Orthodontists salary in the United States
The median orthodontist in the US earns $289,140 a year (about $139.01 an hour); the mean is $259,400. The middle half earns between $146,580 and $342,300. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, 6,210 employed.
| Measure | Annual | Hourly equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $99,850 | $48.00 |
| 25th percentile | $146,580 | $70.47 |
| Median | $289,140 | $139.01 |
| Mean | $259,400 | $124.71 |
| 75th percentile | $342,300 | $164.57 |
| 90th percentile | $416,000 | $200.00 |
Orthodontists straighten teeth and correct bites. BLS counts employees only, and sample sizes are small, so there is no state-by-state table here.
Other roles
- Dental hygienists salaryMedian $98,100
- Dental assistants salaryMedian $48,070
- General dentists salaryMedian $170,950
- Oral surgeons salaryMedian $352,220
- Prosthodontists salaryMedian $311,180
Have your own number? Add it anonymously or look for open roles on the job board. Buying or selling a practice? See dental practices for sale by state.
Common questions
How much do orthodontists make in the United States?
The median annual wage for orthodontists is $289,140 (about $139.01 an hour) and the mean is $259,400, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025. The middle half of orthodontists earn between $146,580 and $342,300.
How many orthodontists are employed in the US?
BLS estimates 6,210 employed orthodontists in May 2025. The count covers wage-and-salary employment only.
Do these numbers include practice owners?
No. BLS surveys employers about the people on their payroll. Owners who take profit from their own practice are mostly outside the survey, so a dentist-owner's income can differ a lot from the wage figures here.