PathScorer

    Orthodontist Salary in 2026

    SOC: 29-1023.00 · BLS OEWS 2026 · Updated March 2026
    Median Annual
    $239,200
    per year
    Salary Range
    $99K – $239K
    P10–P90
    Total Jobs
    5,150
    employed
    Job Growth
    +4.4%
    2024–2034
    Section 01

    How Much Do Orthodontists Make?

    Orthodontists earn a median annual salary of $239,200 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $98,560 at the 10th percentile to $239,200 at the 90th percentile — a range of $140,640. The highest-paying state is Florida at $239,200.

    PercentileAnnual salary
    10th percentile$98,560
    25th percentile$137,320
    Median (50th)$239,200
    75th percentile$239,200
    90th percentile$239,200
    10th: $98,560Median: $239,20090th: $239,200
    Section 02

    Orthodontist Salary by State

    Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.

    StateMedian salary
    Floridatop$239,200
    Illinois$239,200
    Maryland$239,200
    Michigan$239,200
    Missouri$239,200
    North Carolina$239,200
    Pennsylvania$239,200
    Texas$239,200
    Virginia$239,200
    Washington$239,200
    Connecticut$239,200
    Iowa$223,020
    Alabama$222,010
    Ohio$211,410
    Indiana$203,520
    Tennessee$174,830
    South Carolina$148,410
    Georgia$143,080
    Utah$124,830
    New York$105,110
    California$101,420
    Section 03

    Highest-Paying Metros for Orthodontists

    North Carolina
    Highest paying
    $239,200
    top metro salary
    Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
    $239,200
    $0 vs highest
    Virginia
    $239,200
    $0 vs highest
    Alabama
    $222,010
    $-17,190 vs highest
    Ohio
    $211,410
    $-27,790 vs highest
    Cleveland, OH
    $211,410
    $-27,790 vs highest
    Indiana
    $203,520
    $-35,680 vs highest
    South Carolina
    $148,410
    $-90,790 vs highest
    Section 04

    Orthodontist Salary by Experience

    Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.

    Experience levelEstimated salary
    Entry level (0–2 yrs)~$98,560 – $137,320
    Mid career (3–7 yrs)~$239,200
    Experienced (8–15 yrs)~$239,200
    Senior (15+ yrs)$239,200+
    Section 05

    How to Earn More as an Orthodontist

    Location is the single biggest salary lever: Orthodontists in North Carolina earn $239,200 — $0 above the national median. An advanced credential — such as a graduate degree or specialized certification — is consistently associated with higher earnings in this field. Reaching the 75th percentile ($239,200) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.

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    Section 06

    Orthodontist Salary vs Similar Careers

    CareerMedian salary
    Orthodontistthis career$239,200
    Chiropractor$79,000
    Dentists, General$172,790
    Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon$239,200
    Prosthodontist$239,200

    Find out where you stand — free in 2 minutes

    PathScorer compares your skills to Orthodontist requirements and shows you what you already qualify for — plus which similar careers pay more for your background.

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    Section 07

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Career Guide
    Learn how to become an Orthodontist →
    AI Automation Risk
    Orthodontist AI exposure analysis →

    SOC: 29-1023.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.