Physical Therapist vs Dental Hygienist: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Physical Therapist
Help patients recover mobility and manage pain through therapeutic exercise.
Dental Hygienist
Provide preventive dental care and educate patients on oral health maintenance.
Physical Therapist earns more on average — the national median is $21,650/year (27%) higher than a Dental Hygienist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Physical Therapist vs Dental Hygienist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Physical Therapist | Dental Hygienist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $147,222 | $119,206 | Physical +$28,016 |
| New York, NY | $125,297 | $95,080 | Physical +$30,217 |
| Seattle, WA | $150,655 | $116,207 | Physical +$34,448 |
| Austin, TX | $111,606 | $93,285 | Physical +$18,321 |
| Chicago, IL | $108,575 | $86,616 | Physical +$21,959 |
| Boston, MA | $131,643 | $107,885 | Physical +$23,758 |
| London, UK | £79,889 | £61,927 | Physical +$17,962 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$134,561 | CA$106,143 | Physical +$28,418 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Physical Therapist or Dental Hygienist earn more?+
A Physical Therapist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Physical Therapist is $102,760/year, compared to $81,110/year for a Dental Hygienist — a difference of $21,650 (27%).
Which has better career growth — Physical Therapist or Dental Hygienist?+
Physical Therapist roles are growing at 17% YoY while Dental Hygienist demand is growing at 9% YoY. Physical Therapist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Physical Therapist 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 — Physical Therapist or Dental Hygienist?+
Physical Therapist has a lower AI automation risk (14% vs 20%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.