Dental Hygienist vs Occupational Therapist salary
In South Africa, a occupational therapist earns about 4% more than a dental hygienist — $34,367 vs $33,083 per year.
Showing amounts in USD (USD default; source data is ZAR). FX as of Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:02:31 +0000. Convert currencies
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Healthcare
Occupational Therapist$34,367/yr
- Monthly
- $2,862
- Hourly
- $17
- Range
- $25,708–$44,953
- 10-yr outlook
- +12%
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | Dental Hygienist | Occupational Therapist |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $24,748 | $25,708 |
| 25th | $28,913 | $30,038 |
| Median | $33,083 | $34,367 |
| 75th | $38,177 | $39,657 |
| Senior (90th) | $43,271 | $44,953 |
National South Africa figures in ZAR. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Healthcare comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a dental hygienist or occupational therapist earn more in South Africa?
- A occupational therapist earns more, at about R 562 000 per year vs R 541 000 for a dental hygienist — roughly 4% (R 21 000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in South Africa?
- A dental hygienist typically earns R 404 700–R 707 600, while a occupational therapist earns R 420 400–R 735 100 per year.
- How much do these jobs pay per month in South Africa?
- On a monthly basis before tax, a dental hygienist averages about R 45 100 and a occupational therapist about R 46 800.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in South Africa, a dental hygienist earns about R 404 700 while a occupational therapist earns about R 420 400 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in South Africa, a dental hygienist earns about R 707 600 while a occupational therapist earns about R 735 100 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.