Dental Hygienists vs Physicians, All Other; and Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Dental Hygienists professionals earn $94,260 more per year than Physicians, All Other; and Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric professionals.
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 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Dental Hygienists or Physicians, All Other; and Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric?
Dental Hygienists professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $94,260 (null% 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 Physicians, All Other; and Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric?
Salary data for Physicians, All Other; and Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric is not currently available.
How many Dental Hygienists and Physicians, All Other; and Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric jobs are there?
There are approximately 219,070 Dental Hygienists positions and N/A Physicians, All Other; and Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Physicians, All Other; and Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric to Dental Hygienists?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Dental Hygienists has a median salary of $94,260 while Physicians, All Other; and Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric earns $0. 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