Physician Assistant vs Dental Hygienist: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Physician Assistant
Diagnose and treat patients under physician supervision.
Dental Hygienist
Provide preventive dental care and educate patients on oral health maintenance.
Physician Assistant earns more on average — the national median is $54,770/year (68%) higher than a Dental Hygienist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Physician Assistant vs Dental Hygienist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Physician Assistant | Dental Hygienist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $194,171 | $119,206 | Physician +$74,965 |
| New York, NY | $161,633 | $95,080 | Physician +$66,553 |
| Seattle, WA | $167,290 | $116,207 | Physician +$51,083 |
| Austin, TX | $149,404 | $93,285 | Physician +$56,119 |
| Chicago, IL | $144,066 | $86,616 | Physician +$57,450 |
| Boston, MA | $176,632 | $107,885 | Physician +$68,747 |
| London, UK | £107,878 | £61,927 | Physician +$45,951 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$182,745 | CA$106,143 | Physician +$76,602 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Physician Assistant or Dental Hygienist earn more?+
A Physician Assistant earns more on average. The national median salary for a Physician Assistant is $135,880/year, compared to $81,110/year for a Dental Hygienist — a difference of $54,770 (68%).
Which has better career growth — Physician Assistant or Dental Hygienist?+
Physician Assistant roles are growing at 28% YoY while Dental Hygienist demand is growing at 9% YoY. Physician Assistant has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Physician Assistant 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 — Physician Assistant or Dental Hygienist?+
Physician Assistant has a lower AI automation risk (14% vs 20%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.