Respiratory 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.
Respiratory Therapist
Diagnose and treat patients with breathing disorders and cardiopulmonary issues.
Dental Hygienist
Provide preventive dental care and educate patients on oral health maintenance.
Respiratory Therapist earns more on average — the national median is $363/year (0%) higher than a Dental Hygienist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Respiratory Therapist vs Dental Hygienist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Respiratory Therapist | Dental Hygienist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $120,057 | $119,206 | Respiratory +$851 |
| New York, NY | $97,873 | $95,080 | Respiratory +$2,793 |
| Seattle, WA | $118,754 | $116,207 | Respiratory +$2,547 |
| Austin, TX | $89,357 | $93,285 | Respiratory $3,928 |
| Chicago, IL | $89,921 | $86,616 | Respiratory +$3,305 |
| Boston, MA | $108,564 | $107,885 | Respiratory +$679 |
| London, UK | £61,769 | £61,927 | Respiratory $158 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$110,580 | CA$106,143 | Respiratory +$4,437 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Respiratory Therapist or Dental Hygienist earn more?+
A Respiratory Therapist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Respiratory Therapist is $81,473/year, compared to $81,110/year for a Dental Hygienist — a difference of $363 (0%).
Which has better career growth — Respiratory Therapist or Dental Hygienist?+
Respiratory Therapist roles are growing at 14% YoY while Dental Hygienist demand is growing at 9% YoY. Respiratory Therapist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Respiratory Therapist to Dental Hygienist?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: Patient Education.
Which is harder to automate — Respiratory Therapist or Dental Hygienist?+
Respiratory Therapist has a lower AI automation risk (15% vs 20%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.