Denver / Boulder, CO • 82% Geo-Band • 4.4% State/Regional Tax
General Dentist & Dental Specialist Salary in Denver
2026 local compensation bands, state tax drag ($13,756/yr at D3), and purchasing power benchmarks.
D3 Median Total Comp
$312,625
Cost of Living Index
76 / 100
Real Purchasing Power vs SF
114%
Median Home Price
$620,000
| Level | Title & Experience | 25th %ile Base | Median Base (P50) | 75th %ile Base | 90th %ile Base | Bonus / Equity | Median Total Comp |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| D1 | Associate Dentist (Entry / GPR / AEGD Resident) 0 - 2 Years |
$110,700 | $131,200 | $151,700 | $176,300 | 15% / $0 | $150,880 |
| D2 | Experienced Associate Dentist 2 - 5 Years |
$143,500 | $168,100 | $200,900 | $233,700 | 20% / $16,400 | $218,120 |
| D3 | Senior Associate / Lead Clinical Dentist 5 - 8 Years |
$184,500 | $217,300 | $262,400 | $311,600 | 25% / $41,000 | $312,625 |
| D4 | Dental Practice Owner / Managing Partner 8 - 14+ Years |
$254,200 | $315,700 | $401,800 | $533,000 | 35% / $147,600 | $573,795 |
| D5 | Dental Specialist (Oral Surgery / Ortho / Endo / Perio) Post-Residency (3-6+ Years) |
$278,800 | $360,800 | $475,600 | $639,600 | 40% / $180,400 | $685,520 |
Denver Compensation FAQs
How much does a General Dentist & Dental Specialist make in Denver in 2026?
Adjusted for Denver (82% market tier), median General Dentist & Dental Specialist total compensation spans from $150,880 at D1 to $685,520 at D5.
How do taxes and cost of living affect General Dentist & Dental Specialist pay in Denver?
Denver carries an estimated 4.4% state/regional income tax rate and a 76/100 cost-of-living index (median home $620,000), giving roughly 114% real purchasing power compared to San Francisco.