Dentist vs Optometrist salary
In Australia, a dentist earns about 41% more than a optometrist — $309,511 vs $219,295 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 | Dentist | Optometrist |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $212,008 | $160,099 |
| 25th | $260,794 | $189,662 |
| Median | $309,511 | $219,295 |
| 75th | $369,123 | $255,451 |
| Senior (90th) | $428,666 | $291,676 |
National Australia figures in AUD. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
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Frequently asked questions
- Does a dentist or optometrist earn more in Australia?
- A dentist earns more, at about $446,000 per year vs $316,000 for a optometrist — roughly 41% ($130,000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in Australia?
- A dentist typically earns $305,500–$617,700, 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 dentist averages about $37,200 and a optometrist about $26,300.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in Australia, a dentist earns about $305,500 while a optometrist earns about $230,700 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in Australia, a dentist earns about $617,700 while a optometrist earns about $420,300 per year.
- Are dentist 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.