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 $80,000. That sits 32% below Sydney's all-roles median of $95,000. Figures are based on 64 jobs advertised on Seek.com.au in Sydney in the last 30 days.

▲ High demand Top 24% of roles by listing volume in Sydney ↑ +10 listings vs last month
💰 Dental Assistant · Sydney
ADVERTISED RANGE
$55,000 – $80,000
Median: $65,000
May $65k
Jun $65k
→ Stable

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

Mid level $55,000 – $80,000
Overall $55k–$80k Mid $55k–$80k $53k $59k $64k $70k $76k $82k
Moderate confidence 64 listings (+10 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.

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Bottom 10%  $55,000 Median  $65,000 $80,000  Top 10%

Understanding the Sydney Market

Sydney sits at the top of a flat national band for dental assistants at $65k (Brisbane and Perth also $65k, Melbourne $61,750, Adelaide $60k), so it pays as well as anywhere for the role. Listings rose from 54 to 64 with pay steady. The gap to watch is local: that $65k sits 32% below Sydney's $95k all-roles median.

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?
A dental assistant starting in Sydney earns from around $55k. A Certificate III in dental assisting, radiography licensing, or specialist-practice experience (orthodontics, oral surgery) are what push someone toward the $80k top of the band.
Is $65,000 a good salary in Sydney?
Depends. At $65k the median trails Sydney's $95k all-roles median by 32% and nets roughly $52k, which is tight against Sydney rents. That gap is normal for clinical-support work rather than a red flag, but it is a role where Sydney's high living costs bite hardest.
How much does a Senior Dental Assistant make in Sydney?
There is no senior band in this data, and the $80k top decile marks the ceiling for the title. Progression means practice-management or treatment-coordination roles, or radiography and specialist certifications that lift a dental assistant above the standard chairside band.

Other roles in Sydney

Dental Assistant salaries in other cities

City Median salary vs Sydney
Sydney (this page) $65,000 —
Brisbane $65,000 ~same
Perth $65,000 ~same
Melbourne $61,750 -5%
Adelaide $60,000 -8%

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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.