Physician (General Practice) 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 (General Practice)
Diagnose and treat a wide range of acute and chronic medical conditions.
Dental Hygienist
Provide preventive dental care and educate patients on oral health maintenance.
Physician (General Practice) earns more on average — the national median is $163,070/year (201%) higher than a Dental Hygienist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Physician (General Practice) vs Dental Hygienist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Physician (General Practice) | Dental Hygienist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $363,590 | $119,206 | Physician +$244,384 |
| New York, NY | $294,372 | $95,080 | Physician +$199,292 |
| Seattle, WA | $353,641 | $116,207 | Physician +$237,434 |
| Austin, TX | $272,440 | $93,285 | Physician +$179,155 |
| Chicago, IL | $255,595 | $86,616 | Physician +$168,979 |
| Boston, MA | $311,219 | $107,885 | Physician +$203,334 |
| London, UK | £101,944 | £61,927 | Physician +$40,017 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$294,137 | CA$106,143 | Physician +$187,994 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Physician (General Practice) or Dental Hygienist earn more?+
A Physician (General Practice) earns more on average. The national median salary for a Physician (General Practice) is $244,180/year, compared to $81,110/year for a Dental Hygienist — a difference of $163,070 (201%).
Which has better career growth — Physician (General Practice) or Dental Hygienist?+
Physician (General Practice) roles are growing at 5% YoY while Dental Hygienist demand is growing at 9% YoY. Dental Hygienist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Physician (General Practice) 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 (General Practice) or Dental Hygienist?+
Physician (General Practice) has a lower AI automation risk (10% vs 20%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.