Dental Hygienists vs Family Medicine Physicians: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Family Medicine Physicians professionals earn $144,120 more per year than Dental Hygienists professionals — that's 152.9% higher.
Salary Range Comparison
Dental Hygienists$66,470 – $120,060
Family Medicine Physicians$81,330 – N/A
$66,470$120,060
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Dental Hygienists | Family Medicine Physicians | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $66,470 | $81,330 | $-14,860 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,060 | $167,580 | $-87,520 |
| Median (50th) | $94,260 | $238,380 | $-144,120 |
| 75th Percentile | $102,920 | N/A | N/A |
| 90th Percentile | $120,060 | N/A | N/A |
| Mean (Average) | $93,890 | $256,830 | $-162,940 |
Employment Numbers
Dental Hygienists
219,070
employed nationwide
Family Medicine Physicians
107,950
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Dental Hygienists
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $135,010 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $131,890 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $121,310 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $120,300 |
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | $118,950 |
Best Cities for Family Medicine Physicians
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| Birmingham-Hoover, AL | $236,160 |
| Cleveland-Elyria, OH | $235,230 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | $234,800 |
| Jacksonville, FL | $234,060 |
| Tucson, AZ | $225,970 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Dental Hygienists or Family Medicine Physicians?
Family Medicine Physicians professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $144,120 (152.9% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Dental Hygienists?
Dental Hygienists salaries range from $66,470 (10th percentile) to $120,060 (90th percentile), with a median of $94,260.
What is the salary range for Family Medicine Physicians?
Family Medicine Physicians salaries range from $81,330 (10th percentile) to N/A (90th percentile), with a median of $238,380.
How many Dental Hygienists and Family Medicine Physicians jobs are there?
There are approximately 219,070 Dental Hygienists positions and 107,950 Family Medicine Physicians positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Family Medicine Physicians to Dental Hygienists?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Dental Hygienists has a median salary of $94,260 while Family Medicine Physicians earns $238,380. Consider job satisfaction, growth prospects, required education, and work-life balance.
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Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS