Dental Hygienist vs Optometrist salary
In Canada, a optometrist earns about 55% more than a dental hygienist — $172,253 vs $110,835 per year.
Showing amounts in USD (USD default; source data is CAD). FX as of Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:02:31 +0000. Convert currencies
Pays more
Healthcare
Optometrist$172,253/yr
- Monthly
- $14,331
- Hourly
- $83
- Range
- $125,731–$229,083
- 10-yr outlook
- +9%
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | Dental Hygienist | Optometrist |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $82,879 | $125,731 |
| 25th | $96,857 | $149,027 |
| Median | $110,835 | $172,253 |
| 75th | $127,919 | $200,703 |
| Senior (90th) | $145,003 | $229,083 |
National Canada figures in CAD. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
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Frequently asked questions
- Does a dental hygienist or optometrist earn more in Canada?
- A optometrist earns more, at about $244,000 per year vs $157,000 for a dental hygienist — roughly 55% ($87,000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in Canada?
- A dental hygienist typically earns $117,400–$205,400, while a optometrist earns $178,100–$324,500 per year.
- How much do these jobs pay per month in Canada?
- On a monthly basis before tax, a dental hygienist averages about $13,100 and a optometrist about $20,300.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in Canada, a dental hygienist earns about $117,400 while a optometrist earns about $178,100 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in Canada, a dental hygienist earns about $205,400 while a optometrist earns about $324,500 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.