Average Orthodontist Salary in Texas
Percentile Wage Estimates for Orthodontist
Orthodontist Salary in Texas
Orthodontists enjoy a strong earning potential in Texas. This earning potential and increasing demand are both a result of their specialized skill set and the high demand for orthodontic care across the state. According to the latest data, the annual average orthodontist’s salary in Texas is approximately $410,000. This can be further divided into an hourly wage close to $197.23. These numbers depend on various factors and can vary depending on location, experience, practice setting, and the number of patients treated.
Texas is home to a growing population, diverse communities, and a healthcare infrastructure that is expanding rapidly. Orthodontists’ earnings in Texas are also increasing as the patient volume is high and there is better access to modern dental technology. Popular cities in Texas, like Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and Austin, offer a great number of opportunities for orthodontists in both private practice and group settings.
The financial benefits orthodontists enjoy in Texas can also be owed to a lower cost of living. This, when compared to other states like California and New York, makes Texas a highly attractive destination for orthodontic professionals. In rural and suburban areas, orthodontists, in most cases, are underserved. This has been increasing demand and providing further opportunities for growth.
Orthodontist Salary in Other US States
| States | Average Monthly Salary | Average Annual Salary | Hourly Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $33,417 | $401,000 | $193/hour |
| New York | $27,500 | $330,000 | $159/hour |
| Florida | $21,167 | $254,000 | $122/hour |
Texas leads in orthodontist earnings when compared to many other states, while California offers slightly higher overall salaries. The absence of state income tax in Texas often results in better take-home pay. In addition, the expanding suburban and rural demand creates opportunities for higher patient intake and increased service needs.
Orthodontists' Salary Trends in Texas, US
There are currently 23 active orthodontist job opportunities in Texas, with 150 positions available nationwide. The demand for orthodontic specialists continues to rise, driven by a growing population, heightened cosmetic dental awareness, and increased access to dental insurance.
The average orthodontist salary in Texas has shown steady growth in recent years. With the integration of digital orthodontics, clear aligner systems, and advanced treatment planning technologies, orthodontists are able to treat more patients efficiently. These advancements have contributed to improved case acceptance rates and, subsequently, increased revenue and salaries.
Additionally, many orthodontists in Texas benefit from performance incentives, ownership opportunities in multi-specialty practices, and referral networks from general dentists. These financial structures further enhance earning potential, especially in cities and fast-growing suburbs.
Orthodontist’s Roles and Responsibilities
Orthodontists are dental specialists who focus on diagnosing, preventing, and correcting misaligned teeth and jaws. In Texas, their responsibilities extend across a range of clinical, technological, and collaborative functions that support both oral health and aesthetic outcomes.
- ●Designing and Implementing Orthodontic Treatment Plans
- Orthodontists assess bite irregularities and develop customized treatment plans using diagnostic tools such as panoramic X-rays, cephalometric imaging, and digital models.
- ●Applying Corrective Appliances
- They install and monitor orthodontic appliances, including traditional braces, lingual braces, clear aligners (such as Invisalign), palatal expanders, and retainers. These tools are adjusted regularly to guide teeth into optimal alignment.
- ●Monitoring Treatment Progress
- Ongoing evaluations are critical in orthodontics. Orthodontists track tooth movement, make necessary adjustments to appliances, and ensure patient compliance to maintain treatment efficacy and timelines.
- ●Managing Complex Jaw and Facial Conditions
- In cases involving skeletal discrepancies or congenital anomalies, orthodontists coordinate care with oral and maxillofacial surgeons for orthognathic (jaw realignment) surgery or cleft palate correction.
- ●Educating Patients and Families
- Orthodontists provide guidance on oral hygiene, appliance care, and long-term retention strategies. Patient education is essential to ensure treatment success and prevent relapse.
- ●Integrating Digital Technologies
- Texas orthodontic practices increasingly leverage digital smile design, 3D imaging, intraoral scanners, and CAD/CAM systems to improve diagnostic accuracy, case visualization, and treatment customization.
Orthodontists in Texas serve both pediatric and adult populations, with growing demand for discreet and efficient orthodontic solutions such as clear aligners. Their work contributes significantly to patients’ confidence, oral function, and long-term dental health.
Orthodontist – Scope of Practice and Work Settings
Orthodontists in Texas work in a variety of settings, including:
- ●Private orthodontic clinics
- ●Group dental practices
- ●Multi-specialty dental centers
- ●Hospital-based dental departments
- ●Academic and research institutions
- Many orthodontists run their practices, allowing for greater autonomy and financial rewards. Others may be employed by Dental Support Organizations (DSOs), which offer administrative support and structured compensation models, often with performance bonuses.
Orthodontic care in Texas is often delivered in family-friendly environments with flexible appointment options, allowing practitioners to maintain a healthy work-life balance. The increasing availability of part-time roles and associate positions further supports lifestyle flexibility.
Reasons for Increasing Orthodontist Income in Texas
Several factors are driving the upward trend in orthodontist earnings in Texas:
- ●Population Growth
- Texas is one of the fastest-growing states in the U.S., bringing in a larger pool of patients in need of orthodontic treatment.
- ●Aesthetic Awareness
- More individuals are seeking orthodontic care for cosmetic reasons, contributing to increased patient volume.
- ●Technological Integration
- Tools like clear aligners, digital impressions, and AI-powered treatment planning allow for faster, more accurate, and more efficient care.
- ●Insurance Coverage
- The expansion of dental insurance plans that include orthodontic services has led to a rise in case acceptance rates.
- ●Referrals from General Dentists
- Texas has a large number of general and pediatric dentists who refer patients to orthodontic specialists, creating a steady stream of clientele.
Additionally, the entrepreneurial spirit in Texas supports the growth of private practices and boutique clinics, giving orthodontists more control over pricing and services.
Build Your Dream Dental Team with Texas’s Top Orthodontists
If you’re seeking highly skilled orthodontists in Texas or looking to expand your orthodontic team, Hire Smiles is your trusted recruitment partner. As North America’s leading dental hiring platform, we help you find orthodontists who bring both clinical excellence and compassionate patient care.
At Hire Smiles, our recruitment strategies go beyond resumes—we align practices with candidates who share our values, goals, and treatment philosophies. Whether you’re launching a new clinic or filling a specialist position, we ensure you find the right fit quickly and efficiently.
Contact us today at +1 (888) 533-4989 or email info@hiresmiles.com to learn more.
Let Hire Smiles connect you with the top orthodontic talent in Texas—because great care begins with great people.