Dental Assistant Salary in Adelaide (2026)

Last updated

Dental Assistants in Adelaide earn a median salary of $60,000 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $55,000 and $70,000. That sits 25% below Adelaide's all-roles median of $80,000. Figures are based on 41 jobs advertised on Seek.com.au in Adelaide in the last 30 days.

▲ High demand Top 14% of roles by listing volume in Adelaide ↑ +13 listings vs last month
💰 Dental Assistant · Adelaide
ADVERTISED RANGE
$55,000 – $70,000
Median: $60,000
May $64k
Jun $60k
↓ Trending down

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

Mid level $55,000 – $70,000
Overall $55k–$70k Mid $55k–$70k $53k $57k $60k $64k $68k $72k
Moderate confidence 41 listings (+13 vs last month) · 05/07/2026

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.

Where does your salary sit?
Enter your salary to see where you rank.
Bottom 10%  $55,000 Median  $60,000 $70,000  Top 10%

Understanding the Adelaide Market

Dental assistant pay in Adelaide is both the lowest of the major capitals for the role and falling, the median dropped $4,220 to $60k. Adelaide trails Brisbane, Perth and Sydney (all $65k) and even Melbourne ($61,750), despite demand being strong (41 listings, up from 28). More roles at lower pay is the pattern here. The tight band ($55k to $70k) is set by award and clinic size rather than negotiation.

Take Home Pay (based on median $60,000)

Weekly (net)
~$941
Monthly (net)
~$4,078
Annual (net)
~$48,933
Total package (incl. 2025-26 super at 11.5%) $66,900

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?
Dental assistants in Adelaide start near the $55k floor. The move toward the $70k top comes from qualifications and setting: a Cert III or IV in dental assisting, radiography or sterilisation certification, and specialist clinics (orthodontics, oral surgery) pay above general practices.
Is $60,000 a good salary in Adelaide?
No, and it is the softest market of the capitals. At $60k the median sits 25% below Adelaide's all-roles median of $80k and nets roughly $49k after tax, low even accounting for Adelaide's cheaper cost of living. With pay falling as demand rises, there is little near-term upward pressure, so certification or a specialist clinic is the realistic route to better money.
How much does a Senior Dental Assistant make in Adelaide?
Experienced dental assistants reach the $70k ceiling of a tight band, so seniority alone does little here. The step up is into Practice Manager or a clinical pathway (Enrolled Nurse, $85k): both mean a scope change into administration or nursing rather than more years chairside.

Other roles in Adelaide

Dental Assistant salaries in other cities

City Median salary vs Adelaide
Adelaide (this page) $60,000 —
Brisbane $65,000 +8%
Perth $65,000 +8%
Sydney $65,000 +8%
Melbourne $61,750 +3%

Uncover hidden salary ranges on Seek

Paste any job URL to bypass the "competitive salary" text and see the exact employer budget instantly.

Check a Listing Install Extension

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.