The publication ranked all 50 states using 128 metrics across 10 broad categories, with each state being able to earn a maximum of 2,500 points. Learn more about the study’s methodology here.
Salary data for dentists is from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which released updated compensation data April 3 to reflect May 2023 information, the latest available.
Here is the annual mean wage for dentists in the bottom 10 states for business:
1. Hawaii: $154,860
2. Mississippi: $130,550
3. Alaska: $201,720
4. Louisiana: $164,340
5. Montana: $204,410
6. Arkansas: $168,760
7. Rhode Island: $196,540
8. New Mexico: $190,530
9. Maine: $214,810
10. New Hampshire: $197,450
