Dental assistant pay rates from 1 July 2026 under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020: hourly, casual, weekend and public holiday rates, with take-home pay after tax in 2026–27.
A dental assistant gets at least $29.11 an hour ($36.39 casual), about $57,522 a year full-time, and up to $31.67 at the highest level.
Dental assistant pay rates
| Classification | Hourly | Casual hourly | Weekly | Year (52 weeks) | Take-home per fortnight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 3 | $29.11 | $36.39 | $1,106.20 | $57,522 | $1,874 |
| Level 5 | $29.15 | $36.44 | $1,107.80 | $57,606 | $1,876 |
| Level 6 | $30.63 | $38.29 | $1,163.90 | $60,523 | $1,951 |
| Level 7 | $31.67 | $39.59 | $1,203.50 | $62,582 | $2,004 |
Weekend and public holiday rates
| Classification | Saturday | Sunday | Public holiday | Casual Saturday | Casual Sunday | Casual public holiday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 3 | $43.67 | $43.67 | $72.78 | $50.94 | $50.94 | $80.05 |
| Level 5 | $43.73 | $43.73 | $72.88 | $51.01 | $51.01 | $80.16 |
| Level 6 | $45.95 | $45.95 | $76.58 | $53.60 | $53.60 | $84.23 |
| Level 7 | $47.51 | $47.51 | $79.18 | $55.42 | $55.42 | $87.09 |
Adult rates in the award's support services stream. Casual rates include the 25% loading. A year is the weekly rate × 52 for a 38-hour week.
How it works
- Private dental practices are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020, which classifies dental assistants at Levels 3, 5, 6 and 7 of its support services stream.
- Your level depends on your qualifications and duties; the award's classification definitions set them out.
- Super is paid on top. Many practices pay above the award.
Common questions
How much does a dental assistant get paid in Australia?
Under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020, dental assistants get at least $29.11 an hour ($1,106.20 a week, about $57,522 a year) from 1 July 2026, up to $31.67 at Level 7. Casuals get $36.39 to $39.59.
What is the casual rate for dental assistants?
$36.39 an hour at Level 3, including the 25% casual loading.
What do dental assistants get on weekends?
Saturdays and Sundays are paid at time and a half for full-time and part-time staff ($43.67 at Level 3) and $50.94 for casuals. Public holidays are $72.78.
Do public dental services pay differently?
Yes. Dental assistants in state public dental services are paid under their state's public health agreements, not this award.
When do the rates go up?
From the first full pay period on or after 1 July each year, after the Annual Wage Review. Next: 1 July 2027 (Annual Wage Review).
See also pharmacy assistant pay, casual loading and public holiday pay rates.
Source: Fair Work Ombudsman pay guide MA000027 (published 24 June 2026), Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 [MA000027]. Take-home pay: ATO tax rates. Checked 2026-10-22. General information only.