Dentist vs Physician salary
In New Zealand, a physician earns about 2% more than a dentist — $200,365 vs $196,910 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
Pays more
Healthcare
Physician$200,365/yr
- Monthly
- $16,697
- Hourly
- $96
- Range
- $128,222–$288,514
- 10-yr outlook
- +3%
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | Dentist | Physician |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $134,901 | $128,222 |
| 25th | $165,877 | $164,322 |
| Median | $196,910 | $200,365 |
| 75th | $234,796 | $244,468 |
| Senior (90th) | $272,738 | $288,514 |
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 earn more in New Zealand?
- A physician earns more, at about $348,000 per year vs $342,000 for a dentist — roughly 2% ($6,000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in New Zealand?
- A dentist typically earns $234,300–$473,700, while a physician earns $222,700–$501,100 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 about $29,000.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in New Zealand, a dentist earns about $234,300 while a physician earns about $222,700 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in New Zealand, a dentist earns about $473,700 while a physician earns about $501,100 per year.
- Are dentist and physician 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.