Orthodontists Salaries USA 2024: States and Industry

Orthodontists create beautiful smiles by improving patients’ oral health. But beyond the professional satisfaction, what kind of financial picture can you expect? Let’s delve into the world of orthodontist salaries in the USA

This article explores the Orthodontists wages in United States Of America, exploring the factors that influence your earning potential and offering tips to maximize Orthodontists income in this dynamic field.

Defining the Orthodontists:

Orthodontists are dental specialists who help patients to correcting misaligned teeth and jaws. They are experts at using a variety of fixed and removable appliances like braces, clear aligners, retainers, headgear, and more.

Common conditions and problems that orthodontists treat include:

  • Overcrowded or overlapping teeth
  • Excessive spacing between teeth
  • Underbite, overbite, crossbite
  • Jaw growth problems
  • Improperly erupted teeth
Orthodontists Wages in the USA

Orthodontists Salary Range

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics1, the annual median salary for Orthodontists is $239,200 or more. Orthodontists earn salaries ranging from $89,980 to $239,200 or more annually.

Top 10% earners: Exceed $239,200 annually

Bottom 10% earners: Make less than $89,980 annually

Projected annual median salary for Orthodontists in 2024-2025 (with 2.5% increase) is $245,180 or more.

The median annual wages for Orthodontists in the Top industries

Median annual wages for Orthodontists in the top industries

Chart 1: Median annual wages for Orthodontists in the top industries (U.S. BLS May 20232)

This wide range highlights the diverse factors that influence a Orthodontists income in USA. We will be discussing those factors below.

Top Paying Industries for Orthodontists

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data reveals that Orthodontists working for Offices of Dentists earn the highest annual salaries, exceeding $ 246,000 annually (U.S BLS May 20233).

Other high-paying industries in USA includes General Medical and Surgical Hospitals.

IndustryHourly mean wageAnnual mean wage
Offices of Dentists$ 118.72$ 246,950
General Medical and Surgical Hospitals$ 87.78$ 182,580
Table 1 : Top paying industries for Orthodontists

Industry with highest Employment Level for Orthodontists

Most number of Orthodontists are employed in Offices of Dentists, followed by General Medical and Surgical Hospitals.

Industry with highest employment level for Orthodontists

Chart 2: Industry with highest employment level for Orthodontists

Top Paying U.S. States for Orthodontists

North Carolina leads the pack with the highest annual mean wage for Orthodontists in USA. Following closely are Michigan and Florida all offering wages exceeding $239,200 annually (U.S BLS4).

StateHourly mean wageAnnual mean wage 
North Carolina   $115  $239,200
Michigan$ 158.47$ 329,620
Florida$ 155.30$ 323,030
Connecticut$ 154.09$ 320,500
Pennsylvania$ 142.23$ 295,850
Table 2 : Top paying States for Orthodontists

Area nameEmploymentHourly mean wageAnnual mean wage
Alabama (al)150131.69273910
Arizona (az)Estimate not released by U.S. BLS.72.38150550
California (ca)1060100.23208470
Connecticut (ct)100154.09320500
Florida (fl)Estimate not released by U.S. BLS.155.30323030
Indiana (in)15081.54169610
Maine (me)12079.18164700
Michigan (mi)210158.47329620
New Jersey (nj)370Estimate not released by U.S. BLS.Estimate not released by U.S. BLS.
New York (ny)300109.62228010
North Carolina (nc)180   $115 $239,200 
Ohio (oh)180114.48238120
Oregon (or)170Estimate not released by U.S. BLS.Estimate not released by U.S. BLS.
Pennsylvania (pa)Estimate not released by U.S. BLS.142.23295850
South Carolina (sc)26071.95149660
Texas (tx)170Estimate not released by U.S. BLS.Estimate not released by U.S. BLS.
Utah (ut)9060.56125960
Virginia (va)270Estimate not released by U.S. BLS.Estimate not released by U.S. BLS.
Washington (wa)120141.79294920
Wisconsin (wi)60120.08249760
Table 3: Wages of Orthodontists in USA States

U.S. States with the highest employment level for Orthodontists

California  leads in providing employment to the Orthodontists, followed by New Jersey and New York.

States with the highest employment level for Orthodontists

Chart 3: States with the highest employment level for Orthodontists

Orthodontists Take-Home Pay

After factoring in federal and state taxes, a Orthodontists with a state-wise annual mean salary, would have an estimated net income as follows:

Taxes and take home pay estimate for a single filer

New-York: $228,010 (Annual mean wage) – $60,605 (Estimated income tax) = $167,405 (Estimated take home pay).

California: $208,470 (Annual mean wage) –$56,754 (Estimated income tax) = $151,716 (Estimated take home pay).

South Carolina: $149,660 (Annual mean wage) – $34,416 (Estimated income tax) = $115,244 (Estimated take home pay).

More taxes can be saved by contributions in IRA, retirement, itemized deduction such as charitable contributions, medical and dental expenses.

Expenses and Savings Potential Estimates in USA

The average annual expenses for a single person household in New York are estimated at $46,584 excluding taxes, according to estimates from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology5. (The figures are measured in 2023 inflation-adjusted dollars)

Based on this estimate, a Orthodontists earning the take home pay of $167,405, with basic expenses could potentially save $120,821 annually. It’s important to note that individual expenses can vary significantly depending on lifestyle choices and location.

Savings for Married Couples/Households:

While the data provided doesn’t explicitly detail salary savings for married couples or households, it’s important to consider that combined incomes and potentially shared expenses could significantly increase overall savings potential in USA.

Beyond the Base Salary

Total compensation for Orthodontists goes beyond the hourly or annual wage. Organizations offer additional benefits such as:

Housing stipends: Provides financial support for housing during your placement.

Meal stipends: To help with daily meals.

Travel allowances: To reimburse travel expenses incurred during relocation.

Health insurance: Comprehensive health insurance coverage for you and your dependents.

Paid time off: Vacation days and sick leave.

Childcare assistance:  Childcare assistance programs help employees manage this significant expense.

Life insurance: This benefit provides financial protection for an employees family in the event of their death.

Disability insurance: This benefit provides income to an employee who is unable to work due to a disability.

Continuing education reimbursement: Support for professional development and training.

Retirement savings plans: Retirement planning gets a helping hand with employer-sponsored plans like 401(k)s. These plans offer tax advantages for saving. Employers may also match employee contributions.

Factors Affecting Orthodontists Income

Several factors can affect Orthodontists paycheck:

Experience: As with most professions, experience plays a significant role in determining salary.  Entry-level specialists can expect lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with proven track records command higher compensation.

Specialization: Those who specialize in services like lingual braces, clear aligner therapy, or jaw surgery may be able to charge more.

Location: Geographic location significantly impacts Orthodontists salaries. U.S. States like North Carolina, Michigan, and Florida offer some of the highest pay, while others may offer lower wages.

Industry: The industry you work in can impact your salary. Offices of Dentists offer the highest wages.

Employer: Orthodontists who own their practices tend to earn more than those who are employed by others.

Contract Details: The specific terms of the employment contract, including factors like housing stipends, overtime pay, and benefits, can affect the overall compensation package.

Boosting Orthodontists Salary: Skills and Tips

So, how can Orthodontists maximize their salary? Here are some tips:

Skills and Certifications: Pursue specialty certifications like board certification and practice skills like interpersonal skills, and marketing skills and expertise in clinical and technical skills, all these are essential for a successful, profitable practice.

Negotiate Your Salary: Don’t be afraid to negotiate your salary during the job offer stage. Research market rates for Orthodontists with your experience and qualifications.

Building a Strong Reputation: Building a strong reputation for excellent patient care and achieving successful treatment outcomes can attract referrals and help you grow your practice.

Continue Learning: Stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in your field by attending conferences and pursuing training opportunities.

Conclusion:

A career as a Orthodontists in United States offers both professional satisfaction and the potential for a high salary. By understanding the various factors that influence salary and carefully managing expenses, Orthodontists can make informed decisions and pave the way for a rewarding and financially secure career path.

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Note:

This article provides general information only and should not be considered financial advice: Your individual circumstances and specific job offer details will significantly impact your actual earnings.

Seek professional guidance: Consulting with a financial advisor can provide personalized advice on managing your finances and maximizing your savings potential.

Resources

  1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291023.htm#st ↩︎
  2. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dentists.htm#tab-5 ↩︎
  3. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dentists.htm#tab-5 ↩︎
  4. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dentists.htm#tab-5 ↩︎
  5. Massachusetts Institute of Technology: https://livingwage.mit.edu/states/36 ↩︎
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