A career in orthodontics is one of the most respected and rewarding paths in the healthcare industry. It requires years of dedicated study and a passion for blending science with artistry to create healthy, confident smiles. But beyond the personal satisfaction, it is also a highly lucrative profession. Orthodontists are consistently ranked among the highest-paid professionals, with average salaries often exceeding $300,000 annually.
But what can you expect to earn right after completing your residency? This article provides a data-driven look at an orthodontist's starting salary, the key factors that will shape your income, and the long-term outlook for this dynamic career.
What Does an Orthodontist Do?
An orthodontist is a dental specialist who diagnoses, prevents, and treats "malocclusions," or misalignments of the teeth and jaw. Their primary goal is to ensure teeth and jaws work together correctly, improving both a patient's oral health and aesthetic appearance.
Key responsibilities include:
- Conducting detailed examinations using x-rays, photos, and dental impressions.
- Designing and implementing treatment plans using a variety of orthodontic appliances.
- Fitting patients for braces, clear aligners (like Invisalign®), retainers, and other corrective devices.
- Monitoring patient progress over the course of treatment, which can last several years.
- Collaborating with general dentists and other specialists like oral surgeons to provide comprehensive patient care.
Average Orthodontist Salary
While the journey to becoming an orthodontist is long and expensive, the financial rewards begin immediately upon entering the field.
A typical starting salary for a new orthodontist ranges from $180,000 to $250,000 per year. This figure represents the lower end of the overall salary spectrum (the 10th to 25th percentile) and is often what an associate can expect to earn in their first year at a private practice or a dental service organization (DSO).
As you gain experience, your earning potential grows significantly. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median pay for orthodontists was greater than $239,200 per year in May 2022—the highest category the BLS reports, indicating that most orthodontists earn well above this figure.
Reputable salary aggregators provide a more granular look:
- Salary.com reports the median orthodontist salary in the United States is around $328,500, with the top 10% of earners exceeding $450,000.
- Glassdoor places the average total pay (including potential bonuses) in a similar range, often around $315,000 per year.
Ultimately, top earners—particularly those who own a successful private practice—can command incomes well over $500,000 annually.
Key Factors That Influence Salary
Your salary isn't just one number; it's a dynamic figure influenced by several critical factors. Understanding these variables is key to maximizing your earning potential throughout your career.
### Level of Education
The high salary floor for orthodontists is a direct result of the extensive education and specialized training required. There is no shortcut to this career, and the high barrier to entry protects its value. The path includes:
1. A four-year bachelor's degree.
2. A four-year Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree.
3. A two-to-three-year orthodontic residency program to earn a specialty certificate.
This decade-plus of higher education and clinical training is the foundation of an orthodontist's expertise and directly correlates to the six-figure starting salaries.
### Years of Experience
Experience is arguably the most significant driver of salary growth after you've established your career.
- Entry-Level (0-2 years): As a new associate, your focus is on building clinical speed, efficiency, and patient trust. Your salary is typically a fixed base or a base plus a percentage of the revenue you generate.
- Mid-Career (3-10 years): With a proven track record, you become a more valuable asset. You can negotiate a higher percentage of production, take on more complex cases, or consider partnership opportunities. Salaries during this period often climb well into the $300,000s.
- Senior/Practice Owner (10+ years): The highest incomes are typically earned by orthodontists who own their practice. As a business owner, your income is tied to the practice's profitability. You manage staff, marketing, and overhead, but you also reap the full financial rewards of your hard work.
### Geographic Location
Where you practice matters—a lot. Salary ranges can vary by over $100,000 depending on the state and city. This variation is driven by:
- Cost of Living: Major metropolitan areas like New York City or San Francisco may offer high nominal salaries, but the high cost of living can diminish your take-home pay.
- Market Saturation: Areas with a high concentration of orthodontists may see more competitive pricing and slightly lower salaries.
- Demand: Conversely, states and regions with a growing population and fewer specialists can be highly lucrative. According to industry data, states like North Carolina, Minnesota, Virginia, and Oregon often rank among the highest-paying for orthodontists due to a favorable balance of high demand and reasonable living costs.
### Company Type
Your work environment directly impacts your compensation structure and long-term earning potential.
- Private Practice (Associate): This is a common starting point. You work for an established orthodontist, earning a salary or a percentage of production. It's an excellent way to gain experience without the risks of business ownership.
- Practice Owner: This path offers the highest earning potential. As the owner, you take on the roles of both clinician and entrepreneur. While it involves managing the business side, the financial ceiling is virtually unlimited.
- Dental Service Organization (DSO): These are corporate-owned dental groups that hire orthodontists as employees. DSOs often offer very competitive starting salaries, signing bonuses, and robust benefits packages (health insurance, 401k, paid time off). This model is attractive to new graduates who want to focus solely on patient care without worrying about practice management.
### Area of Specialization
While orthodontics itself is a specialization, you can further refine your expertise to attract specific types of cases, which can boost your reputation and income. This can include developing a reputation for:
- Surgical Orthodontics: Working closely with oral surgeons on complex cases involving jaw surgery.
- Pediatric Orthodontics: Focusing on early intervention (Phase I treatment) for young children.
- Adult Orthodontics: Catering to the growing market of adults seeking treatment, often with complex needs.
- Advanced Technology: Becoming a leading expert in digital workflows, 3D printing, or specific clear aligner systems.
Job Outlook
The career outlook for orthodontists is excellent. The BLS projects employment for orthodontists to grow by 4% from 2022 to 2032, which is as fast as the average for all occupations. This translates to about 300 openings for orthodontists projected each year, on average, over the decade.
This stable demand is driven by several factors:
- The continued importance of oral health for overall wellness.
- A strong societal value placed on aesthetics and a perfect smile.
- Technological advancements (like clear aligners) that make treatment more accessible and appealing to adults.
- A growing population that requires dental care.
Conclusion
Choosing a career as an orthodontist is a commitment to a decade of rigorous education and training. However, that commitment is met with exceptional rewards, both personally and financially.
Here are the key takeaways for anyone considering this path:
- Strong Financial Start: Expect a starting salary in the $180,000 to $250,000 range right out of residency.
- Significant Growth Potential: Your income will grow substantially with experience, with the potential to earn well over $400,000, especially as a practice owner.
- Key Factors Matter: Your location, work environment (private practice vs. DSO), and experience level will be the primary drivers of your salary.
- A Secure Future: The profession has a stable and positive job outlook, ensuring long-term career security.
For those with the dedication and passion, a career in orthodontics offers a unique opportunity to build a prosperous future while creating a lasting, positive impact on the lives and smiles of your patients.