Dental Hygienist vs Physical Therapist salary
In South Africa, a physical therapist earns about 7% more than a dental hygienist — $35,407 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
Physical Therapist$35,407/yr
- Monthly
- $2,954
- Hourly
- $17
- Range
- $26,485–$46,310
- 10-yr outlook
- +15%
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | Dental Hygienist | Physical Therapist |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $24,748 | $26,485 |
| 25th | $28,913 | $30,943 |
| Median | $33,083 | $35,407 |
| 75th | $38,177 | $40,862 |
| Senior (90th) | $43,271 | $46,310 |
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 physical therapist earn more in South Africa?
- A physical therapist earns more, at about R 579 000 per year vs R 541 000 for a dental hygienist — roughly 7% (R 38 000) 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 physical therapist earns R 433 100–R 757 300 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 physical therapist about R 48 300.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in South Africa, a dental hygienist earns about R 404 700 while a physical therapist earns about R 433 100 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 physical therapist earns about R 757 300 per year.
- Are dental hygienist 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.