Understanding your dental hygienist salary: gross, package, and take-home pay
The median full-time dental hygienist earns $2,210 per week ($55 per hour) before tax, but take-home depends on tax and Medicare levy.
Understanding your dental hygienist salary
When you see a job ad for a dental hygienist, the figure quoted might be a gross salary, a total package, or an hourly rate. It's important to know what actually reaches your bank account after tax and the Medicare levy.
Median earnings for dental hygienists
According to Jobs and Skills Australia, the median full-time weekly earnings for dental hygienists, technicians and therapists is $2,210, with a median hourly rate of $55. About 68% of dental hygienists work part-time, so your actual hours and pay will vary. The Health Professionals and Support Services Award covers many dental hygienists, setting minimum rates updated each year from the Fair Work Commission's Annual Wage Review.
Gross salary vs total package vs take-home pay
- Gross salary is the base pay before any deductions. For a full-time dental hygienist earning the median, that's $2,210 per week or about $114,920 per year.
- Total package often includes employer super contributions (12% from 1 July 2026) on top of the gross salary. So a package of $128,710 might be quoted, but the super goes into your fund, not your bank account.
- Take-home pay is what's left after income tax and the Medicare levy are deducted. It's the amount deposited into your account each fortnight.
Example take-home calculation for a dental hygienist
Assume you earn the median full-time salary of $114,920 per year (before tax). Using the 2026–27 tax rates:
- Income tax: $24,996
- Medicare levy (2%): $2,298.40 (full rate applies as income exceeds $35,013)
- Low Income Tax Offset (LITO): $0 (no offset at this income level)
- Total tax and Medicare: $27,294.40
- Annual take-home: $87,622.60
- Fortnightly take-home: about $3,370
This is an estimate only. Your actual take-home may differ due to HELP/HECS, salary packaging, or other factors.
Medicare levy thresholds
The latest published single-person Medicare levy thresholds are $28,011 and $35,013. If your taxable income is below $28,011, you pay no Medicare levy. Between $28,011 and $35,013, you pay a reduced rate. Above $35,013, you pay the full 2%. Most full-time dental hygienists earn well above these thresholds.
Superannuation
Employer super is 12% of your gross salary, paid into your super fund. It is not deducted from your take-home. If a job ad says "$114,920 plus super", the super is additional. Use our Super guide for more.
Using our tools
To see your own numbers, try our Take-home pay calculator and Tax and Medicare guide. You can also check Benchmarks for industry comparisons.
Questions
What is the difference between gross salary and total package?
Gross salary is base pay before any deductions. Total package includes employer super on top of gross. Take-home is what reaches your bank account after tax and Medicare levy.
How is Medicare levy calculated for a dental hygienist?
You pay 2% of taxable income if above $35,013. The latest single-person thresholds are $28,011 and $35,013. Most full-time hygienists pay full 2%.
What is the take-home pay for a dental hygienist earning the median?
For a full-time salary of $114,920, estimated take-home is about $87,622 per year or $3,370 per fortnight, after income tax and Medicare levy. This is an estimate only.