Dental Assistant Salary in Melbourne (2026)

Last updated

Dental Assistants in Melbourne earn a median salary of $64,220 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $55,000 and $73,902. That sits 30% below Melbourne's all-roles median of $91,520. Figures are based on 63 jobs advertised on Seek.com.au in Melbourne in the last 30 days.

▲ High demand Top 13% of roles by listing volume in Melbourne ↑ +4 listings vs last month
💰 Dental Assistant · Melbourne
ADVERTISED RANGE
$55,000 – $73,902
Median: $64,220
Apr $64k
May $64k
→ Stable

Based on 2-month data — short-term movement only.

Mid level $55,000 – $73,112
Overall $55k–$73k Mid $55k–$73k $53k $57k $62k $67k $71k $76k
Moderate confidence 63 listings (+4 vs last month) · 01/06/2026

Salary ranges are percentiles calculated from advertised employer bands on Seek.com.au. Figures represent what employers publicly advertise and may differ from actual compensation.

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Bottom 10%  $55,000 Median  $64,220 $73,902  Top 10%

Understanding the Melbourne Market

Melbourne Dental Assistants earned $64,220 in May, unchanged from April, with 63 listings (up 4). The 29% spread from $55k to $73k is tighter than most healthcare roles. At 30% below Melbourne's all-roles median, this is significantly below market for a high-cost city. Pay is identical to Brisbane and Adelaide. Perth and Sydney lead at $65,000.

Take Home Pay (based on median $64,220)

Weekly (net)
~$993
Monthly (net)
~$4,303
Annual (net)
~$51,634
Total package (incl. 2025-26 super at 11.5%) $71,605

Take-home calculated using 2025-26 ATO tax rates, no HECS debt, full Australian residency. Total package adds 11.5% superannuation to base salary. Adjust for your situation →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good starting salary for a junior Dental Assistant in Melbourne?
Entry-level Dental Assistants in Melbourne earn $55,000 to $64,220 at the mid level (61 listings). A Certificate III in Dental Assisting is the standard entry qualification. Melbourne's large private dental sector, particularly in the inner suburbs, offers consistent demand and slightly above-award pay for experienced assistants.
Is $64,220 a good salary in Melbourne?
At $64,220 and 30% below Melbourne's all-roles median, this is a below-market salary for a high-cost city. Melbourne's rent and transport make $64k a tight budget. Registered Nurses in Melbourne earn $96,418, and that allied health progression is the most financially significant pathway available from a dental assistant background.
How much does a Senior Dental Assistant make in Melbourne?
Melbourne Dental Assistants cap around $73,112 at the p90. Growth beyond the typical $64,220 median requires radiation protection endorsement and experience in specialist dental clinics. Further study into dental therapy or dental hygiene provides access to $70,000 to $100,000+ roles.

Other roles in Melbourne

Dental Assistant salaries in other cities

City Median salary vs Melbourne
Melbourne (this page) $64,220 —
Perth $65,000 ~same
Sydney $65,000 ~same
Adelaide $64,220 ~same
Brisbane $64,220 ~same

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Data sourced from publicly listed job advertisements. Not affiliated with or endorsed by Seek or any third-party platforms. Salary ranges represent advertised figures and may differ from actual compensation. Updated monthly.