Dental Hygienist vs Veterinarian salary
In New Zealand, a veterinarian earns about 34% more than a dental hygienist — $119,183 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
Veterinarian$119,183/yr
- Monthly
- $9,961
- Hourly
- $58
- Range
- $83,773–$162,422
- 10-yr outlook
- +19%
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | Dental Hygienist | Veterinarian |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $66,731 | $83,773 |
| 25th | $78,016 | $101,507 |
| Median | $89,243 | $119,183 |
| 75th | $103,004 | $140,831 |
| Senior (90th) | $116,707 | $162,422 |
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 veterinarian earn more in New Zealand?
- A veterinarian earns more, at about $207,000 per year vs $155,000 for a dental hygienist — roughly 34% ($52,000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in New Zealand?
- A dental hygienist typically earns $115,900–$202,700, while a veterinarian earns $145,500–$282,100 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 veterinarian about $17,300.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in New Zealand, a dental hygienist earns about $115,900 while a veterinarian earns about $145,500 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in New Zealand, a dental hygienist earns about $202,700 while a veterinarian earns about $282,100 per year.
- Are dental hygienist and veterinarian 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.