Radiologist vs Dental Hygienist: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Radiologist
Interpret medical imaging to diagnose diseases and conditions.
Dental Hygienist
Provide preventive dental care and educate patients on oral health maintenance.
Radiologist earns more on average — the national median is $339,750/year (419%) higher than a Dental Hygienist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Radiologist vs Dental Hygienist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Radiologist | Dental Hygienist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $625,004 | $119,206 | Radiologist +$505,798 |
| New York, NY | $495,526 | $95,080 | Radiologist +$400,446 |
| Seattle, WA | $591,340 | $116,207 | Radiologist +$475,133 |
| Austin, TX | $479,213 | $93,285 | Radiologist +$385,928 |
| Chicago, IL | $447,493 | $86,616 | Radiologist +$360,877 |
| Boston, MA | $548,748 | $107,885 | Radiologist +$440,863 |
| London, UK | £240,697 | £61,927 | Radiologist +$178,770 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$419,395 | CA$106,143 | Radiologist +$313,252 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Radiologist or Dental Hygienist earn more?+
A Radiologist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Radiologist is $420,860/year, compared to $81,110/year for a Dental Hygienist — a difference of $339,750 (419%).
Which has better career growth — Radiologist or Dental Hygienist?+
Radiologist roles are growing at 10% YoY while Dental Hygienist demand is growing at 9% YoY. Radiologist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Radiologist 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 — Radiologist or Dental Hygienist?+
Dental Hygienist has a lower AI automation risk (20% vs 42%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.