Dentist vs Respiratory Therapist: 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.
Respiratory Therapist
Diagnose and treat patients with breathing disorders and cardiopulmonary issues.
Dentist earns more on average — the national median is $89,477/year (110%) higher than a Respiratory Therapist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Dentist vs Respiratory Therapist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Dentist | Respiratory Therapist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $244,977 | $120,057 | Dentist +$124,920 |
| New York, NY | $206,409 | $97,873 | Dentist +$108,536 |
| Seattle, WA | $244,156 | $118,754 | Dentist +$125,402 |
| Austin, TX | $189,096 | $89,357 | Dentist +$99,739 |
| Chicago, IL | $178,457 | $89,921 | Dentist +$88,536 |
| Boston, MA | $219,529 | $108,564 | Dentist +$110,965 |
| London, UK | £131,365 | £61,769 | Dentist +$69,596 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$225,532 | CA$110,580 | Dentist +$114,952 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Dentist or Respiratory Therapist earn more?+
A Dentist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Dentist is $170,950/year, compared to $81,473/year for a Respiratory Therapist — a difference of $89,477 (110%).
Which has better career growth — Dentist or Respiratory Therapist?+
Dentist roles are growing at 4% YoY while Respiratory Therapist demand is growing at 14% YoY. Respiratory Therapist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Dentist to Respiratory Therapist?+
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 Respiratory Therapist?+
Dentist has a lower AI automation risk (12% vs 15%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.