Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are the highest-earning profession in the dental industry, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Oral surgeons have an average annual salary of $360,240, more than $100,000 higher than the average salary of orthodontists, the second highest dental earners.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics collected compensation data for six different professions in dentistry. The agency released updated salary information to reflect 2024 information on April 2.
Here is the average annual salaries for six dental professions throughout the industry:
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons
Annual mean wage: $360,240
Orthodontists
Annual mean wage: $254,620
Specialty dentists
Annual mean wage: $246,530
General dentists
Annual mean wage: $196,100
Dental hygienists
Annual mean wage: $93,890
Dental assistants
Annual mean wage: $48,860
