Dentist vs Physical Therapist salary
In New Zealand, a dentist earns about 98% more than a physical therapist — $196,910 vs $99,607 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
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | Dentist | Physical Therapist |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $134,901 | $74,504 |
| 25th | $165,877 | $87,055 |
| Median | $196,910 | $99,607 |
| 75th | $234,796 | $114,922 |
| Senior (90th) | $272,738 | $130,295 |
National New Zealand figures in NZD. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Healthcare comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a dentist or physical therapist earn more in New Zealand?
- A dentist earns more, at about $342,000 per year vs $173,000 for a physical therapist — roughly 98% ($169,000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in New Zealand?
- A dentist typically earns $234,300–$473,700, while a physical therapist earns $129,400–$226,300 per year.
- How much do these jobs pay per month in New Zealand?
- On a monthly basis before tax, a dentist averages about $28,500 and a physical therapist about $14,400.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in New Zealand, a dentist earns about $234,300 while a physical therapist earns about $129,400 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in New Zealand, a dentist earns about $473,700 while a physical therapist earns about $226,300 per year.
- Are dentist and physical 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.