Orthodontists are dental specialists who diagnose and treat dental and facial irregularities, most commonly using braces, aligners, and retainers.
As one of the highest-paid professions in healthcare, orthodontists earned a median annual wage exceeding $230,000 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Most orthodontists are self-employed or work in group dental practices, and their earnings reflect the significant educational investment—typically 10+ years of post-secondary education including dental school and an orthodontic residency—required to enter the field.
For context on the broader healthcare salary landscape, a doctor salary typically ranges from $200,000 to $350,000 depending on specialty, placing orthodontists well above the primary care average.
Orthodontist Salary Overview
The BLS reports that orthodontists are among the highest-earning healthcare professionals.
The median annual wage exceeds $230,000, and the top earners make substantially more.
Most orthodontists are self-employed, so actual income depends heavily on practice size, patient volume, geographic location, and fee structures.
Compared to a optometrist salary (typically $120,000–$145,000) or a podiatrist salary (~$153,000), orthodontics stands out as one of the highest-compensated non-physician healthcare specialties. The advanced training and specialty demand consistently translate into above-average earnings.
For a complete breakdown of how any hourly wage in these ranges translates to annual, monthly, weekly, and after-tax take-home, see our hourly-to-annual salary conversion guides.
Salary by Practice Setting
Solo practice owners typically retain more revenue per procedure but also bear all practice overhead including staff, rent, equipment, and malpractice insurance.
Orthodontists employed by dental service organizations (DSOs) or group practices receive a salary but may earn less than successful solo practitioners.
Associates starting in group practices often earn between $150,000 and $200,000 while building toward ownership.
Self-employed orthodontists who own their practices must manage overhead carefully. Understanding average net worth by age benchmarks can help practice owners assess whether their business investment is generating appropriate long-term returns relative to peers.
Salary by Geographic Location
Orthodontist salaries vary by state and practice location. Urban and suburban markets typically offer higher patient volumes and revenue potential, though they also face more competition. Rural areas may offer less competition and, in some cases, higher earnings for a well-positioned practice.
States like New York, California, and Massachusetts tend to report higher median wages. Prospective orthodontists should weigh compensation against the cost of living in California or the cost of living in New York before committing to a high-cost market.
Return on Investment for Orthodontic Training
Orthodontic training typically involves four years of undergraduate study, four years of dental school, and a two- to three-year orthodontic residency.
Total educational debt can exceed $400,000.
High median salaries reflect the length and cost of training, but it typically takes several years of practice to achieve peak earning potential and pay down educational debt.
Newly practicing orthodontists carrying significant educational debt should prioritize the student loan interest deduction available at early income levels, and consider contributing to a Roth IRA during lower-earning residency years before income disqualifies them from direct contributions.
Building toward solid retirement savings targets from the start of practice makes a meaningful difference over a career.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary of an orthodontist in 2026?
The median annual wage for orthodontists exceeds $230,000 per the BLS. Actual earnings vary widely by practice type, patient volume, and location.
Do orthodontists earn more than general dentists?
Generally yes. Orthodontics is a specialty requiring additional residency training, and the BLS consistently reports higher median wages for orthodontists compared to general dentists.
How long does it take to become an orthodontist?
Typically 10 to 11 years of post-secondary education: four years of undergraduate study, four years of dental school, and a two- to three-year orthodontic residency program.
Are most orthodontists self-employed?
Yes, the majority of orthodontists are self-employed in solo or group practices. This means earnings are practice revenue minus overhead, rather than a fixed salary. Knowing how to approach negotiating a salary offer matters even for orthodontists considering DSO employment arrangements.
What factors most affect an orthodontist's income?
Patient volume, fee schedules, whether they own their practice, geographic location, and operational efficiency are the primary drivers of orthodontist income.
Dentists and orthodontists in private practice should also understand savings benchmarks to ensure business cash reserves are adequate for slow months or unexpected expenses.
Sources & References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Dentists — https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dentists.htm
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — Orthodontists — https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291023.htm
- American Association of Orthodontists — Career Information — https://www.aaoinfo.org/
Last updated: April 27, 2026