Dental Assistant Salary in Brisbane (2026)

Last updated

Dental Assistants in Brisbane earn a median salary of $69,160 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $58,000 and $80,000. That sits 23% below Brisbane's all-roles median of $90,000. Figures are based on 67 jobs advertised in Brisbane in the last 30 days.

▲ High demand Top 14% of roles by listing volume in Brisbane ↑ +3 listings vs last month
💰 Dental Assistant · Brisbane
ADVERTISED RANGE
$58,000 – $80,000
Median: $69,160
Aug $65k
Sep $69k
↑ Trending up

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

Mid level $57,500 – $79,520
Overall $58k–$80k Mid $57k–$79k $55k $61k $66k $71k $77k $82k
Moderate confidence 67 listings (+3 vs last month) · 30/09/2026

Salary ranges are percentiles calculated from 67 job listings for this role and city, all sourced from Seek.com.au. Of those, 46.3% stated a salary directly. The remaining 53.7% 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.

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Bottom 10%  $58,000 Median  $69,160 $80,000  Top 10%

Understanding the Brisbane Market

Brisbane is now the best-paying dental assistant market in the country at $69,000, after the median rose $4,160 while listings held steady at 67. Sydney sits at $66,000, with Adelaide and Perth at $65,000 and Melbourne at $64,000. That $5,000 spread is wide for a role usually priced within a couple of thousand dollars nationally. At 46% salary disclosure the rise is reasonably well evidenced.

Take Home Pay (based on median $69,160)

Weekly (net)
~$1,054
Monthly (net)
~$4,569
Annual (net)
~$54,833
Total package (incl. 2025-26 super at 11.5%) $77,113

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 Brisbane?
The floor is $58,000, covering trainee roles where the practice funds a Certificate III in Dental Assisting. Qualified assistants cluster between $65,000 and $69,000 in this market. Radiography licensing and implant or orthodontic experience are what push toward the $80,000 ceiling.
Is $69,160 a good salary in Brisbane?
No, though it leads the country. At $69,000 the role sits 23.2% below Brisbane's all-roles median of $90,000, with take-home near $1,054 a week and moderate living costs. Within Brisbane healthcare it remains the lowest band, well behind nursing at $100,000 and disability support at $81,000. The $5,000 premium over Melbourne is real money at this income level.
How much does a Senior Dental Assistant make in Brisbane?
The ceiling is $80,000, reached through practice management combining clinical assisting with billing, compliance and rostering. Oral health therapy and dental hygiene require further study but are the only routes that reset this range. Within assisting itself there is limited progression.

Other roles in Brisbane

Dental Assistant salaries in other cities

City Median salary vs Brisbane
Brisbane (this page) $69,160 0%
Sydney $66,250 -4%
Adelaide $65,000 -6%
Perth $65,000 -6%
Melbourne $64,610 -7%

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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.