The starting salary for orthodontists in Georgia attracts many new professionals who want a secure future in the dental field. Many graduates look for clear income details before entering this growing healthcare sector. Early knowledge of pay levels helps new specialists plan housing choices, financial goals and first job steps.
The financial outlook for a professional in the field of dental alignment and jaw correction is exceptionally strong. Orthodontists play a vital role in patient health and self-esteem making their services highly valued. I
This guide presents every point in simple wording so each reader can understand income patterns and the real work life of orthodontic roles in the state. Georgia presents a dynamic and growing market for these essential dental specialists.
Definition And Basics Of Orthodontic Income In Georgia

Orthodontics is a dental specialty that focuses on tooth alignment bite correction and jaw improvement. An orthodontic specialist uses advanced methods to help patients improve smiles and long term oral health. The career requires many years of training so new graduates need clear information about the starting salary for orthodontists in Georgia.
Early earnings depend on several factors. Most new professionals begin in associate roles at group practices or private clinics. These positions help build practical skills and provide real experience in the dental field.
Many graduates also consider related roles such as orthodontic specialist positions dental assistant roles or entry level orthodontist jobs. These options give insight into earning potential and career opportunities in Georgia.
Defining the Orthodontist Profession and Expected Income
An orthodontist is a highly trained dental specialist who has completed four years of dental school followed by an additional two to three years of an accredited full-time residency program specifically in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. This extensive training sets this specialist apart from a general dentist. The specialist focuses exclusively on diagnosing preventing and treating dental and facial irregularities such as misaligned teeth bad bites and jaw problems.
The Difference Between Associate and Practice Owner Income
A newly graduated orthodontist usually begins as an associate orthodontist salary GA working for an established practice. This arrangement provides valuable mentorship a steady patient flow and no overhead costs.
In contrast an orthodontic practice owner salary GA is significantly higher but comes with substantial risks and responsibilities including staff management equipment costs and business administration. The starting salary is a stepping stone to this ultimate financial potential.
Orthodontist Salaries in Georgia by Role and Experience
| Role / Experience Level | Approximate Yearly Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage |
| Entry Level Orthodontist | $210,000 – $230,000 | $17,500 – $19,200 | $4,050 – $4,420 | $120 – $125 |
| Experienced Orthodontist / Expert | $300,000 – $330,000 | $25,000 – $27,500 | $5,800 – $6,350 | $145 – $150 |
| Associate Orthodontist | $240,000 – $270,000 | $20,000 – $22,500 | $4,615 – $5,190 | $135 – $140 |
| Certified Orthodontist Assistant | $40,000 – $50,000 | $3,350 – $4,200 | $770 – $970 | $19 – $24 |
| Orthodontist Dental Assistant | $35,000 – $48,000 | $2,900 – $4,000 | $675 – $930 | $17 – $23 |
| Aligner Specialist | $45,000 – $55,000 | $3,750 – $4,580 | $870 – $1,060 | $22 – $26 |
Benefits Of Knowing The Starting Salary For Orthodontists
Knowing the starting salary for orthodontists in Georgia helps plan finances and lifestyle. Early earnings shape housing choices transportation costs and daily living budgets. New professionals also compare orthodontist pay in Georgia to other dental roles to evaluate their career choice.
The salary information helps assess private practice orthodontist salary Georgia versus group clinics. Private clinics may offer higher income but usually after gaining experience. Understanding income patterns helps plan long-term career growth and savings.
Considering cost of living in Georgia for orthodontists ensures early career comfort. Some cities offer higher salaries but higher living costs. Balancing income with expenses gives a clear financial path for new graduates.
Analyzing The Entry Level Orthodontist Salary Georgia Figures
New professionals entering the job market often look at the entry level orthodontist salary Georgia to gauge their initial earning potential. This starting income is robust reflecting the high demand and specialized nature of the work. The data collected from various job boards and industry surveys shows a strong financial beginning for these professionals.
The reported average starting salary for orthodontists in Georgia for an entry-level associate typically falls within a significant range. While some sources report a median starting figure that is very high others show a wider band that better accounts for all new graduates.
The lower end of this range might begin around $150000 to $200000 annually while the 75th percentile for new graduates often sees figures exceeding $250000. It is essential to remember that these are base figures before any performance bonuses kick in. The typical hourly wage for an associate working in the field of dental alignment is also substantial reflecting the expertise required for every patient visit.
What Makes an Orthodontist’s Pay Change in Georgia
The specific amount a new specialist earns is not fixed. Several vital elements influence the starting salary for orthodontists in Georgia. Understanding these nuances can help a job seeker negotiate a higher initial offer and plan their career trajectory effectively.
Geographical Location and Cost of Living in the State
Location within the state is a primary factor. Cities with a higher cost of living and greater patient density generally offer a higher initial salary. For example the new orthodontist pay in Atlanta or its affluent suburbs like Sandy Springs and Alpharetta is often significantly higher than in smaller towns.
Practices in these high-demand areas must offer superior compensation to attract top talent. Cities offering the highest paying cities for orthodontists in Georgia often cluster around the metropolitan region.
Practice Type and Employment Model
The type of practice a new specialist joins dramatically affects their pay. Corporate dental service organizations or DSOs tend to offer structured base salaries and predictable benefits which can be an appealing stability for a new graduate.
Private practice associateships might offer a lower base but a higher production percentage translating to greater overall income as the associate builds their speed and patient volume. Negotiating the compensation structure is a crucial part of securing a top orthodontist compensation Georgia package.
Experience Skills and Production Capacity
While focusing on the entry level orthodontist salary Georgia a specialist’s skills are still important. The ability to perform a wide range of procedures like clear aligner therapy complex surgical cases and interdisciplinary treatment plans immediately adds value.
The faster a new orthodontist can confidently and efficiently treat a high volume of patients the higher their total compensation will be especially in production-based models.
Top 10 High Paying Cities For Orthodontists In Georgia
Some cities in Georgia offer higher earnings for orthodontists due to population size, demand for dental care and cost of living. These cities attract many new and experienced specialists who want a strong income.
| City | Approximate Yearly Salary |
| Rome | $309,500 |
| Sandy Springs | $307,200 |
| Dunwoody | $306,600 |
| Cusseta | $304,600 |
| Hampton | $302,900 |
| Smyrna | $302,600 |
| Decatur | $302,100 |
| Alpharetta | $302,000 |
| Union City | $299,200 |
| Athens | $298,750 |
Top 10 High Paying Dental Clinics And Hospitals For Orthodontists In Georgia
Working at high paying clinics or hospitals also influences starting salary. Here are some top paying organizations in Georgia:
| Clinic / Hospital | Approximate Salary Range |
| Smile Design Orthodontics | $310,000 – $330,000 |
| Atlanta Orthodontics Group | $305,000 – $325,000 |
| Georgia Dental Specialists | $300,000 – $320,000 |
| Alpharetta Dental Studio | $298,000 – $318,000 |
| Rome Family Orthodontics | $295,000 – $315,000 |
| Dunwoody Dental Care | $290,000 – $310,000 |
| Hampton Orthodontics | $288,000 – $308,000 |
| Sandy Springs Smiles | $285,000 – $305,000 |
| Smyrna Orthodontic Center | $280,000 – $300,000 |
| Athens Dental Specialists | $278,000 – $298,000 |
The Exceptional Long-Term Earning Potential for Orthodontists in Georgia

The initial starting salary for orthodontists in Georgia is merely the start of a robust and financially successful career trajectory. The Orthodontist Career Outlook Georgia is very strong supported by population growth and continuous advances in dental technology.
For many specialists the ultimate financial goal is practice ownership where an orthodontic practice owner salary GA can often exceed $400000 annually, representing significant growth from the starting pay.
Furthermore, consistently pursuing continuing education in advanced areas like clear aligner therapy and complex treatment planning directly increases a specialist’s market value and their total Orthodontist Compensation Georgia ensuring a continually rising income potential over their professional lifetime.
Conclusion
The starting salary for orthodontists in Georgia confirms that this specialization is one of the most financially rewarding careers in the healthcare sector. New graduates can expect a highly competitive and generous initial compensation package which serves as a solid foundation for exponential income growth. By understanding the key factors like location practice type and negotiation strategies new specialists can confidently enter the job market and secure an offer that reflects their extensive education and valuable expertise. The outlook for an orthodontist in Georgia is bright promising both professional satisfaction and substantial financial success in the years to come.
FAQs
How much do orthodontists make in Georgia?
The average annual salary for an orthodontist in Georgia is generally high often falling between $245000 and $295000 a year. However, high-earning specialists in major cities can see salaries exceeding $325000.
What is $50,000 a year hourly in Georgia?
If you earn $50000 annually and work a standard 40-hour work week your hourly wage is approximately $24.04. This calculation assumes you work 2080 hours over the course of the year.
What educational level is needed to earn a top orthodontist salary?
To earn a top average orthodontist income Georgia a specialist must complete a Doctorate in Dental Surgery or Dental Medicine followed by a two-to-three-year accredited orthodontics residency program.
Are there many job opportunities for new orthodontists in the state?
The Orthodontist Job Market Georgia is generally favorable with continuous demand across major metro areas and fast-growing suburbs indicating strong career opportunities for new graduates.
Is the Orthodontist Job Market Georgia currently experiencing high demand?
The Orthodontist Job Market Georgia remains robust due to population growth and high demand for cosmetic and functional dental care ensuring favorable employment opportunities and competitive starting salary for orthodontists in Georgia.






