Dental Hygienist vs Dentist salary
In Australia, a dentist earns about 126% more than a dental hygienist — $309,511 vs $136,712 per year.
Showing amounts in USD (USD default; source data is AUD). FX as of Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:02:31 +0000. Convert currencies
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | Dental Hygienist | Dentist |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $102,291 | $212,008 |
| 25th | $119,502 | $260,794 |
| Median | $136,712 | $309,511 |
| 75th | $157,740 | $369,123 |
| Senior (90th) | $178,836 | $428,666 |
National Australia figures in AUD. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Healthcare comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a dental hygienist or dentist earn more in Australia?
- A dentist earns more, at about $446,000 per year vs $197,000 for a dental hygienist — roughly 126% ($249,000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in Australia?
- A dental hygienist typically earns $147,400–$257,700, while a dentist earns $305,500–$617,700 per year.
- How much do these jobs pay per month in Australia?
- On a monthly basis before tax, a dental hygienist averages about $16,400 and a dentist about $37,200.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in Australia, a dental hygienist earns about $147,400 while a dentist earns about $305,500 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in Australia, a dental hygienist earns about $257,700 while a dentist earns about $617,700 per year.
- Are dental hygienist and dentist similar careers?
- Both roles sit in the Healthcare category on Pay by Role, which is why we compare them head-to-head. Day-to-day work still differs — review each job page for skills and outlook.