Dental Hygienist vs Optometrist salary
In Australia, a optometrist earns about 60% more than a dental hygienist — $219,295 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
Pays more
Healthcare
Optometrist$219,295/yr
- Monthly
- $18,251
- Hourly
- $105
- Range
- $160,099–$291,676
- 10-yr outlook
- +9%
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | Dental Hygienist | Optometrist |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $102,291 | $160,099 |
| 25th | $119,502 | $189,662 |
| Median | $136,712 | $219,295 |
| 75th | $157,740 | $255,451 |
| Senior (90th) | $178,836 | $291,676 |
National Australia figures in AUD. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
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Frequently asked questions
- Does a dental hygienist or optometrist earn more in Australia?
- A optometrist earns more, at about $316,000 per year vs $197,000 for a dental hygienist — roughly 60% ($119,000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in Australia?
- A dental hygienist typically earns $147,400–$257,700, while a optometrist earns $230,700–$420,300 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 optometrist about $26,300.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in Australia, a dental hygienist earns about $147,400 while a optometrist earns about $230,700 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in Australia, a dental hygienist earns about $257,700 while a optometrist earns about $420,300 per year.
- Are dental hygienist and optometrist 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.