Orthodontist vs Dental Hygienist: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Orthodontist
Correct misaligned teeth and jaws using braces and other dental devices.
Dental Hygienist
Provide preventive dental care and educate patients on oral health maintenance.
Orthodontist earns more on average — the national median is $208,030/year (256%) higher than a Dental Hygienist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Orthodontist vs Dental Hygienist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Orthodontist | Dental Hygienist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $414,875 | $119,206 | Orthodontist +$295,669 |
| New York, NY | $344,433 | $95,080 | Orthodontist +$249,353 |
| Seattle, WA | $410,008 | $116,207 | Orthodontist +$293,801 |
| Austin, TX | $329,388 | $93,285 | Orthodontist +$236,103 |
| Chicago, IL | $302,548 | $86,616 | Orthodontist +$215,932 |
| Boston, MA | $369,314 | $107,885 | Orthodontist +$261,429 |
| London, UK | £224,845 | £61,927 | Orthodontist +$162,918 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$377,816 | CA$106,143 | Orthodontist +$271,673 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Orthodontist or Dental Hygienist earn more?+
A Orthodontist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Orthodontist is $289,140/year, compared to $81,110/year for a Dental Hygienist — a difference of $208,030 (256%).
Which has better career growth — Orthodontist or Dental Hygienist?+
Orthodontist roles are growing at 6% YoY while Dental Hygienist demand is growing at 9% YoY. Dental Hygienist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Orthodontist to Dental Hygienist?+
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 — Orthodontist or Dental Hygienist?+
Orthodontist has a lower AI automation risk (10% vs 20%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.