Orthodontist 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.
Orthodontist
Correct misaligned teeth and jaws using braces and other dental devices.
Physician (General Practice)
Diagnose and treat a wide range of acute and chronic medical conditions.
Orthodontist earns more on average — the national median is $44,960/year (18%) higher than a Physician (General Practice). However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Orthodontist vs Physician (General Practice) — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Orthodontist | Physician (General Practice) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $414,875 | $363,590 | Orthodontist +$51,285 |
| New York, NY | $344,433 | $294,372 | Orthodontist +$50,061 |
| Seattle, WA | $410,008 | $353,641 | Orthodontist +$56,367 |
| Austin, TX | $329,388 | $272,440 | Orthodontist +$56,948 |
| Chicago, IL | $302,548 | $255,595 | Orthodontist +$46,953 |
| Boston, MA | $369,314 | $311,219 | Orthodontist +$58,095 |
| London, UK | £224,845 | £101,944 | Orthodontist +$122,901 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$377,816 | CA$294,137 | Orthodontist +$83,679 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Orthodontist or Physician (General Practice) earn more?+
A Orthodontist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Orthodontist is $289,140/year, compared to $244,180/year for a Physician (General Practice) — a difference of $44,960 (18%).
Which has better career growth — Orthodontist or Physician (General Practice)?+
Orthodontist roles are growing at 6% YoY while Physician (General Practice) demand is growing at 5% YoY. Orthodontist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Orthodontist to Physician (General Practice)?+
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 Physician (General Practice)?+
Physician (General Practice) has a lower AI automation risk (10% vs 10%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.