Pay by Role
United States · Salary comparison

Dentist vs Physical Therapist salary

In United States, a dentist earns about 95% more than a physical therapist $215,000 vs $110,000 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
Physical Therapist
$110,000/yr
Monthly
$9,200
Hourly
$53
Range
$82,300$143,900
10-yr outlook
+15%

Pay range, side by side

PercentileDentistPhysical Therapist
Entry (10th)$147,300$82,300
25th$181,100$96,100
Median$215,000$110,000
75th$256,400$126,900
Senior (90th)$297,800$143,900

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

More Healthcare comparisons

Frequently asked questions

Does a dentist or physical therapist earn more in United States?
A dentist earns more, at about $215,000 per year vs $110,000 for a physical therapist — roughly 95% ($105,000) more.
What is the salary range for these roles in United States?
A dentist typically earns $147,300–$297,800, while a physical therapist earns $82,300–$143,900 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 physical therapist about $9,200.
How do entry-level salaries compare?
At the 10th percentile in United States, a dentist earns about $147,300 while a physical therapist earns about $82,300 per year.
How do senior-level salaries compare?
At the 90th percentile in United States, a dentist earns about $297,800 while a physical therapist earns about $143,900 per year.
Are dentist 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.