Dental Hygienist vs Occupational Therapist: which pays more?
Occupational Therapists earn about $9,000 more per year than dental hygienists — roughly 10% higher at the national median. Here is how the two careers compare on pay, training, and outlook.
Dental Hygienist
$87,000
median per year
Dental hygienists examine patients for signs of oral diseases and provide preventive care, including cleanings.
Full dental hygienist salary data →Occupational Therapist
$96,000
median per year
Occupational therapists help patients recover and develop the skills needed for daily living and working.
Full occupational therapist salary data →Side-by-side breakdown
| Metric | Dental Hygienist | Occupational Therapist |
|---|---|---|
| Median annual salary | $87,000 | $96,000 |
| Median hourly pay | $42 | $46 |
| Entry-level (10th percentile) | $62,000 | $71,000 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $110,000 | $124,000 |
| Education required | Associate degree in dental hygiene and state licensure. | Master's degree in occupational therapy plus state licensure. |
| Job outlook | 9% growth through 2033 — strong demand as population ages. | 11% growth through 2033 — much faster than average. |
Pay by state
| State | Dental Hygienist | Occupational Therapist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $118,000 | $113,500 | +$4,500 for Dental Hygienist |
| Washington | $112,000 | $107,500 | +$4,500 for Dental Hygienist |
| New York | $94,000 | $109,500 | −$15,500 for Occupational Therapist |
| Texas | $82,000 | $93,000 | −$11,000 for Occupational Therapist |
| Florida | $78,000 | $88,500 | −$10,500 for Occupational Therapist |
| Michigan | $76,000 | $91,000 | −$15,000 for Occupational Therapist |
| Pennsylvania | $76,000 | $94,000 | −$18,000 for Occupational Therapist |
| Ohio | $74,000 | $90,000 | −$16,000 for Occupational Therapist |
Which career should you choose?
Pay is only one part of the decision. Occupational Therapists earn more on paper, but master's degree in occupational therapy plus state licensure. takes longer and costs more than associate degree in dental hygiene and state licensure.. If you want to start earning sooner, dental hygienist is usually the faster route. If long-term earning ceiling matters most, occupational therapist tops out at $124,000 versus $110,000.
Job security also differs: dental hygienist outlook is "9% growth through 2033 — strong demand as population ages." while occupational therapist outlook is "11% growth through 2033 — much faster than average."