Dentist vs Physician Assistant salary
In New Zealand, a dentist earns about 35% more than a physician assistant — $196,910 vs $146,243 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
Healthcare
Physician Assistant$146,243/yr
- Monthly
- $12,206
- Hourly
- $70
- Range
- $106,746–$194,492
- 10-yr outlook
- +27%
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | Dentist | Physician Assistant |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $134,901 | $106,746 |
| 25th | $165,877 | $126,495 |
| Median | $196,910 | $146,243 |
| 75th | $234,796 | $170,368 |
| Senior (90th) | $272,738 | $194,492 |
National New Zealand figures in NZD. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Healthcare comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a dentist or physician assistant earn more in New Zealand?
- A dentist earns more, at about $342,000 per year vs $254,000 for a physician assistant — roughly 35% ($88,000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in New Zealand?
- A dentist typically earns $234,300–$473,700, while a physician assistant earns $185,400–$337,800 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 physician assistant about $21,200.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in New Zealand, a dentist earns about $234,300 while a physician assistant earns about $185,400 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in New Zealand, a dentist earns about $473,700 while a physician assistant earns about $337,800 per year.
- Are dentist and physician assistant 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.