Dentist vs Surgeon salary
In Australia, a surgeon earns about 54% more than a dentist — $478,146 vs $309,511 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 | Surgeon |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $212,008 | $306,041 |
| 25th | $260,794 | $392,094 |
| Median | $309,511 | $478,146 |
| 75th | $369,123 | $583,352 |
| Senior (90th) | $428,666 | $688,558 |
National Australia figures in AUD. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Healthcare comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a dentist or surgeon earn more in Australia?
- A surgeon earns more, at about $689,000 per year vs $446,000 for a dentist — roughly 54% ($243,000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in Australia?
- A dentist typically earns $305,500–$617,700, 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 dentist averages about $37,200 and a surgeon about $57,400.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in Australia, a dentist earns about $305,500 while a surgeon earns about $441,000 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in Australia, a dentist earns about $617,700 while a surgeon earns about $992,200 per year.
- Are dentist 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.