Pay by Role
United States · Salary comparison

Dentist vs Occupational Therapist salary

In United States, a dentist earns about 103% more than a occupational therapist $215,000 vs $106,000 per year.

Showing amounts in USD (USD default). FX as of Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:02:31 +0000. Convert currencies

Pays more
Healthcare
Dentist
$215,000/yr
Monthly
$17,900
Hourly
$103
Range
$147,300$297,800
10-yr outlook
+4%
Healthcare
Occupational Therapist
$106,000/yr
Monthly
$8,800
Hourly
$51
Range
$79,300$138,600
10-yr outlook
+12%

Pay range, side by side

PercentileDentistOccupational Therapist
Entry (10th)$147,300$79,300
25th$181,100$92,600
Median$215,000$106,000
75th$256,400$122,300
Senior (90th)$297,800$138,600

National United States figures in USD. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.

More Healthcare comparisons

Frequently asked questions

Does a dentist or occupational therapist earn more in United States?
A dentist earns more, at about $215,000 per year vs $106,000 for a occupational therapist — roughly 103% ($109,000) more.
What is the salary range for these roles in United States?
A dentist typically earns $147,300–$297,800, while a occupational therapist earns $79,300–$138,600 per year.
How much do these jobs pay per month in United States?
On a monthly basis before tax, a dentist averages about $17,900 and a occupational therapist about $8,800.
How do entry-level salaries compare?
At the 10th percentile in United States, a dentist earns about $147,300 while a occupational therapist earns about $79,300 per year.
How do senior-level salaries compare?
At the 90th percentile in United States, a dentist earns about $297,800 while a occupational therapist earns about $138,600 per year.
Are dentist 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.