Dental Nurse Salary in Australia: State and Industry Differences
See how the dental nurse salary compares to the national line across states and industries. Median full-time earnings, award rates, and index explained.
The median dental nurse salary sits around index 58, well below the national line of 100, reflecting the part-time nature and award-based pay.
What is a dental nurse salary in Australia?
When people search for "dental nurse salary", they are usually asking about the pay for dental assistants — the role that supports dentists during procedures, sterilises equipment, and sometimes handles reception. In Australia, the occupation is formally classified as Dental Assistant (ANZSCO 4232), but "dental nurse" remains common in job ads and conversation.
To answer the question properly, we need to look at two things: the median market rate and the legal minimum under the relevant award. Both sit against the national line, where index 100 equals full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $108,352 per year.
Median dental nurse salary data
Jobs and Skills Australia reports that the median full-time weekly earnings for dental assistants is $1,211. That works out to about $62,972 a year. That gives a Salary Index of roughly 58 — meaning a typical full-time dental nurse earns 58% of the national line.
But that figure is for full-time non-managerial employees. Only 42% of dental assistants work full-time, compared to 69% across all occupations. Many work part-time or casually, which pulls the actual take-home pay lower. The median hourly rate for all dental assistants is $33 an hour, versus $47 for all jobs.
Award minimums for dental nurses
The legal floor for dental nurse pay comes from the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027). The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes pay guides for this award, which set minimum hourly rates, allowances, and penalty rates. From 1 October 2026, minimum rates for health professional classifications were increased following the gender-based undervaluation review. Casual employees get a 25% loading on top of the base rate.
For example, if the adult minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.26/hr, so a casual dental nurse gets about $33.05/hr. Award rates are higher than that. The exact classification level (Dental Assistant Level 1 vs Level 2) determines the rate.
State and industry differences
The national line varies by state. For example, the index for Health Care and Social Assistance industry is 97.8, slightly below the national line. But dental nurses are concentrated in that industry. State indices also differ: Western Australia (106.9) and ACT (109.9) are above the line, while Tasmania (88.6) is well below. A dental nurse in Perth might earn above the national median due to stronger local labour market, while one in Hobart may be closer to award minimum.
However, award rates are national, so the same award applies across all states. But employers can pay above award. So state differences in overall wage levels can influence actual pay.
How the Salary Index works
The Salary Index is simple: your yearly gross divided by the national line times 100. For a dental nurse earning $62,972, that's 58. The national minimum wage is $52,255 (index 48.2). So a dental nurse on award minimum would be even lower, around 48-50 depending on classification.
What about super and tax?
Super guarantee is 12% from 1 July 2026, so an employer must pay that on top of salary. Tax for a dental nurse earning $62,972 falls into the 30% bracket (after tax-free threshold and Medicare levy 2%). Take-home estimate: about $48,000 after tax and Medicare.
Summary
Dental nurse salary is below the national line, reflecting the part-time nature and award-based pay. State and industry differences can push pay above median in some areas. Use the [states page to see where your area sits.
For more on how we calculate, see how the index works. For award rates, check pay guides.
Where to look next
Place the figure on the Salary Index. Compare states and industries, then read the method if you want to see why 100 is the national line. More pay guides cover neighbouring questions.
Questions people ask
What is the average dental nurse salary in Australia?
Based on the most recent data from Jobs and Skills Australia, the median full-time weekly earnings for dental assistants (the occupation commonly called dental nurses) is $1,211. That annualises to about $62,972, giving a Salary Index of roughly 58 — well below the national line of 100. However, many dental nurses work part-time or casually, so actual take-home pay can be lower.
Which award covers dental nurses and what are the minimum rates?
Dental nurses are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027). The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes pay guides for this award, which includes minimum hourly rates, allowances, and penalty rates. From 1 October 2026, minimum rates for health professional classifications were increased as part of the gender-based undervaluation review. Casual dental nurses get a 25% loading on top of the base rate.
How does the dental nurse salary index compare across states?
The national line (index 100) equals $108,352 annualised from the ABS Average Weekly Earnings. State indices vary: NSW (101.2), WA (106.9), and Tasmania (88.6). While dental nurse award rates are national, local labour markets can push pay above award. For example, a dental nurse in Western Australia might earn above the national median due to higher overall wage levels, while Tasmania may be lower.