But if you’ve ever thought, “How much do dentists make in Hawaii?” you’re not the only one. If you’re still in dental school, thinking about moving, or already working and just want to see how your pay compares, you’re in the right spot. Let’s break down the real numbers, clear up some rumors, and see what being a dentist in Hawaii really pays.

In This Article

• The Real Truth About Dentist Pay in Hawaii
• The Average Dentist Salary in Hawaii (2024 Update)
• What Changes a Dentist’s Pay in Hawaii?
• Salary Breakdown by Dental Job
• How Hawaii’s Cost of Living Affects You
• Dentist Job Outlook in Hawaii
• Best Ways to Boost Your Paycheck
• Is Dentistry in Hawaii Worth It? Your Big Takeaways

The Real Truth About Dentist Pay in Hawaii

Here’s the big one: Can you live well as a dentist in Hawaii, or is it just pretty sunsets and nothing in your wallet? The short answer: Dentists in Hawaii usually make good money—even compared to many people on the mainland. But you also have to think about Hawaii’s really high cost of living. Sure, you might make more here than in some other states. But it’s smart to look at the full picture, not just the pay.

“Is this normal?”

Maybe you’re a new grad looking at your first job, a dentist from the mainland wanting a fresh start, or a longtime dentist wondering if you should make a change. It’s normal to want to know if your pay is fair—and what your job and future could look like in Hawaii.

The Average Dentist Salary in Hawaii (2024 Update)

Let’s get to the point with some real numbers.

What Most Dentists Can Expect

General Dentist Salary:

• Average yearly pay: $180,000–$220,000
• Average hourly wage: $85–$105

Some dentists, especially those who own a practice or have extra skills, can make much more. New dentists might start lower but usually see their pay increase over time.

Pay By Experience

• New Dentists (0–2 years): ~$120,000–$160,000
• Mid-Career (5–10 years): ~$180,000–$230,000
• Very Experienced (10+ years): $220,000–$300,000+ (practice owners can make even more)

How Does Hawaii Compare to the Rest of the U.S.?

On average, dentist pay in Hawaii is a bit higher than the national average. The U.S. mainland average is $175,000–$210,000. Hawaii pays a little more, but don’t forget Hawaii’s cost of living is about 70–90% more than the U.S. average.

What Changes a Dentist’s Pay in Hawaii?

How much you’ll really get paid depends on a lot more than just your job title. Here’s a look at the biggest things that matter:

Experience Level

Like most jobs, you start out earning less and learn as you go. As you get better, faster, and build trust, you make more money.

• First Years: New dentists often start on the low side but may get some bonus money if the office does well.
• In the Middle: Skills go up, and so does pay.
• Longtime Dentists / Practice Owners: How you run your business and your speed with patients is just as important as your dental skills.

Dental Specialty

What type of dentist you are really changes your pay:

• General Dentist: Strong and steady pay with lots of jobs available.
• Orthodontist, Oral Surgeon: These dentists can make $250,000–$450,000 or more per year—it’s tough work, but the money can be great.
• Endodontists, Kids’ Dentists, Gum Doctors, Denture Dentists: These jobs also pay well since they take more training and deal with harder cases.

Place You Work

The kind of office makes a big difference:

• Own Your Practice: You can make the most money if you own the place—but you also handle all the business work.
• Associate Dentist: Consistent pay and less worry about business, but usually less than what owners make.
• Corporate Office (dental companies): Sometimes higher base pay and nice benefits, but not always as flexible.
• Public Health/Government/Military: Good job safety and benefits, but pay might be less than private offices.

Where You Work in Hawaii

Which island or city you work on really changes your paycheck.

• Honolulu (Oahu): Usually pays the most—more people, higher demand, but also more competition and high rent.
• Maui, Big Island, Kauai: Usually pay a bit less, but there’s less competition and a more close-knit group of patients.
• Rural vs. City: In some rural spots, you can actually make more because there aren’t enough dentists.

Patients and Office Expenses

Seeing more patients is good for your pay.

• The more people you help, the more you make, but office costs in Hawaii (building rent, supplies, staff) are some of the highest in the U.S.

School and Extra Training

A DDS and a DMD are basically the same, but extra certificates—like special board licenses—mean you can get paid more and work in harder jobs. Keeping up with new learning is good for your paycheck, too.

Salary Breakdown by Dental Job

Here’s where the pay can really go up. Here’s what 2024 looks like in Hawaii, job by job:

These numbers are averages, not a promise. What you actually make depends on where you work, how much experience you have, and how well your office runs.

How Hawaii’s Cost of Living Affects You

A dollar in Hawaii doesn’t buy as much. Here’s what you’re looking at:

Housing:

Hawaii’s house prices can be pretty scary—think 2.5 to 3 times the national average. Big cities like Honolulu are the most expensive. Small towns and rural places might be cheaper, but there aren’t as many choices.

Everyday Costs:

Groceries, utilities, and gas all cost more. Even simple things, like a carton of eggs, are pricier. That’s because almost everything gets shipped in.

Getting Around:

Driving or taking the bus both cost more—gas and repairs are more because you’re far from the mainland.

The Big Picture—Money Left Over:

• Cost of Living Number: 170–190 (U.S. average = 100)
• Housing Number: 250–300+

So, even though the pay looks big, you might not have as much left after rent and food. Some people think the island life and balance is worth it. Just make sure you check what works for you.

Dentist Job Outlook in Hawaii

Wondering, “Will I find a job here, or is the market full?”

Trends and Need

• Expected U.S. Growth (2022–2032): About 4% for dentists overall (from the Bureau of Labor Statistics).
• Hawaii is about the same: Always a need, especially as older dentists stop working or move away.
• Older Dentists Retiring: This opens up jobs, especially away from Honolulu.
• Places That Need Dentists: The Big Island, Maui, and Kauai often need more dentists—good for someone willing to move.

Getting Your License

Moving your dental license to Hawaii takes some work, but once it’s done, you can work anywhere on the islands. You’ll need:

• A degree from a dental school that counts
• Finishing your board tests
• Filling out paperwork for the Hawaii Board of Dentistry

Don’t forget, you have to do ongoing classes to keep your license.

Best Ways to Boost Your Paycheck

Work smart. Here’s how dentists in Hawaii can earn more:

1. Focus on In-Demand Jobs

Orthodontics, oral surgery, and kids’ dentistry usually pay the best and insurance companies pay more. If you like it and want to do more school, picking a specialty is worth it.

2. Own a Practice

If you own your office you can make the most, but you also handle a lot more work and risk. Dentists who learn how to run their business well (or hire someone who can) get rewarded the most. Working with a good digital dental lab can help your practice be more efficient.

3. Corporate vs. Associate: Know What Matters

Working in a big dental company can give you nice benefits and steady work. Independent and associate dentists focus more on treating patients but may get paid less at first.

4. Get Good at Running Your Office

It’s not just about seeing patients—how you handle your team, supplies, and the way the day runs really matters.

• Make things run smoothly
• Use good dental ceramics lab partners for quality crowns and fillings
• Keep your patients happy so they come back

Being efficient and keeping your costs down will help you keep more of your pay.

5. Ask for What You’re Worth

If you know the average pay, your skills, and what’s normal in Hawaii, don’t be shy about asking for a better offer or a raise. You should get fair pay for your hard work.

6. Keep Learning

Ongoing classes aren’t just a rule—they’re a chance to add new services, stand out, and make more money.

Is Dentistry in Hawaii Worth It? Your Big Takeaways

Here are the main points:

• Dentists in Hawaii make about $180,000 to $220,000 a year (more for specialists and owners).
• What you make goes up with experience, extra certificates, and good business skills.
• Cost of living is much higher than the mainland—house costs are the biggest thing.
• There are good chances for specialists, those working in less crowded areas, and new business owners.
• The job market is steady with good growth as older dentists retire.

So, is it a good choice?

For many, working and living in Hawaii is a dream. Beautiful beaches, helping people, and a good income. But you’ll need to plan your money and keep learning. Take a good look at the challenges, too.

Your Healthy Takeaway

A quick recap:

• Average Dentist Salary Hawaii (2024): $180,000–$220,000 (can go higher with more experience or specialty)
• Top Earners: Specialists and office owners ($250,000–$450,000+)
• Main Expense: Housing (get ready for high prices!)
• Career Outlook: Good, with room to grow in both cities and rural areas
• Getting Raises: Best way is through specializing, owning an office, running things well, and speaking up for yourself
• Balance: High pay vs. high cost—know your own numbers before you decide

Ready for your next step?

If you’re not sure, compare your pay online, talk to local dentists, and get advice from the Hawaii Dental Association or the American Dental Association for up-to-date info. Don’t forget to ask a dental financial advisor for help with your numbers.

Patients reading this? Knowing what your dentist goes through for training and running their business can help you appreciate their work even more.

Sources

Numbers and info come from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Payscale, Salary.com, Indeed, Glassdoor, ZipRecruiter, the American Dental Association, Hawaii Dental Association, and state reports. Numbers are based on info for 2023–2024.

Tips for You

• Thinking of becoming a dentist in Hawaii? Look carefully at loans and living costs.
• Already a dentist? Compare your salary and think about more training.
• Want your own office? Get advice from local pros and connect with trusted suppliers like a good china dental lab.
• For all dentists: Keep learning and always put your patients first.

A career as a dentist in Hawaii can give you not just good money but a great life. Good luck on your journey—hope your days are as sunny as a Hawaiian beach.

Medically checked content. For your own money advice, always see a certified expert or local pro.