Explore national salary, projected growth, education requirements, and career opportunities across the United States.
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National median annual wage for this occupation.
Estimated jobs currently supported nationwide.
Projected employment change through 2034.
Estimated openings created each year.
The typical education, prior experience, and on-the-job training associated with entry into this career.
Doctoral or professional degree
None
Internship/residency
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Orthodontists are specialized dental professionals who focus on advanced oral health care after completing a doctoral or professional degree. With national employment of 6,000, this is a relatively small, highly specialized field. The occupation shows projected employment growth of 4.4%, indicating that new roles are expected to be added over time. Career success in orthodontics relies on a blend of technical and professional strengths, including fine motor skills, science knowledge, critical and analytical thinking, and strong interpersonal abilities. Leadership, project management, and customer service skills also play an important role, reflecting the need to guide treatment processes and work effectively with patients and teams. For people drawn to problem solving, detailed work, and long-term professional development, orthodontics offers a focused career path. Similar occupations include dentists (general and other specialists), oral and maxillofacial surgeons, ophthalmologists (except pediatric), and orthopedic surgeons (except pediatric).
Earnings for orthodontists vary considerably by location, and the available data highlight notable differences among states and metro areas. Among the top states by CareerGPS opportunity score, Colorado reports a median salary of $416,000, the highest figure listed. Washington shows a median salary of $290,430, while Ohio and Wisconsin report median salaries of $219,300 and $212,860, respectively. New York’s median salary is $172,980. At the metro level, Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ reports a median salary of $272,330. These figures indicate that orthodontists can see very different earning levels depending on where they practice. When evaluating offers or planning a move, it is important to consider how state or metro salary levels align with personal financial goals and lifestyle preferences.
Orthodontists have national employment of 6,000, indicating a relatively small profession in terms of total positions. Projected employment growth of 4.4% suggests that overall demand is expected to increase. This same 4.4% growth rate appears in several highlighted states and the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ metro area, indicating a consistent projection across those locations. Annual openings are listed as 0 in the supplied data, which may reflect the way openings are counted or reported rather than the absence of turnover or new positions. For career planners, the combination of a specialized role, modest employment size, and positive projected growth points to a field where positions may be competitive but also stable. Individuals considering orthodontics can use the growth percentage and employment numbers to gauge how many potential opportunities may exist nationally over time.
Location plays a significant role in opportunity for orthodontists, as shown by the CareerGPS opportunity scores and median salaries. Among states, New York has an opportunity score of 65.78 with a median salary of $172,980 and employment of 130. Colorado stands out with a median salary of $416,000, employment of 160, and an opportunity score of 56.97. Washington reports employment of 290, a median salary of $290,430, and an opportunity score of 56.29, giving it both relatively high employment and a strong score. Ohio and Wisconsin show median salaries of $219,300 and $212,860, with employment of 250 and 90 and opportunity scores of 42.84 and 41.98, respectively. At the metro level, Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ has an opportunity score of 50.37, median salary of $272,330, and employment of 100. Comparing these figures can help orthodontists and students weigh salary levels, job counts, and opportunity scores when choosing where to train or practice.
The typical education for orthodontists is a doctoral or professional degree, reflecting the advanced level of clinical and scientific preparation required. This extended education supports development of key strengths such as science knowledge, fine motor skills, and critical and analytical thinking. The career also calls for strong problem solving and decision making, as well as attention to detail, which align closely with rigorous professional training. Beyond technical expertise, successful orthodontists rely on leadership and project management skills, since they often oversee treatment plans and coordinate work over time. Interpersonal and customer service skills are equally important, supporting effective communication and patient relationships. Adaptability helps orthodontists respond to new information and changing circumstances in their work. Together, the doctoral or professional education requirement and this mix of skills make orthodontics well-suited for individuals prepared for intensive study and long-term professional commitment.
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