Dentist vs Optometrist salary
In United Kingdom, a dentist earns about 41% more than a optometrist — $267,741 vs $190,096 per year.
Showing amounts in USD (USD default; source data is GBP). FX as of Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:02:31 +0000. Convert currencies
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | Dentist | Optometrist |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $183,403 | $138,824 |
| 25th | $225,572 | $164,393 |
| Median | $267,741 | $190,096 |
| 75th | $319,281 | $221,422 |
| Senior (90th) | $370,822 | $252,882 |
National United Kingdom figures in GBP. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
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Frequently asked questions
- Does a dentist or optometrist earn more in United Kingdom?
- A dentist earns more, at about £200,000 per year vs £142,000 for a optometrist — roughly 41% (£58,000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in United Kingdom?
- A dentist typically earns £137,000–£277,000, while a optometrist earns £103,700–£188,900 per year.
- How much do these jobs pay per month in United Kingdom?
- On a monthly basis before tax, a dentist averages about £16,700 and a optometrist about £11,800.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in United Kingdom, a dentist earns about £137,000 while a optometrist earns about £103,700 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in United Kingdom, a dentist earns about £277,000 while a optometrist earns about £188,900 per year.
- Are dentist and optometrist 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.