Dental Hygienist vs Surgeon salary
In Australia, a surgeon earns about 250% more than a dental hygienist — $478,146 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 | Surgeon |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $102,291 | $306,041 |
| 25th | $119,502 | $392,094 |
| Median | $136,712 | $478,146 |
| 75th | $157,740 | $583,352 |
| Senior (90th) | $178,836 | $688,558 |
National Australia figures in AUD. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Healthcare comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a dental hygienist or surgeon earn more in Australia?
- A surgeon earns more, at about $689,000 per year vs $197,000 for a dental hygienist — roughly 250% ($492,000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in Australia?
- A dental hygienist typically earns $147,400–$257,700, while a surgeon earns $441,000–$992,200 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 surgeon about $57,400.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in Australia, a dental hygienist earns about $147,400 while a surgeon earns about $441,000 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in Australia, a dental hygienist earns about $257,700 while a surgeon earns about $992,200 per year.
- Are dental hygienist and surgeon 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.