Understanding the dental nurse salary in Australia: what you take home after tax

Dental nurse salary: what the awards say

If you work as a dental nurse in Australia, your pay is governed by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027). Fair Work Ombudsman explains that this award covers employers in the health industry and their employees who are in a classification in the award. That includes dental assistants, dental hygienists, and dental therapists. The award sets minimum hourly rates, penalty rates, and allowances. Because the award has multiple classification levels (for example, dental assistant Level 1, Level 2, etc.), there is no single "dental nurse salary" figure. Your actual pay depends on your experience, qualifications, and the specific duties you perform.

Fair Work Ombudsman publishes pay guides for each award, and the Fair Work Commission maintains the Modern Awards Pay Database with detailed classification rates. The 2026 data includes changes from the Annual Wage Review and from gender-based undervaluation reviews that affected health professionals from 1 October 2026. To find your exact minimum rate, you should look up the classification that matches your role in the Health Services Award pay guide.

How dental nurse salary compares to the national minimum wage

The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour and $1,004.90 per week (based on a 38-hour week). Most dental nurse classifications under the Health Services Award pay above this minimum, especially for qualified dental hygienists or therapists. However, entry-level dental assistants may start close to the minimum wage. The Minimum wage page provides full details of the current rate.

For context, the ABS Average Weekly Earnings (May 2026) show that full-time adult ordinary time earnings are $2,083.70 per week (around $108,352 per year). Dental nurse salaries typically fall below this average, reflecting the nature of the role and industry. Your take-home pay will also be affected by tax and the Medicare levy.

Take-home pay after tax and Medicare

Once you know your gross annual dental nurse salary, you can estimate your take-home pay – the amount that reaches your bank account each fortnight after income tax and the Medicare levy. For the 2026–27 tax year, the resident tax rates are:

• $0 – $18,200: Nil
• $18,201 – $45,000: 15c for each $1 over $18,200
• $45,001 – $135,000: $4,020 plus 30c for each $1 over $45,000
• and so on up to 45c for income over $190,000

You may also be eligible for the Low Income Tax Offset (LITO) of up to $700, which phases out between $37,500 and $66,667. The Medicare levy is 2% of your taxable income. The latest published single-person Medicare thresholds are $28,011 and $35,013. If you earn below $28,011, you pay no Medicare levy. Between $28,011 and $35,013, you pay 10c per dollar over the lower threshold. Full-time dental nurses earning above $35,013 pay the full 2%.

Use the Take-home pay tool to calculate your net fortnightly amount based on your specific award classification and hours.

Superannuation is on top

Remember that the superannuation guarantee is 12% from 1 July 2026, applied to your ordinary time earnings up to $270,830 per year. Super is paid by your employer into a nominated fund and is not deducted from your take-home pay. When you see a dental nurse salary advertised, check whether it says "plus super" or "including super". The Super guide explains how this affects your total remuneration.

Factors that affect your dental nurse salary

• Classification level: Under the Health Services Award, dental assistants are typically classified from Level 1 to Level 4, with higher levels for more experienced or qualified staff. Dental hygienists and therapists have their own classification structure.
• Experience and qualifications: Additional certifications or years of service can move you to a higher pay point.
• Casual loading: Casual employees receive a 25% loading on the minimum hourly rate (in lieu of paid leave).
• Penalty rates: Weekend, evening, or public holiday work attracts penalty rates set by the award.
• Location: Some enterprise agreements or state-based arrangements may offer higher rates.

Because of these variables, it's best to refer directly to the Fair Work Ombudsman pay guide for the Health Services Award or use the Roles section to see typical ranges for dental nurse positions.

Summary

Your dental nurse salary is not a single number – it depends on your award classification, experience, and hours. It is set above the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour but generally below the full-time adult ordinary time average of $2,083.70 per week. After applying income tax and the 2% Medicare levy (with thresholds at $28,011 and $35,013), your take-home pay will be lower than your gross salary. Superannuation of 12% is paid on top by your employer. For a personalised estimate, use the Take-home pay calculator and check the Tax and Medicare page for the latest rates.