How Much is an Orthodontist’s Salary?

People who choose to be orthodontists have rich career prospects ahead of them. There will always be a demand for orthodontists who design braces that help straighten teeth to make them better looking, particularly since many adults also now wear braces and new technology has made braces more comfortable. While being an orthodontist is one of the higher-paid medical specializations, the salary orthodontist’s  can expect to be paid depends on a number of factors, such as in what state you’re working, whether you’re working for the public or the private sector and if you work with a hospital or have your own practice. Orthodontists who have a higher amount of work experience as well as more advanced qualifications or training in the latest techniques can also expect to earn more than the average income.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national average annual orthodontist salary is $200,290, with the top 25% earning around $134,000 and the bottom 10% $72,500. In addition, orthodontists who worked in dental offices were seen to have the highest average annual earnings at $293,390 while those who worked in the offices of other health practitioners had the lowest at $83,000. The highest paying state for orthodontists to practice in was New York with $231,160, followed by Georgia with $224,250, New Jersey with $213,000 and Texas with $181,000.
Keep in mind that all of these figures are averages and the salary you get will probably not be equal to them. They are useful mainly in providing a guide as to where you might want to practice based on your desired earnings as well as in what sector you should work. Also remember that, depending on where you are employed, you can also expect to receive benefits such as health insurance and bonuses which could help significantly boost your orthodontist  salary.