Dental Assistant Pay Rate NT 2026-27
Dental Assistants in Northern Territory earn at least $29.11/hr (Level 3), $36.39/hr casual — about $1,106 a week full-time — under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020. Rates from 1 July 2026.
Last verified: 19 July 2026Dental Assistant — Minimum Pay Rate (NT)
Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027)
$29.11
Base rate/hr
$36.39
Casual rate/hr
Dental assistants support dentists during procedures, sterilise instruments, take X-rays, and manage patient records in dental practices.
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Northern Territory Note
Northern Territory workers may receive remote area allowances and have specific public holidays including Show Day.
Minimum Hourly Rates — Dental Assistant
| Employment Type | Hourly Rate | Weekly (38hrs) | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time (adult) | $29.11/hr | $1,106.18 | $57,521.36 |
| Part-time (adult) | $29.11/hr | Pro-rata | Pro-rata |
| Casual (incl. 25% loading) | $36.39/hr | Varies | Varies |
Rates effective from 1 July 2026 under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020.
Penalty Rates — Dental Assistant
Saturday
$43.67/hr
1.5x base
Sunday
$58.22/hr
2x base
Public Holiday
$72.78/hr
2.5x base
Penalty rates shown for full-time/part-time Level 3 ($29.11/hr base). Casual employees receive penalty rates calculated on their base rate (before casual loading).
Classification Levels — Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020
| Level | Description | Base Rate/hr | Casual Rate/hr | Annual (38hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 3 | Dental assistant — entry level of the dental assistant stream | $29.11 | $36.39 | $57,521.36 |
| Level 5 | Dental assistant — Level 5 | $29.15 | $36.44 | $57,600.40 |
| Level 6 | Dental assistant — Level 6 | $30.63 | $38.29 | $60,524.88 |
| Level 7 | Dental assistant — Level 7 | $31.67 | $39.59 | $62,579.92 |
Provisional: from 1 July 2026 the Fair Work Commission pay database lists dental assistants in their own transitional classification stream (clause 16.2(b), labelled "Dental assistants — until 31 December 2026") at Levels 3, 5, 6 and 7 — not the general Support Services levels. The structure is scheduled to change again after 31 December 2026, so re-check your level then.
View full Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 pay rates →
Am I Being Underpaid as a Dental Assistant?
Dental assistants have their own classification stream under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award — an entry-level dental assistant should be on at least the stream's Level 3 rate, not a general Support Services Level 1 or 2 rate. Check the level on your payslip against clause 16.2(b) and your qualifications.
If you think you are being paid below the minimum rate, you can calculate your potential back pay and check your rights.
Check If You Are Underpaid →Related Jobs Under the Same Award
| Job | Base Rate | Casual Rate | Sunday |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physiotherapist | $30.89/hr | $38.61/hr | $61.78/hr |
| Psychologist | $39.31/hr | $49.14/hr | $78.62/hr |
| Dental Receptionist | $28.03/hr | $35.04/hr | $56.06/hr |
| Lab Technician | $30.45/hr | $38.06/hr | $60.90/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a dental assistant get paid per hour in Northern Territory?
The minimum hourly rate for a dental assistant in Northern Territory is $29.11/hr for full-time and part-time employees, or $36.39/hr for casuals (including 25% loading). This is the Level 3 adult rate under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027), effective from 1 July 2026.
What is the minimum wage for a dental assistant?
The minimum wage for a dental assistant is $29.11 per hour ($1,106.18 per week for a 38-hour week, or $57,521.36 per year). This is set by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020. Higher classification levels attract higher rates.
What award covers dental assistants?
Dental Assistants are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027). This Modern Award sets minimum pay rates, penalty rates, allowances, and leave entitlements. Your employer may also have an enterprise agreement with different (usually higher) rates.
Do dental assistants get penalty rates on weekends?
Yes. Under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020, dental assistants receive 1.5x their base rate on Saturdays ($43.67/hr) and 2x on Sundays ($58.22/hr). Public holidays are paid at 2.5x ($72.78/hr).
What is the casual rate for a dental assistant?
The casual rate for a dental assistant is $36.39/hr, which includes a 25% casual loading on top of the base rate of $29.11/hr. The casual loading compensates for the lack of paid leave, notice of termination, and redundancy pay.
How much should a 17 year old dental assistant get paid?
Dental assistants are classified by level under the award, not by age — there are no junior rates in the dental assistant stream. The Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 does not have specific junior rates for this classification.
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General information and estimates only — not legal, financial or tax advice. Always check your specific award, agreement or contract, or a qualified professional, before you rely on the result.
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