Dental Hygienist vs Surgeon salary
In United States, a surgeon earns about 345% more than a dental hygienist — $433,000 vs $97,300 per year.
Showing amounts in USD (USD default). FX as of Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:02:31 +0000. Convert currencies
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | Dental Hygienist | Surgeon |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $72,800 | $277,100 |
| 25th | $85,000 | $355,100 |
| Median | $97,300 | $433,000 |
| 75th | $112,300 | $528,300 |
| Senior (90th) | $127,300 | $623,500 |
National United States figures in USD. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Healthcare comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a dental hygienist or surgeon earn more in United States?
- A surgeon earns more, at about $433,000 per year vs $97,300 for a dental hygienist — roughly 345% ($335,700) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in United States?
- A dental hygienist typically earns $72,800–$127,300, while a surgeon earns $277,100–$623,500 per year.
- How much do these jobs pay per month in United States?
- On a monthly basis before tax, a dental hygienist averages about $8,100 and a surgeon about $36,100.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in United States, a dental hygienist earns about $72,800 while a surgeon earns about $277,100 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in United States, a dental hygienist earns about $127,300 while a surgeon earns about $623,500 per year.
- Are dental hygienist and surgeon 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.