Dental Assistant Salary in Adelaide (2026)

Last updated

Dental Assistants in Adelaide earn a median salary of $65,000 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $60,000 and $76,500. That sits 20% below Adelaide's all-roles median of $80,749. Figures are based on 38 jobs advertised in Adelaide in the last 30 days.

▲ High demand Top 23% of roles by listing volume in Adelaide ↑ +1 listings vs last month
💰 Dental Assistant · Adelaide
ADVERTISED RANGE
$60,000 – $76,500
Median: $65,000
Aug $65k
Sep $65k
→ Stable

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

Mid level $60,000 – $77,000
Overall $60k–$76k Mid $60k–$77k $58k $62k $66k $70k $75k $79k
Moderate confidence 38 listings (+1 vs last month) · 30/09/2026

Salary ranges are percentiles calculated from 38 job listings for this role and city, all sourced from Seek.com.au. Of those, 15.8% stated a salary directly. The remaining 84.2% carried a range estimated from the listing, so this median blends advertised and estimated pay. Figures represent what employers advertise and may differ from actual compensation. Fewer than a quarter of these listings stated a salary, so the median leans heavily on estimates.

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Bottom 10%  $60,000 Median  $65,000 $76,500  Top 10%

Understanding the Adelaide Market

Dental assistant pay has not moved, holding at $65,000 for a third month with listings flat at 38. Brisbane now leads at $69,000 with Sydney at $66,000, leaving Adelaide mid-table. The 25% spread running $60,000 to $76,000 is narrow, which is what award-linked clinical support work produces. Only 16% of listings stated a salary, among the lowest disclosure rates in the Adelaide data, so treat the figure as directional.

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 Adelaide?
The floor is $60,000, higher than most cities, and it covers trainee roles where the practice funds a Certificate III in Dental Assisting. Radiography licensing and experience with implant or orthodontic procedures are what move someone toward the top of the band. Specialist practices pay above general dentistry at the same experience level.
Is $65,000 a good salary in Adelaide?
No. At $65,000 the role sits 19.5% below Adelaide's all-roles median of $80,000, with take-home near $1,003 a week and low living costs. Every capital pays within $5,000 of this, so relocating achieves little. Within Adelaide healthcare it is the lowest band, well behind nursing at $95,000 and allied health at $100,000.
How much does a Senior Dental Assistant make in Adelaide?
The ceiling is $76,000, the tightest in the Adelaide healthcare data. Practice management is the usual route beyond it, combining clinical assisting with billing, compliance and rostering. Oral health therapy and dental hygiene require further study but are the only paths that reset this range.

Other roles in Adelaide

Dental Assistant salaries in other cities

City Median salary vs Adelaide
Adelaide (this page) $65,000 0%
Brisbane $69,160 +6%
Sydney $66,250 ~same
Perth $65,000 ~same
Melbourne $64,610 ~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.