Dentist Salary in Georgia: My Comprehensive Guide to Earnings & Real-World Insights (2024)
Table of Contents
- Introduction: Why I Dived Deep into Dentist Salaries in Georgia
- Average Dentist Salary in Georgia (State-Wide)
- What Affects Dentist Pay in Georgia?
- 1. Experience Level
- 2. Dental Specialty
- 3. Geographic Location Within Georgia
- 4. Type of Practice
- 5. Patient Volume & Production
- 6. Education and Advanced Degrees
- Dentist Salaries by City: My Look at the Numbers
- The Real Math: Dentist Salary vs Cost of Living in Georgia
- Georgia Dentist Job Market: Should You Consider It?
- How to Boost Your Dental Income in Georgia (My Actionable Tips)
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Dentist Salaries in Georgia
- Conclusion: My Honest Take on Dentist Earnings in Georgia
Introduction: Why I Dived Deep into Dentist Salaries in Georgia
When I first thought about moving to Georgia as a dentist, I felt lost with all the pay numbers people talked about and all the things that can change what you actually make. I didn’t just want to know the “average”—I really wanted to know what I’d bring home, what could change my pay, and if Georgia was a good choice for my job and money.
If you’re here, you’re probably wondering the same stuff I did: How much do dentists really make in Georgia? Which city pays the most? Should I buy a dental office, pick a specialty, or start as an employee dentist? I’ve lived this, read a ton, talked to others, and did the math.
Let me tell you what I found and give you clear, useful advice—not just numbers you see online, but real talk from someone who’s been there.
Average Dentist Salary in Georgia (State-Wide)
Let’s start with the basics. When I was looking at job offers and thinking about moving to Georgia, the number I kept finding was around $188,000 a year for a regular dentist (from Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2022). This is just the start.
- Hourly pay? That’s about $90 to $100 per hour.
- Is Georgia above or below average? Georgia is a bit lower than the national pay for dentists, but not by much. But remember—cost of living matters a lot here (we’ll talk about that soon).
But don’t forget: These are just the “middle” numbers. What you really make depends on a bunch of things I wish I had known at the start.
What Affects Dentist Pay in Georgia?
People love to ask “What’s the average?” but never “What could change my pay a lot?” Here’s what I’ve learned really makes a difference for dentist pay in Georgia.
1. Experience Level
- Starting Dentists (0-5 years): When I started in Georgia, as an employee at my first office, I made more like $120,000–$160,000—sometimes more with bonuses if I worked harder.
- Mid-career (5-15 years): Dentists I know with a bit more experience and returning patients usually see more money, around $160,000–$210,000.
- Very Experienced Dentists (15+ years): If you have people who keep coming back or you own your own office, pay can be $200,000 to $280,000+—sometimes a lot more. Owners often get even higher pay, but the stress can be more too.
What I saw: You earn more the longer you stick with it, but how you plan your early years matters for how quick you climb.
2. Dental Specialty
I always noticed dentists who went into a specialty and how much better they usually did. In Georgia, here’s what I see:
- General Dentists: $175,000–$205,000
- Oral Surgeons: $300,000–$450,000+
- Orthodontists: $250,000–$350,000+
- Kids’ Dentists (Pediatrics): $200,000–$280,000
- Endodontists/Periodontists: $200,000–$300,000
- Prosthodontists: $180,000–$250,000
Once, I was helping with a tough tooth repair. That’s when I found out that dental ceramics labs and zirconia labs can really change how much money you bring in—big cases mean more money, especially for specialists like prosthodontists.
Bottom line: Pick a specialty if you love it—the pay can be way better in Georgia.
3. Geographic Location Within Georgia
Georgia is a big state. Atlanta and its nearby towns, beachy Savannah, quiet small towns way out—these places all feel different, and so is their pay.
- Atlanta Metro: You’ll see $185,000–$220,000. There’s lots of patients, higher pay, but things cost more and there’s more other dentists.
- Savannah: Pay is $165,000–$195,000. Beautiful area but not as many people needing dentists.
- Augusta: A bit lower, about $160,000–$190,000, but things like rent are cheaper.
- Columbus and Macon: Usually $155,000–$185,000.
- Rural Georgia: Could be $140,000–$180,000—but don’t ignore these areas! I know folks who took rural jobs with good bonuses and less competition.
When I moved, Atlanta’s pay looked good, but monthly bills were high—smaller cities almost felt like a better deal.
4. Type of Practice
- Private Practice (Owner or Employee): Owning your own office, from what I’ve seen, is the top way to make the most. Employees may get $120,000–$180,000. Owners? I’ve seen $250,000–$400,000+ if you run it well. But running a business is a lot of work: paying bills, paying staff, and always making decisions.
- Corporate (Big Group Dental): More predictable, steady pay and less worry, but doesn’t pay the most. These jobs in Georgia usually start at $140,000–$180,000, sometimes more with bonuses.
- Public Health or Government: Lower pay, usually $110,000–$150,000, but you might get your school loans paid or have better hours.
- Hospital-based: Some friends working in hospitals get great benefits, but pay is all over the place.
I’ve worked for different offices. Private practice helped me earn more, but working for a big group made me feel more secure when I needed it.
5. Patient Volume & Production
A bunch of dentists in Georgia get paid not only a base salary, but also for how many people they treat—the busier you are, the more you earn.
One year, I thought I’d just get my regular pay, but as I got more patients, production pay started making my check much bigger. If your office pays you for being busy, you can make a lot, especially where there aren’t many dentists.
6. Education and Advanced Degrees
If you do more training, a special residency, or pass board exams, you might land better jobs—higher-level dentist jobs, teaching, or hospital work. But it’s not just the extra degrees that matter, it’s how you use them.
After doing some extra training in smile makeovers, I could do things most others couldn’t, working with labs like my favorite emax dental lab. That’s the kind of added service people pay more for.
Dentist Salaries by City: My Look at the Numbers
Here’s the city-by-city breakdown I wish someone gave me when I started.
| City/Region | Average Annual Salary | Hourly Wage | Cost of Living Index | My Take |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta Metro | $185,000–$220,000 | $90–$110 | 105–115 | Lots of money, but also lots of bills. Best for city lovers. |
| Savannah | $165,000–$195,000 | $80–$95 | 95–100 | Laid-back place, good work-life balance. |
| Augusta | $160,000–$190,000 | $75–$90 | 85–90 | Cheaper to live, steady work. |
| Columbus | $155,000–$185,000 | $70–$85 | 80–85 | Less competition, nice for new dentists. |
| Rural Georgia | $140,000–$180,000 | $65–$85 | 75–85 | Good bonuses, cheap living, but not as many city perks. |
I know people who earn more in small towns than in Atlanta, just because their costs are lower and sometimes there are cash bonuses to work in these areas.
The Real Math: Dentist Salary vs Cost of Living in Georgia
What really surprised me wasn’t just pay, but how far my money went in Georgia compared to other states or big cities.
Atlanta might pay more, but things like rent and food eat it up fast. In Augusta or Columbus, I had a bit less pay but could actually save more because daily costs were lower.
After talking to other dentists, we all agreed: Don’t just look at pay. Find where the money and lower costs work together. That’s Georgia’s strong point compared to New York, California, or even parts of Florida.
Georgia Dentist Job Market: Should You Consider It?
When I talked with the Georgia Dental Association and read up on reports, I saw some hopeful things:
- Job Growth: The BLS says dentist jobs will grow about 6% through 2032, about the same as the rest of the country. More people moving to places like Atlanta and Savannah means more patients.
- Best Places: Cities have more jobs but lots of other dentists. Rural areas sometimes pay sign-on bonuses, moving help, or even pay back your student loans if you promise to stay a while.
- Areas Needing Dentists: There’s a real need for dental help in small towns and lower-income parts of Georgia. If you’re ok with moving, you’ll find lots of jobs.
I got to work in a small town for a year. It wasn’t forever for me, but the pay and experience were great. If you’re open to trying new places, Georgia can be a really good choice.
How to Boost Your Dental Income in Georgia (My Actionable Tips)
I really think you can control how much you make if you make smart choices. Here are my best tips:
- Pick a Specialty if you’re interested. Not only will you charge more, but you can do fancier, newer treatments.
- Own Your Practice: More risk, but you can earn a lot more. When I opened my own office, my pay doubled after a few tough years—just watch your spending.
- Pick the Right Town: Don’t ignore medium or small towns. Sometimes they offer the best mix of pay and costs.
- Keep Learning: New certifications and courses can help you stand out. You can do things other dentists can’t, like veneers or implants.
- Run Your Office Well: Know your numbers. Good billing, smart scheduling, and working with reliable dental labs can help you get more profit and save money.
- Try Other Work: Some dentists earn extra by offering dentures, working evenings at an emergency dental clinic, or even teaching.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Dentist Salaries in Georgia
What is the average starting pay for a new dentist in Georgia?
Most new dentists make $120,000–$160,000, especially in cities. Some small towns or places that really need help may pay more.
Do orthodontists make more than general dentists in Georgia?
Yes. Orthodontists I know usually make $250,000–$350,000—and sometimes even more if they own their office or have been around a while.
Is Atlanta good for dentists’ pay?
Atlanta pays the most, but things cost more and there are more dentists. Still, if you build your patient list and spend smart, you can do really well.
How does dentist pay in Georgia compare with next-door states?
Georgia’s pay is about the same as Alabama or South Carolina, but sometimes a bit less than Florida. But in Georgia, your dollars can go further.
Who makes the most in dentistry in Georgia?
Oral surgeons are number one, then orthodontists and endodontists.
Conclusion: My Honest Take on Dentist Earnings in Georgia
So, what do dentists really get paid in Georgia? For me, the averages are $175,000–$205,000 for general dentists, but your actual pay depends on your specialty, your city, your experience, and how well you run your office.
Some of my best friends own their own clinics or focus on in-demand treatments, sometimes working with good china dental labs to keep costs down. Others do well as employees, just by being fast and skilled.
Georgia might not always have the highest pay in the whole country, but in my experience, it gives a fair balance of income, lifestyle, and everyday opportunity. If you make smart choices, keep learning, and run your job like a business, Georgia can be a really good place to build your future.
If you need more info on dental treatments or want ideas on managing dental implant procedures, check out more online resources. I hope my story helps give you a real edge as you figure out your next steps.
If you’ve got questions or want to chat about the real-life side of working as a dentist in Georgia, reach out. I’ve been through it all and am glad to help—because everyone starting out should have someone to talk to.
