Salary distribution
Where San Francisco dentists, general fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $150,860 and $245,100, with a median of $202,060.
Typical entry
Education
Doctoral or professional degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 5.0 / 5
Medicine and Dentistry
Knowledge
- 4.3 / 5
Problem Sensitivity
Ability
- 4.3 / 5
Finger Dexterity
Ability
- 4.2 / 5
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge
- 4.1 / 5
Judgment and Decision Making
Technical
- 4.1 / 5
Critical Thinking
Cross-functional
- 4.1 / 5
Inductive Reasoning
Ability
- 4.1 / 5
Deductive Reasoning
Ability
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Use masks, gloves, and safety glasses to protect patients and self from infectious diseases.
- 02
Examine teeth, gums, and related tissues, using dental instruments, x-rays, or other diagnostic equipment, to evaluate dental health, diagnose diseases or abnormalities, and plan appropriate treatments.
- 03
Administer anesthetics to limit the amount of pain experienced by patients during procedures.
- 04
Use dental air turbines, hand instruments, dental appliances, or surgical implements.
- 05
Formulate plan of treatment for patient's teeth and mouth tissue.
- 06
Diagnose and treat diseases, injuries, or malformations of teeth, gums, or related oral structures and provide preventive or corrective services.
- 07
Write prescriptions for antibiotics or other medications.
- 08
Advise or instruct patients regarding preventive dental care, the causes and treatment of dental problems, or oral health care services.
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How the San Francisco metro compares to other major California metro areas for dentists, general.
- San Jose$207,910
- Sacramento$170,500
- San Diego$158,160
- Los Angeles$139,990
- Riverside$125,230
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Dentists, General in San Francisco, California?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Dentists, General in the San Francisco metropolitan area is $202,060.
- Does San Francisco pay more than the California state average for Dentists, General?
- The San Francisco metro median is +21.8% versus the California state median of $165,950.
- How does San Francisco compare to the national median for Dentists, General?
- The San Francisco metro median is +15.9% versus the BLS national figure of $174,309.
- What is the salary range for Dentists, General in San Francisco?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $119,750 and the 90th-percentile at $322,930 for the San Francisco metro area.
- What education is required for Dentists, General?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Doctoral or professional degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the San Francisco CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.