Dentist vs Anesthesiologist: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Dentist
Diagnose and treat dental issues including cavities, gum disease, and orthodontics.
Anesthesiologist
Administer anaesthesia and monitor patients during surgical procedures.
Anesthesiologist earns more on average — the national median is $220,540/year (129%) higher than a Dentist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Dentist vs Anesthesiologist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Dentist | Anesthesiologist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $244,977 | $569,698 | Dentist $324,721 |
| New York, NY | $206,409 | $482,857 | Dentist $276,448 |
| Seattle, WA | $244,156 | $565,019 | Dentist $320,863 |
| Austin, TX | $189,096 | $427,231 | Dentist $238,135 |
| Chicago, IL | $178,457 | $413,113 | Dentist $234,656 |
| Boston, MA | $219,529 | $526,637 | Dentist $307,108 |
| London, UK | £131,365 | £234,621 | Dentist $103,256 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$225,532 | CA$412,651 | Dentist $187,119 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Dentist or Anesthesiologist earn more?+
A Anesthesiologist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Dentist is $170,950/year, compared to $391,490/year for a Anesthesiologist — a difference of $220,540 (129%).
Which has better career growth — Dentist or Anesthesiologist?+
Dentist roles are growing at 4% YoY while Anesthesiologist demand is growing at 4% YoY. Anesthesiologist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Dentist to Anesthesiologist?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: analytical thinking, communication, and industry knowledge.
Which is harder to automate — Dentist or Anesthesiologist?+
Anesthesiologist has a lower AI automation risk (12% vs 12%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.