Orthodontists are highly-trained dental professionals who work to correct imperfections in the teeth and jaws. They attend four year dental schools and post-graduate programs, and earn an excellent income in exchange for their study and dedication to this profession. Most orthodontists choose to attend continuing education programs which also increase their attractiveness to employers.
How Much Does Orthodontist Make?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the demand for orthodontists will rise at least ten percent over the next several years, making this an excellent career choice for young professionals who wish to enter the field of dentistry. While the average orthodontist salary per state can vary significantly, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the average yearly salary for orthodontists across the U.S. to be approximately $200,000.
Orthodontist wages are largely dependent upon the the industry in which one works and the level of experience which one possesses. Of course, experienced orthodontists are generally compensated more generously than beginners in the field. Orthodontists who work in private offices, for either themselves or others, earn much better wages than individuals who work in physicians offices and surgical hospitals.
Professionals in this field who choose to work in medical and surgical hospitals, which are often public facilities, earn an average yearly salary of $110,000. Though they are not as well compensated as their counterparts working in private practices, orthodontists who work in these types of medical facilities enjoy the satisfaction of serving the public. They are also not responsible for the financial management and oversight of their own offices, which can be a daunting task for many busy professionals.
The orthodontist income for those individuals who choose to work in the offices of physicians and health practitioners is approximately $83,000 per year. These are excellent positions for entry-level orthodontists and for those professionals who do not want to work full-time schedules. They are also excellent proving grounds for individuals in this field who need to gain work experience in order to land more lucrative positions in private dental practices.
The orthodontist salary range can vary widely based on geographic location. Professionals in this field who live in areas with lower costs of living will likely be paid lower wages, whereas individuals living in major metropolitan centers and areas with higher cost of living receive higher wages. Orthodontists who complete continuing education and who are able to sustain a work history in the field will also earn excellent wages.
