Dental Hygienist vs Occupational Therapist salary
In New Zealand, a occupational therapist earns about 8% more than a dental hygienist — $96,152 vs $89,243 per year.
Showing amounts in USD (USD default; source data is NZD). FX as of Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:02:31 +0000. Convert currencies
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Healthcare
Occupational Therapist$96,152/yr
- Monthly
- $8,003
- Hourly
- $46
- Range
- $71,913–$125,746
- 10-yr outlook
- +12%
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | Dental Hygienist | Occupational Therapist |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $66,731 | $71,913 |
| 25th | $78,016 | $84,061 |
| Median | $89,243 | $96,152 |
| 75th | $103,004 | $110,949 |
| Senior (90th) | $116,707 | $125,746 |
National New Zealand figures in NZD. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Healthcare comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a dental hygienist or occupational therapist earn more in New Zealand?
- A occupational therapist earns more, at about $167,000 per year vs $155,000 for a dental hygienist — roughly 8% ($12,000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in New Zealand?
- A dental hygienist typically earns $115,900–$202,700, while a occupational therapist earns $124,900–$218,400 per year.
- How much do these jobs pay per month in New Zealand?
- On a monthly basis before tax, a dental hygienist averages about $12,900 and a occupational therapist about $13,900.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in New Zealand, a dental hygienist earns about $115,900 while a occupational therapist earns about $124,900 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in New Zealand, a dental hygienist earns about $202,700 while a occupational therapist earns about $218,400 per year.
- Are dental hygienist and occupational therapist 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.