Dentist vs Physician (General Practice): 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.
Physician (General Practice)
Diagnose and treat a wide range of acute and chronic medical conditions.
Physician (General Practice) earns more on average — the national median is $73,230/year (43%) higher than a Dentist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Dentist vs Physician (General Practice) — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Dentist | Physician (General Practice) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $244,977 | $363,590 | Dentist $118,613 |
| New York, NY | $206,409 | $294,372 | Dentist $87,963 |
| Seattle, WA | $244,156 | $353,641 | Dentist $109,485 |
| Austin, TX | $189,096 | $272,440 | Dentist $83,344 |
| Chicago, IL | $178,457 | $255,595 | Dentist $77,138 |
| Boston, MA | $219,529 | $311,219 | Dentist $91,690 |
| London, UK | £131,365 | £101,944 | Dentist +$29,421 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$225,532 | CA$294,137 | Dentist $68,605 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Dentist or Physician (General Practice) earn more?+
A Physician (General Practice) earns more on average. The national median salary for a Dentist is $170,950/year, compared to $244,180/year for a Physician (General Practice) — a difference of $73,230 (43%).
Which has better career growth — Dentist or Physician (General Practice)?+
Dentist roles are growing at 4% YoY while Physician (General Practice) demand is growing at 5% YoY. Physician (General Practice) has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Dentist to Physician (General Practice)?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: Patient Care.
Which is harder to automate — Dentist or Physician (General Practice)?+
Physician (General Practice) has a lower AI automation risk (10% vs 12%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.