Dentist vs Physician salary
In United States, a physician earns about 25% more than a dentist — $269,000 vs $215,000 per year.
Showing amounts in USD (USD default). FX as of Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:02:31 +0000. Convert currencies
Pays more
Healthcare
Physician$269,000/yr
- Monthly
- $22,400
- Hourly
- $129
- Range
- $172,200–$387,400
- 10-yr outlook
- +3%
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | Dentist | Physician |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $147,300 | $172,200 |
| 25th | $181,100 | $220,600 |
| Median | $215,000 | $269,000 |
| 75th | $256,400 | $328,200 |
| Senior (90th) | $297,800 | $387,400 |
National United States figures in USD. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Healthcare comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a dentist or physician earn more in United States?
- A physician earns more, at about $269,000 per year vs $215,000 for a dentist — roughly 25% ($54,000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in United States?
- A dentist typically earns $147,300–$297,800, while a physician earns $172,200–$387,400 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 physician about $22,400.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in United States, a dentist earns about $147,300 while a physician earns about $172,200 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in United States, a dentist earns about $297,800 while a physician earns about $387,400 per year.
- Are dentist and physician 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.