A dental office manager is responsible for the daily functioning of the dental office, including scheduling, personnel management, budget oversight, billing, and patient relations. In the US, dental office managers earn more than $87,000 per year compared to about AU$95,000 ($74,518 USD) in Australia, and C$76,000 ($61,087 USD) in Canada. Annual salaries in US dollar currency is similar in New Zealand and the UK at NZ$80,000 ($57,046 USD) and £41,000 ($56,167 USD), respectively. The two countries reviewed in this guide with the dental office manager salary are South Africa at R527,000 ($42,787 USD) and India at Rs10,92,000 ($17,247 USD) per year. This guide explores worldwide salaries for dental office managers based on geographic region, work experience, and work setting.
How Much Does a Dental Office Manager make per Year?
The chart below provides average annual and hourly wages, along with US dollar conversions, for biostatisticians in select countries worldwide.
| Dental Office Manager Salary | US | Canada | UK | Australia | New Zealand | India | South Africa |
| Hourly Wage | $42 | C$36 | £20 | AU$46 | NZ$38 | Rs525 | R253 |
| Annual Wage | $86,452 | C$75,832 ($61,087 USD) |
£41,393 ($56,167 USD) |
AU$94,771 ($74,518 USD) |
NZ$79,579 ($57,046 USD) |
Rs10,92,331 ($17,247 USD) |
R526,867 ($42,787 USD) |
Factors that Influence the Dental Office Manager Salary
Earning potential for dental office managers varies worldwide, strongly influenced by geographic region and professional experience while work setting plays a lesser role. This guide explores the impact of these three areas and offers career information for this field.
1. Geographic Area
Dental Office Manager Salary in US
In the US, dental office managers earn well of $86,000 per year, or $42 per hour. Bonus income incentives can add nearly $6,000 to overall earnings. Those early in their career can expect an average starting salary of roughly $61,000 per year, increasing to more than $107,000 annually upon reaching senior level status.
Dental Office Manager Salary in Canada
Dental office managers in Canada receive an average base salary of C$76,000 per year, equivalent to C$36 per hour, plus an additional C$5,000 in bonus income. Those with up to three years’ experience earn nearly C$54,000 annually compared to senior level professionals who see annual earnings reach C$94,000.
Dental Office Manager Salary in UK
The average compensation for dental office managers in the UK exceeds £41,000 in annual base salary and an additional £3,000 in bonus incentives. Those paid an hourly wage receive roughly £20 per hour. Early career dental office managers earn well over £29,000 per year and see annual earnings steadily increase to more than £51,000 per year for senior level positions.
Dental Office Manager in Australia
Dental office managers in Australia see annual pay close to AU$95,000 plus AU$6,300 in additional bonus income. Hourly wage earners receive AU$46 per hour, on average. Entry level dental office managers with up to three years’ experience see annual pay that exceeds AU$67,000 annually while the most experienced senior level professionals earn close to AU$118,000 per year.
Dental Office Manager Salary in New Zealand
In New Zealand, the average annual base salary for dental office managers can reach NZ$80,000, and bonus income can add another NZ$5,300 to overall earnings. The average hourly wage is NZ$38 per hour. Entry level pay averages more than NZ$56,000 per year, increasing with experience and responsibility to roughly NZ$99,000 per year for senior level positions.
Dental Office Manager Salary in India
The average annual pay for dental office managers in India can reach Rs1,093,000, and another Rs73,000 is possible in bonus income. Hourly wage earners receive about Rs525 per hour, on average. Those early in their career with up to three years’ experience earn well of Rs783,000 per year, and with increased experience and responsibility, annual pay can reach Rs1,375,000 for senior level professionals.
Dental Office Manager Salary in South Africa
In South Africa, dental office managers earn roughly R527,000 per year, or R253 per hour. Bonus income potential can add R35,000 or more to overall pay. Early career dental office managers earn well over R375,000 per year while those with the most experience and responsibility in senior level positions see annual pay reaching R659,000 annually.
2. Experience
Dental office managers can see annual salaries increase by about 76% to 77% with additional work experience. In the US, where annual earnings are the highest, the difference between senior level and entry level pay is about $46,000 more per year, an increase of 76%. Those in India see lower annual pay, but the income growth rate is the same at 76%, equating to about Rs592,000 more in annual income for senior level professionals. New Zealand sees a slightly higher growth rate of 77% with those in senior level positions earning about NZ$43,000 more per year compared to entry level positions.
3. Industry
Most dental offices in the US are private practice with one or more dental providers. In other countries with government-funded healthcare, dental offices are often part of the government healthcare system; however, those in the private sector often use the government system as a guideline for compensation and benefit information. While there is little variance in salary by work setting for dental office managers, those who work in large offices with more dental providers and a larger patient base may earn higher incomes and greater opportunity for bonus pay compared to their colleagues employed in smaller offices.
Working Hours
While most dental office managers work full-time hours of 40 hours or more per week, there are some opportunities for part-time employment, typically in smaller office settings with fewer patients. Work hours are most often Monday through Friday during normal business hours, although some offices offer Saturday hours and extended hours in the early morning or evening to accommodate patient availability.
Bonuses and Benefit Packages
Benefits packages are often part of a full-time employee’s compensation package, while those who work part-time may be ineligible for these benefits or may receive a smaller package. Healthcare coverage is often included, as well as paid time off for vacation, holidays, and sick time. Bonus pay is offered worldwide and can boost overall earnings by about 5% to 7%.
Job Outlook
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates growth of 10% for administrative services managers, including those who manage dental offices, between 2016 and 2026. This is a faster than average growth rate compared to all occupations and comes with an increased access to healthcare, including dental treatment. To work in this career field, a bachelor’s degree is often required, with additional on-job training.
Conclusion
Dental office managers earn good incomes with comprehensive benefits and bonus packages. While there is little variance in earnings by work setting, experience and geographic region can greatly influence earning potential. Future growth in this field is expected to be faster than average, likely supporting income levels and offering sufficient job opportunities for those entering this field.
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