Australian dental wage guide
What dental roles actually pay in Australia.
Use these typical Australian ranges to set your wage floor on SkillCheck. Award minimums apply — most practices pay above them.
Every figure on this page is for Australia, quoted in AUD per hour, with sources cited below.
Typical hourly pay by dental role in Australia
Ranges below reflect commonly reported pay bands for each role. Follow the role link to see how SkillCheck matches you to that job.
| Role | Hourly range (AUD) | Full-time equivalent | What moves the number |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dental hygienist | $45 – $65 | $85,000 – $120,000 | Registration with the Dental Board of Australia is required. |
| Dental assistant | $26 – $38 | $50,000 – $72,000 | Cert III/IV and radiography licensing lift the range. |
| Dental receptionist / practice admin | $26 – $36 | $50,000 – $68,000 | Practice management software and HICAPS skills pay more. |
| Sterilisation technician | $25 – $33 | $48,000 – $62,000 | Infection control training is the usual entry requirement. |
Where these numbers come from
These are typical bands, not guarantees. Check the current figure for your own state or territory and city before you negotiate:
Pay changes by city
Sydney, Melbourne and Perth pay differently from regional Queensland or Tasmania, and travel time matters just as much. SkillCheck measures the real commute from your home address to the practice, then scores every role on pay, distance and hours together — so you see the offers that actually fit your life.
Wage guide questions, answered
Are these dental wages exact?
They are typical ranges drawn from public wage data and job postings across Australia. Your city, experience and certifications change where you land in the band.
Can I filter jobs by minimum wage on SkillCheck?
Yes. You set the lowest wage you will accept, and only roles that meet or beat it are shown to you.
Does SkillCheck charge dental professionals to see matched roles?
No. Creating a profile, viewing matched practices and accepting a position is free.
Wage guides for other countries
Canadian dental wage guide (CAD)
Typical pay for dental assistants, hygienists, receptionists and sterilization technicians across Canada, in CAD per hour, with sources cited.
US dental wage guide (USD)
Typical US pay for dental hygienists, assistants, front desk staff and sterilization techs, in USD per hour, with BLS sources cited.
New Zealand dental wage guide (NZD)
Typical New Zealand pay for dental hygienists, dental assistants, receptionists and sterilisation techs, in NZD per hour, with sources cited.
UK dental wage guide (GBP)
Typical UK pay for dental hygienists, dental nurses, receptionists and decontamination staff, in GBP per hour, with NHS and ONS sources cited.
Find a role that pays what you need
Set your minimum wage once. SkillCheck filters out everything below it and shows you matched dental roles near home.