Dental Hygienist vs Nurse Practitioner salary
In Australia, a nurse practitioner earns about 64% more than a dental hygienist — $224,847 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
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Healthcare
Nurse Practitioner$224,847/yr
- Monthly
- $18,737
- Hourly
- $108
- Range
- $164,124–$299,032
- 10-yr outlook
- +45%
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | Dental Hygienist | Nurse Practitioner |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $102,291 | $164,124 |
| 25th | $119,502 | $194,520 |
| Median | $136,712 | $224,847 |
| 75th | $157,740 | $261,974 |
| Senior (90th) | $178,836 | $299,032 |
National Australia figures in AUD. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Healthcare comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a dental hygienist or nurse practitioner earn more in Australia?
- A nurse practitioner earns more, at about $324,000 per year vs $197,000 for a dental hygienist — roughly 64% ($127,000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in Australia?
- A dental hygienist typically earns $147,400–$257,700, while a nurse practitioner earns $236,500–$430,900 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 nurse practitioner about $27,000.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in Australia, a dental hygienist earns about $147,400 while a nurse practitioner earns about $236,500 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in Australia, a dental hygienist earns about $257,700 while a nurse practitioner earns about $430,900 per year.
- Are dental hygienist and nurse practitioner 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.