How Much Does the Tooth Fairy Pay? A State-by-State Breakdown

April 2, 2025

How much did the Tooth Fairy leave behind when you were growing up? Chances are, it doesn't compare to what kids are getting these days.

We did some quick research and found a handful of recent surveys, performed by professional dental organizations, asking thousands of parents across the U.S. how much they give their kids as a reward for losing a tooth. The results may surprise you!

Where did the Tooth Fairy originate?

In case you've been living under a rock (or a pillow), here's a quick history of the Tooth Fairy -- a tradition where a child places their lost baby tooth under their pillow, and during the night, the "Tooth Fairy" (a parent or guardian) comes and exchanges the tooth for money or some type of gift.

The modern concept of the Tooth Fairy is relatively recent, gaining popularity in the 20th century. However, traditions surrounding lost teeth date back much further, with roots in European folklore and superstitions about the importance of teeth.

In some cultures, like 13th-century Scandinavia, a "tooth fee" was given to children for their first lost tooth. The idea of a small creature exchanging a tooth for a gift is seen in the French tale "La Bonne Petite Souris" (The Little Good Mouse) from the 18th century.

 

How much does the Tooth Fairy usually give?

The Dental Care Alliance's recent poll shows the Tooth Fairy pays an average of $4.57 per tooth across the U.S. This total is very comparable to Delta Dental's even more recent Original Tooth Fairy Poll®, which shows an average tooth fairy gift of $5.01.

However, some states see significantly higher—or lower—amounts. For example, while many children across the country receive around $1 per tooth, a few lucky kids in certain states get as much as $50 per tooth!

Dental Infographic by Dental Care Alliance

 

Where does the tooth fairy pay the most and the least?

Kids in Delaware are apparently in for a treat, because the "Blue Hen State" tops the list with an average of $8.91 per tooth. While most parents in Delaware report paying between $1 and $5, some children there have pulled in as much as $50 per tooth!

On the flip side, if you’re in Iowa, the Tooth Fairy is a bit more frugal, with an average payment of just $2.30 per tooth. Payments in the Hawkeye State ranged from 50 cents to $5, making it the state with the lowest Tooth Fairy payout.

What determines how much the tooth fairy pays?

There are plenty of factors that could influence the amount the tooth fairy leaves under the pillow, including: 

• Child's age: Sometimes older children receive slightly more.
• First tooth: Often receives a premium.
• Parental discretion: Ultimately, the amount is decided by the parents.
• Economic factors: Crazily enough, tooth fairy payouts have been historically linked to the S&P 500, leading some to wonder if it might be a good barometer of the condition of the economy.

Is the tooth fairy a good economic indicator?

According to Delta Dental's Original Tooth Fairy Poll® (which it has conducted since 1998), the average tooth fairy gift has correlated with the stock market's S&P 500 nearly every year; suggesting the tooth fairy could be a good indicator of the U.S. economy's overall direction.

Source: Delta Dental Tooth Fairy Index

However, for the first time since the poll's inception, the average tooth fairy gift has cooled off compared to the market; showing a 14% decline from $5.84 to $5.01 in 2025.

Looking for a place to store that tooth fairy money?

At Security National Bank, a child can earn up to $25 when they open a new Kid's Savings Account. So if you're looking for somewhere to put all of that tooth fairy money, stop by one of our branch locations today!