Dental Assistant Pay Rate in VIC 2025-26
Minimum pay rates for dental assistants in Victoria under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020. Updated 1 July 2025.
Last verified: 1 July 2025Dental Assistant — Minimum Pay Rate (VIC)
Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027)
$24.73
Base rate/hr
$30.91
Casual rate/hr
Dental assistants support dentists during procedures, sterilise instruments, take X-rays, and manage patient records in dental practices.
Victoria Note
Victoria has state-based long service leave that may differ from the NES. Check your entitlements with the Victorian Wage Inspectorate.
Minimum Hourly Rates — Dental Assistant
| Employment Type | Hourly Rate | Weekly (38hrs) | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time (adult) | $24.73/hr | $939.74 | $48,866.48 |
| Part-time (adult) | $24.73/hr | Pro-rata | Pro-rata |
| Casual (incl. 25% loading) | $30.91/hr | Varies | Varies |
Rates effective from 1 July 2025 under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020.
Penalty Rates — Dental Assistant
Saturday
$37.10/hr
1.5x base
Sunday
$49.46/hr
2x base
Public Holiday
$61.83/hr
2.5x base
Penalty rates shown for full-time/part-time Level 1 ($24.73/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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Support Level 2 | Dental assistant (entry) | $24.73 | $30.91 | $48,866.48 |
| Support Level 3 | Cert III qualified dental assistant | $25.68 | $32.10 | $50,743.68 |
| Support Level 4 | Senior dental assistant | $27.14 | $33.93 | $53,628.64 |
| Support Level 5 | Practice manager / dental therapist assistant | $28.54 | $35.68 | $56,395.04 |
View full Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 pay rates →
Am I Being Underpaid as a Dental Assistant?
Dental assistants with a Certificate III or higher qualification should be classified at Support Level 3 or above. Check your classification against your actual 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 →Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a dental assistant get paid per hour in Victoria?
The minimum hourly rate for a dental assistant in Victoria is $24.73/hr for full-time and part-time employees, or $30.91/hr for casuals (including 25% loading). This is the Level 1 adult rate under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027), effective from 1 July 2025.
What is the minimum wage for a dental assistant?
The minimum wage for a dental assistant is $24.73 per hour ($939.74 per week for a 38-hour week, or $48,866.48 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 ($37.10/hr) and 2x on Sundays ($49.46/hr). Public holidays are paid at 2.5x ($61.83/hr).
What is the casual rate for a dental assistant?
The casual rate for a dental assistant is $30.91/hr, which includes a 25% casual loading on top of the base rate of $24.73/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 typically classified based on qualifications, not age. 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 verify with the Fair Work Ombudsman (13 13 94) or a qualified professional.
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