Dental Assistant Salary in Sydney (2026)

Last updated

Dental Assistants in Sydney earn a median salary of $65,000 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $55,000 and $79,040. That sits 28% below Sydney's all-roles median of $90,726. Figures are based on 54 jobs advertised on Seek.com.au in Sydney in the last 30 days.

▲ High demand Top 24% of roles by listing volume in Sydney ↑ +1 listings vs last month
💰 Dental Assistant · Sydney
ADVERTISED RANGE
$55,000 – $79,040
Median: $65,000
Apr $64k
May $65k
→ Stable

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

Mid level $55,000 – $79,040
Overall $55k–$79k Mid $55k–$79k $53k $58k $64k $70k $75k $81k
Moderate confidence 54 listings (+1 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  $65,000 $79,040  Top 10%

Understanding the Sydney Market

Sydney Dental Assistants earned $65,000 in May, up $780 from April, with 54 listings (up 1). Sydney ties with Perth as the highest-paying city for this role at $65,000. At 28% below Sydney's all-roles median, this is well below market for a high-cost city. The listing volume is stable, confirming consistent demand. The tight 37% spread reflects award-structured pay.

Take Home Pay (based on median $65,000)

Weekly (net)
~$1,003
Monthly (net)
~$4,344
Annual (net)
~$52,133
Total package (incl. 2025-26 super at 11.5%) $72,475

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 Sydney?
Entry-level Dental Assistants in Sydney earn $55,000 to $65,000 at the mid level (54 listings). Certificate III in Dental Assisting is the standard entry requirement. Sydney's specialist dental sector, particularly in the North Shore and inner west, tends to pay above the standard median for experienced assistants.
Is $65,000 a good salary in Sydney?
At $65,000 and 28% below Sydney's all-roles median, this is significantly below market for Sydney's cost of living. Sydney's high rent makes this a genuinely tight income for most suburbs. Registered Nurses in Sydney earn $99,400, and the nursing pathway (via enrolled nursing) is the most financially compelling allied health progression from dental assisting.
How much does a Senior Dental Assistant make in Sydney?
Sydney Dental Assistants cap around $79,040 at the p90. Specialist dental settings (oral surgery, implant clinics, or specialist orthodontics) command the highest rates. Radiation protection endorsement and digital dental technology skills are the primary differentiators for senior assistant positions.

Other roles in Sydney

Dental Assistant salaries in other cities

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