Dental hygienist salary in Australia: the award minimum by years of experience from 1 October 2026, casual rates, what hygienists actually earn according to the ATO, and take-home pay in 2026–27.
A first-year dental hygienist gets at least $34.44 an hour ($68,058 a year full time) under the award, rising to $44.46 from the 7th year. The ATO median was $76,881 in 2023-24.
Dental hygienists clean and scale teeth, take X-rays and teach patients to look after their oral health. Oral health therapists combine hygiene and dental therapy. Private practices employ most of them, often paying a daily rate or a share of fees.
Award minimum pay
The Health Professionals and Support Services Award pays dental hygienists at Level 1, AQF Level 7, by years of experience in the profession.
Full-time 38 hours; per year is the weekly rate × 52. Saturday and Sunday are 150% and public holidays 250% for full-time and part-time employees.
What dental hygienists actually earn
| Occupation (ATO) | People | Median | Average | Median, men | Median, women |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dental hygienist | 2,474 | $76,881 | $76,299 | $96,433 | $76,121 |
| Dental therapist | 1,991 | $76,855 | $75,272 | $91,200 | $74,800 |
ATO Taxation Statistics 2023-24, Table 15A, salary or wage, including part-time workers.
Most dental hygienists work in private dental practices, which set pay above the award minimum; public dental services employ hygienists and oral health therapists in community clinics and school dental programs.
See also dentist salary, dental assistant pay rates and Health Professionals Award pay rates.
Common questions
How much does a dental hygienist earn in Australia?
The award minimum is $34.44 an hour in the first year ($68,058 a year full time), rising to $44.46 from the 7th year. The ATO median salary or wage for dental hygienists was $76,881 in 2023-24, including part-timers.
What is the casual rate for a dental hygienist?
At least $43.05 an hour in the first year under the award, including the 25% casual loading.
Which award covers dental hygienists?
The Health Professionals and Support Services Award, which lists dental hygienists, dental therapists and oral health therapists at AQF Level 7 (a bachelor degree).
Do dental hygienists need to be registered?
Yes, with the Dental Board of Australia through Ahpra.
What about oral health therapists?
They're paid at the same award level. The ATO median for dental therapists was $76,855 in 2023-24.
Source: Fair Work Ombudsman pay guide, Health Professionals and Support Services Award [MA000027], from 1 October 2026; ATO Taxation Statistics 2023-24. Checked 2026-10-23. General information only.