Orthodontist Salary Calculator

Use the links below to jump directly to each section of this Orthodontist Salary Calculator page. Every section is designed to explain how the calculator works and what factors shape orthodontist compensation.

1. What Are the Salary Ranges for an Orthodontist?
2. What is the entry level salary for a Orthodontist?
3. How Much Does an Orthodontist Earn at Entry Level vs Senior Level?
4. Where Are the Best Job Markets for Orthodontists?
5. Which Employers Hire Orthodontists and What Do They Pay?
6. What Job Responsibilities Affect Orthodontist Salary?
7. What Factors Push Orthodontist Salary Higher?
8. What Factors Lower Orthodontist Salary?
9. What Benefits Do Orthodontists Typically Receive?
10. What Skills Impact Orthodontist Salary?
11. How Does Orthodontist Salary Vary by Different States and Cities?

The salary calculator uses a national median hourly base pay of $119.75 as its reference point. For a standard full-time schedule of 40 hours per week, this translates to approximately $4,790 per week, $20,757 per month, and roughly $249,080 per year at the midpoint. However, the calculator generates a low-to-high range rather than a single figure, reflecting the wide variation in orthodontist compensation nationally.

On the low end, orthodontists in smaller markets with fewer years of practice may see hourly rates closer to $85–$100, producing annual estimates in the range of $176,800–$208,000 under full-time assumptions. On the high end, experienced orthodontists in large metros with advanced credentials can reach hourly rates of $150–$175 or more, yielding annual estimates exceeding $312,000–$364,000.

These ranges shift when you adjust hours per week. Many orthodontists work between 32 and 38 clinical hours per week rather than a strict 40-hour schedule, and the calculator scales weekly, monthly, and annual projections proportionally. Part-time orthodontists working 20 hours per week would see annual estimates roughly half the full-time figures. The calculator also adjusts for job market size — selecting a large metro applies an upward factor, while a small market applies a downward one.

In the salary calculator, entry level for an orthodontist is defined by limited post-residency experience and baseline educational credentials — typically a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree followed by an orthodontic residency certificate, but without board certification from the American Board of Orthodontics or additional fellowship training. The calculator models this as the lowest experience and education settings.

At entry level, the calculator adjusts the $119.75 base pay downward. Entry-level orthodontists can expect hourly estimates in the range of $85–$105, with annual full-time projections of approximately $176,800–$218,400. These figures reflect the reality that new orthodontists entering associateships or joining group practices typically earn less than established practitioners, often through production-based compensation that takes time to ramp up.

Even at entry level, orthodontist salaries remain among the highest in healthcare. The calculator allows you to see how upgrading your education level — for example, achieving board certification — shifts your estimate upward even without additional years of experience.

The salary calculator clearly illustrates the gap between early-career and senior-level orthodontist earnings. As outlined above, entry-level orthodontists with minimal post-residency experience and baseline credentials see hourly estimates of approximately $85–$105, translating to annual full-time projections of $176,800–$218,400.

Senior-level orthodontists — those with 15 or more years of clinical experience, board certification, and potentially practice ownership — trigger the calculator's highest adjustments. Hourly estimates for senior orthodontists typically range from $145–$175+, yielding annual projections of $301,600–$364,000 or higher under full-time assumptions in a large metro market.

The difference is driven by two independent calculator inputs working together. Increasing years of experience raises the estimate incrementally, while selecting a higher education level (such as board-certified or fellowship-trained) adds a separate uplift. When combined with a large metro job market size selection, senior orthodontists in cities like Los Angeles or Boston can see estimates that are 60–80% higher than entry-level orthodontists in small markets.

The strongest job markets for orthodontists combine high patient demand, favorable reimbursement rates, and sufficient population density to sustain multiple practices. Large metro areas consistently produce the highest salary estimates in the calculator due to the market size adjustment factor and the concentration of dental service organizations (DSOs) competing for orthodontic talent.

Orthodontists work across a range of employer types, from solo private practices and multi-location orthodontic groups to large dental service organizations and academic medical centers, each offering distinct compensation structures.

Practice owners classified as 1099 or S-corp owners face higher self-employment tax obligations, which the salary calculator models when you select the 1099 classification. W-2 employees at DSOs typically have taxes withheld and may receive benefits that reduce the gap between gross and net pay.

The scope and complexity of an orthodontist's daily responsibilities directly influence where their salary falls within the calculator's range. At its core, an orthodontist diagnoses malocclusions and dentofacial irregularities, designs treatment plans, and manages the full course of care using braces, clear aligners (such as Invisalign), retainers, and other appliances. These clinical duties form the baseline productivity that underpins compensation.

Orthodontists who perform more complex procedures — including surgical orthodontics coordination, temporary anchorage device (TAD) placement, and treatment of cleft palate patients — generate higher production per appointment, which directly raises their compensation under production-based pay models. The calculator's experience and education inputs partially proxy for this: an orthodontist with advanced training is more likely to handle complex cases.

Administrative and practice management responsibilities also matter. Orthodontists who serve as clinical directors, oversee associate doctors, or manage multiple office locations typically earn premiums reflected at the higher end of the calculator's range. Conversely, orthodontists in purely clinical associate roles with no management duties tend to fall in the mid-range of estimates.

Patient volume is another key factor. An orthodontist seeing 50–70 patients per day in a high-volume practice generates significantly more production than one seeing 25–30, and this throughput difference manifests as a wider gap between low and high salary estimates in the calculator.

Several concrete, measurable factors move an orthodontist's salary toward the higher end of the calculator's output range.

Board certification through the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) signals advanced competency. In the calculator, selecting a higher education level reflects this credential and applies an upward adjustment. Only about one-third of practicing orthodontists hold board certification, making it a differentiator for employers and patients alike.

Practice ownership is the single largest salary lever. Orthodontists who own their practices capture the full net production rather than a percentage, which is why the calculator's estimates for experienced owner-operators in large metros can exceed $175 per hour. Selecting higher experience and a large metro job market size approximates this scenario.

Geographic demand imbalance also matters. Areas with high population-to-orthodontist ratios — parts of Texas, the Southeast, and certain suburban corridors — produce elevated compensation as practices compete for providers. The calculator's market size setting captures part of this dynamic.

Clear aligner volume has become a significant revenue driver. Orthodontists who maintain high Invisalign or ClearCorrect case starts generate more production per chair hour than those relying solely on traditional brackets. This efficiency translates to higher effective hourly earnings.

Extended clinical hours also increase annual salary. Setting the calculator to 42–45 hours per week — common for orthodontists who offer evening or Saturday appointments — produces meaningfully higher weekly, monthly, and annual projections.

Certain factors reliably push orthodontist salary estimates toward the lower end of the calculator's range.

Working in a small or rural market reduces the calculator's estimate via the job market size adjustment. Smaller markets typically have lower case fees, less insurance reimbursement leverage, and fewer patients, all of which suppress hourly production and, by extension, compensation.

Limited experience is the most straightforward downward factor. Orthodontists fresh out of residency have not yet built patient bases or referral networks, and the calculator applies lower experience-based adjustments accordingly. It typically takes 3–5 years for an orthodontist to reach mid-career earning levels.

Academic or institutional employment often comes with salary structures well below private practice equivalents. University-affiliated orthodontists may earn 20–30% less in gross pay, reflected in the calculator when lower experience and education settings are combined with smaller market selections.

Part-time or reduced schedules directly lower annual projections. The calculator scales all outputs from hourly pay, so an orthodontist working 24 hours per week will see annual estimates approximately 60% of the full-time figure.

Associate roles with unfavorable production splits also cap earnings. An associate orthodontist earning 25–30% of collections in a DSO environment retains less per hour of clinical effort than a practice owner, and while the calculator does not model production percentages directly, this dynamic is reflected in the lower end of its hourly range.

Orthodontist benefits vary substantially depending on employment classification, which is why the salary calculator includes both W-2 and 1099 options for after-tax estimation.

W-2 orthodontists employed by dental service organizations or group practices typically receive comprehensive benefits packages that include health, dental, and vision insurance, malpractice insurance coverage, paid time off (often 3–4 weeks plus holidays), continuing education allowances ($2,000–$5,000 annually), and 401(k) plans with employer matching contributions. The calculator's 401(k) contribution setting allows you to model how retirement deferrals reduce your taxable income and shift your take-home pay estimate.

Practice-owning orthodontists classified as 1099 or S-corp owners must fund their own benefits — health insurance, retirement plans (SEP-IRA or solo 401(k)), malpractice coverage, and disability insurance. While their gross hourly rates tend to be higher, the calculator's 1099 selection models the additional self-employment tax burden (both the employer and employee shares of FICA), which meaningfully reduces after-tax estimates compared to W-2 at the same gross hourly rate.

Some DSOs also offer signing bonuses ($25,000–$75,000 for orthodontists in high-demand areas), student loan repayment assistance, and relocation stipends. These one-time payments are not modeled in the hourly calculator but should be factored into total compensation decisions.

The skills an orthodontist brings to practice directly affect where their salary falls within the calculator's estimated range.

Clinical proficiency with clear aligner systems — particularly Invisalign — is among the most salary-relevant skills today. Orthodontists with Diamond or Diamond Plus Invisalign provider status treat high case volumes and generate significantly more production per chair hour. The calculator's education level input partially captures this, as advanced training correlates with aligner expertise.

Digital treatment planning and 3D imaging competency (CBCT interpretation, digital scanning, and CAD/CAM appliance design) enables faster, more predictable treatment outcomes. Practices that leverage digital workflows reduce remakes and refinements, improving per-case profitability and supporting higher hourly rates.

Surgical orthodontics coordination skills — the ability to plan and co-manage orthognathic surgery cases with oral surgeons — open access to a higher-fee case category that many general orthodontists decline. This capability supports estimates at the upper end of the calculator's range.

Practice management and case acceptance skills are critical for owner-operators. An orthodontist who converts 80% of consultations into active cases generates more revenue than one converting 50%, a difference the calculator reflects through the gap between low and high hourly estimates.

Pediatric patient management expertise is essential given that approximately 75% of orthodontic patients are under 18. Orthodontists who handle behavioral challenges efficiently maintain high patient throughput, which sustains hourly production levels.

The salary calculator adjusts estimates based on location through two mechanisms: job market size (which affects gross pay) and state income tax (which affects after-tax estimates). Below are state-by-state and city-by-city explanations of how these factors interact for orthodontists.

What Does an Orthodontist Earn in New York?

New York has among the highest orthodontist compensation in the country due to elevated cost of living and strong demand across the state's metropolitan corridors. However, New York's progressive state income tax — one of the highest nationally — significantly reduces after-tax estimates in the calculator. The combination of New York City's local income tax and state tax creates a substantial gap between gross and net salary. Orthodontists in upstate markets like Buffalo or Rochester will see lower gross estimates due to smaller market size but retain a higher percentage after taxes compared to NYC-based peers.

What Does an Orthodontist Earn in California?

California features some of the highest gross orthodontist salaries nationally, driven by large metro markets, high case fees, and an affluent patient base seeking aesthetic treatment. The calculator's large metro setting applies a strong upward adjustment for California cities. However, California's state income tax is among the steepest in the nation, and the after-tax calculator output reflects this. Orthodontists considering California should pay close attention to the gap between the gross and net estimates the calculator produces.

What Does an Orthodontist Earn in Florida?

Florida is a uniquely attractive state for orthodontists because it has no state income tax. When you select Florida in the salary calculator, your after-tax estimate will be noticeably higher than in states with comparable gross pay. The state's rapidly growing population — particularly in the Tampa, Orlando, Miami, and Jacksonville metros — also sustains strong demand for orthodontic services. Gross salary estimates for Florida's large metro areas are competitive, and the tax advantage amplifies take-home pay.

What Does an Orthodontist Earn in Texas?

Texas, like Florida, has no state income tax, making it one of the most favorable states for orthodontist take-home pay. The state's major metros — Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and Austin — all qualify as large markets in the calculator, producing strong gross estimates. Texas also has a growing population and relatively lower cost of living compared to coastal metros, which means orthodontists can achieve high real purchasing power. The calculator will show a minimal gap between gross and after-tax estimates when Texas is selected.

What Does an Orthodontist Earn in Michigan?

Michigan's orthodontist salary estimates fall in the mid-range nationally. The Detroit metro area qualifies as a large market in the calculator, but other Michigan cities like Grand Rapids and Ann Arbor function as mid-sized markets with correspondingly moderate adjustments. Michigan has a flat state income tax that is moderate compared to coastal states, so the after-tax reduction in the calculator is less severe than in New York or California. Demand for orthodontic services in Michigan is steady, supported by established referral networks and employer-sponsored dental insurance prevalence.

What Does an Orthodontist Earn in Georgia?

Georgia's orthodontist market is heavily concentrated in the Atlanta metropolitan area, which the calculator treats as a large metro with corresponding upward salary adjustment. Outside Atlanta, much of Georgia consists of smaller markets where the calculator applies reduced estimates. Georgia's state income tax is moderate, producing an after-tax impact that falls between no-tax states like Texas and high-tax states like California. The Atlanta metro's rapid suburban growth has created strong demand for orthodontists in communities like Alpharetta, Marietta, and Johns Creek.

What Does an Orthodontist Earn in Ohio?

Ohio offers several mid-sized to large metros — Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati — where orthodontist demand is stable. The calculator applies moderate market size adjustments for these areas. Ohio's state income tax is modest compared to northeastern states, and the cost of living is lower, meaning that orthodontists in Ohio often achieve strong real purchasing power despite gross salary estimates that are somewhat below coastal markets. The presence of multiple dental schools and orthodontic residency programs creates a competitive labor supply that can moderate wages in certain areas.

What Does an Orthodontist Earn in North Carolina?

North Carolina has experienced significant population growth, particularly in the Charlotte and Raleigh-Durham metros, which the calculator treats as large and mid-sized markets respectively. This growth drives demand for orthodontic providers. North Carolina's flat state income tax is moderate, producing a manageable after-tax reduction in the calculator. The state offers a favorable combination of reasonable cost of living and competitive gross salary estimates, making it an increasingly popular destination for orthodontists relocating from higher-cost states.

What Does an Orthodontist Earn in Illinois?

Illinois orthodontist salary is largely defined by the Chicago metropolitan area, the state's dominant large metro. The calculator applies a strong market size uplift for Chicago. Outside the Chicago metro, downstate Illinois markets are considerably smaller, and the calculator adjusts accordingly. Illinois has a flat state income tax that is higher than some neighboring states, reducing after-tax estimates moderately. The concentration of DSOs and private practices competing for orthodontists in the Chicago suburbs helps support robust gross pay estimates.

What Does an Orthodontist Earn in Maryland?

Maryland benefits from its proximity to Washington, DC, and the broader Baltimore-Washington corridor functions as a large metro in the calculator. Orthodontists in this region see elevated gross salary estimates driven by high patient demand and affluent demographics. Maryland's state income tax is above average, and some counties impose additional local income taxes, which the calculator's state tax modeling captures at the state level. Despite the tax burden, the strong demand and high case fees in the DC suburbs make Maryland competitive.

What Does an Orthodontist Earn in Indiana?

Indiana's orthodontist market is centered on the Indianapolis metropolitan area, which the calculator classifies as a mid-sized to large market. Other Indiana cities like Fort Wayne and Evansville are smaller markets with lower salary adjustments. Indiana has a flat state income tax that is relatively low, producing favorable after-tax estimates compared to neighboring Illinois or Ohio. The lower cost of living in Indiana means that orthodontists' purchasing power can be competitive even when gross salary estimates are below coastal averages.

What Does an Orthodontist Earn in Virginia?

Virginia's salary landscape for orthodontists is shaped by the Northern Virginia suburbs of Washington, DC — areas like Arlington, Fairfax, and Loudoun County — which the calculator treats as part of a large metro. These areas produce some of the highest orthodontist salary estimates on the East Coast. Southern and western Virginia markets are considerably smaller. Virginia's state income tax is moderate, and the after-tax estimates reflect a manageable reduction. The concentration of dual-income, high-education households in Northern Virginia supports premium orthodontic case fees.

What Does an Orthodontist Earn in Connecticut?

Connecticut orthodontists benefit from proximity to both the New York City metro and the Boston corridor, with Fairfield County in particular functioning as a high-demand, affluent market. The calculator applies strong market size adjustments for these areas. Connecticut's state income tax is above average, particularly at higher income levels that orthodontists typically reach, which reduces after-tax estimates. However, the high case acceptance rates and willingness to pay for premium treatment options (ceramic braces, Invisalign) in Connecticut's wealthier communities support elevated gross hourly rates.

What Does an Orthodontist Earn in New Jersey?

New Jersey offers strong gross orthodontist salary estimates, particularly in the northern part of the state that functions as part of the New York City metro area and the central corridor between New York and Philadelphia. The calculator's large metro setting applies generous upward adjustments for these regions. New Jersey's state income tax is among the highest nationally, especially at the income levels orthodontists earn, and the after-tax calculator output will show a meaningful reduction. Despite this, the dense population, high insurance coverage rates, and strong demand make New Jersey one of the more lucrative states for orthodontic practice when considering gross compensation.

What Does an Orthodontist Earn in Chicago?

Chicago is one of the largest orthodontist job markets in the Midwest. The calculator applies its maximum large metro adjustment for the Chicago area, producing hourly estimates of approximately $120–$160 and annual estimates of $249,600–$332,800 for full-time orthodontists. The extensive suburban network — from Naperville to Schaumburg to Orland Park — creates high demand for orthodontists in both private practices and DSO-backed offices. Illinois state income tax reduces after-tax estimates, but the volume of available positions and competitive gross pay make Chicago a strong market.

What Does an Orthodontist Earn in Los Angeles?

Los Angeles produces some of the highest gross orthodontist salary estimates in the calculator due to its massive population, high aesthetic treatment demand, and premium case fees. Hourly estimates for experienced orthodontists in LA range from approximately $125–$170. The trade-off is California's steep state income tax, which the after-tax calculator captures, and the extremely high cost of living. Orthodontists considering LA should compare both the gross and net estimates the calculator produces, as the gap between the two is among the widest of any US metro.

What Does an Orthodontist Earn in New York City (NYC)?

New York City represents the peak of orthodontist gross compensation nationally. The calculator's large metro adjustment, combined with NYC's extraordinary demand and case fee levels, produces hourly estimates of $130–$175 and annual estimates of $270,400–$364,000. However, NYC orthodontists face the combined burden of federal, New York State, and New York City income taxes. The after-tax estimate the calculator generates for NYC residents will be materially lower than the gross figure — often 30–40% lower depending on filing status and 401(k) contributions. Manhattan and Brooklyn practices tend to command the highest fees, while outer borough and suburban Long Island practices offer slightly lower gross pay but better tax efficiency for those commuting from lower-tax jurisdictions.

What Does an Orthodontist Earn in Houston?

Houston is one of the most favorable large metros for orthodontist take-home pay. The calculator applies a strong market size adjustment for Houston's large and growing population, producing competitive gross hourly estimates of $115–$155. Combined with Texas's zero state income tax, the after-tax estimates for Houston are among the highest the calculator will generate for any US city. Houston's diverse patient demographics and extensive suburban sprawl create numerous practice opportunities across the metro.

What Does an Orthodontist Earn in Phoenix?

Phoenix has experienced rapid population growth, which has expanded the orthodontist job market significantly. The calculator treats Phoenix as a large metro, applying an upward adjustment. Hourly estimates for Phoenix orthodontists range from approximately $110–$148. Arizona's state income tax has been reduced in recent years and is now among the lowest flat-rate state taxes, producing favorable after-tax estimates. The combination of growth-driven demand, moderate taxes, and reasonable cost of living makes Phoenix an attractive market for orthodontists seeking strong real compensation.

What Does an Orthodontist Earn in Atlanta?

Atlanta is the dominant orthodontist market in the Southeast. The calculator's large metro setting produces hourly estimates of approximately $110–$150 for Atlanta-area orthodontists. Georgia's moderate state income tax creates a manageable after-tax reduction. Atlanta's sprawling suburban footprint — spanning from Buckhead and Decatur to Kennesaw and Peachtree City — supports high patient volume and a competitive mix of private practices and DSO locations. The metro's population growth trajectory suggests continued strong demand for orthodontic providers.

What Does an Orthodontist Earn in San Diego?

San Diego offers strong gross orthodontist salary estimates comparable to Los Angeles, with hourly projections of $120–$160 in the calculator. The market benefits from affluent demographics and high demand for cosmetic and clear aligner treatments. Like all California cities, San Diego orthodontists face high state income tax, which reduces after-tax estimates. However, San Diego's slightly lower cost of living relative to LA and San Francisco can result in better real purchasing power despite similar tax burdens.

What Does an Orthodontist Earn in Washington, DC?

Washington, DC and its surrounding Virginia and Maryland suburbs form one of the highest-paying orthodontist markets in the country. The calculator applies large metro adjustments, producing hourly estimates of $125–$165. DC itself imposes its own income tax, and orthodontists living in Maryland or Virginia face those states' respective tax structures. The calculator's state selection allows you to compare after-tax estimates across jurisdictions within the same metro area. The concentration of high-income professionals in the DC area supports premium case fees and strong case acceptance rates.

What Does an Orthodontist Earn in Boston?

Boston is a top-tier orthodontist market with hourly estimates of $125–$165 in the calculator. The metro's density, high educational attainment, and strong employer-sponsored dental insurance coverage drive robust demand. Massachusetts has a flat state income tax that is moderate but applies uniformly at orthodontist income levels. Boston's concentration of academic medical centers (Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Tufts, Boston University) creates a pipeline of orthodontic talent, which provides competition but also sustains a referral-rich environment for established practitioners. The calculator's after-tax output for Massachusetts reflects a balanced tax burden that is lower than New York or California but higher than no-tax states.

What Does an Orthodontist Earn in Dallas?

Dallas mirrors Houston in many respects: a large, growing metro with strong demand, no state income tax, and competitive gross pay. The calculator produces hourly estimates of $115–$155 for Dallas orthodontists. The north Dallas suburbs — Plano, Frisco, McKinney, and Allen — have experienced explosive population growth and represent some of the highest-demand orthodontist submarkets in Texas. After-tax estimates for Dallas are among the most favorable nationally due to the absence of state income tax, making Dallas a premier market for orthodontists optimizing take-home compensation.

What Does an Orthodontist Earn in Seattle?

Seattle offers strong orthodontist compensation with hourly estimates of $120–$160 in the calculator. Washington State has no state income tax, which gives Seattle orthodontists a significant take-home advantage over comparably paid peers in California, New York, or Massachusetts. The calculator's after-tax output for Washington State residents will show a narrow gap between gross and net pay. Seattle's tech-driven economy produces a patient base with high disposable income and strong demand for premium orthodontic treatment options. The trade-off is a high cost of living, particularly in housing, but the tax advantage partially offsets this.