Dentist Salary Australia: What You Can Expect to Earn in 2026
Find out the typical dentist salary in Australia, including gross pay, superannuation, and tax. Based on ABS data, the median full-time dentist earns well above the national averag
The median full-time dentist in Australia earns about $168,000 per year, placing them at an index of 155, well above the national average of 100.
Dentist Salary Australia: A Detailed Look at Pay, Super, and Tax
When searching for "dentist salary australia", you're likely after a clear, realistic figure. Unlike many professions, dentists in private practice aren't covered by a modern award. That means their pay is negotiated individually, but we can still draw on reliable data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) to understand typical earnings.
What the Data Shows
According to the ABS Labour Force Survey and Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (May 2025), the median full-time weekly earnings for dental practitioners (ANZSCO 2523) is $3,232. That annualises to roughly $168,064 – well above the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $108,352 (index 100). On the Salary Index, a dentist's typical pay sits at index 155, meaning they earn about 55% more than the average worker.
However, this figure includes dental specialists such as orthodontists and oral surgeons. General dentists may earn less, especially early in their career. The median hourly rate is $85, compared to $47 for all occupations. About 40% of dental practitioners work part-time, and the median age is 42, suggesting an experienced workforce.
Gross Pay: What Goes Into Your Pocket Before Tax
Gross pay is your salary before tax and super. For a full-time dentist earning the median $168,064, that's your base income. But remember: this is a median, not a starting salary. New graduates might earn closer to $80,000–$100,000, while experienced dentists or those in high-demand areas can exceed $200,000.
Because there's no award, your pay depends on factors like:
- Location: Dentists in remote areas or states with higher cost of living (e.g., ACT index 109.9, WA index 106.9) may command higher rates.
- Experience: More years in practice usually mean higher earnings.
- Practice ownership: Practice owners take home profits after expenses, which can be significantly higher than employee salaries.
Superannuation: The 12% Boost
From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of ordinary time earnings. For an employee dentist earning $168,064, that's an extra $20,168 per year paid into their super fund. This is on top of salary and is not counted in the gross pay figure. If you're a contractor, you may need to arrange your own super contributions.
Super is taxed at 15% on contributions (up to the concessional cap of $30,000 in 2026–27), making it a tax-effective way to save for retirement.
Tax: What You Actually Take Home
Using the 2026–27 resident tax rates (excluding Medicare levy surcharge or HELP debt), a dentist earning $168,064 would pay:
- Income tax: $44,467 (calculated as: $0 on first $18,200, 15% on $18,201–$45,000 = $4,020, 30% on $45,001–$135,000 = $27,000, 37% on $135,001–$190,000 = $12,233, total $44,467)
- Medicare levy: 2% of $168,064 = $3,361
- Total tax: $47,828
- Take-home pay: $120,236 per year, or about $10,020 per month
If you have a HELP debt, an extra 1–2% may be withheld. The Medicare levy surcharge applies if you don't have private hospital cover and earn over $93,000 (singles).
How Dentist Pay Compares Across Industries and States
The industries page shows health care and social assistance has an index of 97.8 – slightly below the national average. But dentists are a high-earning subset within that sector. By state, the highest indexes are ACT (109.9) and WA (106.9), while Tasmania is lowest (88.6). A dentist in Canberra might earn more than one in Hobart, but living costs also differ.
No Award, But Minimum Standards Apply
Because dentists aren't covered by a modern award (as confirmed by the Fair Work Ombudsman), their minimum entitlements come from the National Employment Standards and the national minimum wage ($26.44 per hour from 1 July 2026). In practice, dentists earn far above this floor.
Putting It All Together
A "dentist salary australia" search typically returns a wide range. The ABS median of $168,064 (index 155) is a solid benchmark for full-time employees. Add 12% super, subtract tax and Medicare, and you're looking at a take-home of around $120,000 plus super contributions. For more detailed comparisons, check the pay guides or see how your state compares on the states page.
Remember: these figures are a guide. Your actual pay depends on your role, location, and negotiation. Use the Salary Index to benchmark any offer against the national line.
Questions people ask
What is the average dentist salary in Australia?
The median full-time dentist salary in Australia is approximately $168,000 per year, based on ABS data for dental practitioners. This is well above the national average weekly earnings of $108,352 (index 100). However, this figure includes specialists; general dentists may earn less.
Do dentists get superannuation?
Yes, employers must pay superannuation at 12% of ordinary time earnings (from 1 July 2026) for eligible employees. For a dentist earning $168,000, that adds about $20,160 in super per year. Contractors may need to arrange their own super.
How much tax does a dentist pay in Australia?
Using 2026–27 tax rates, a dentist earning $168,000 pays approximately $44,467 in income tax plus a 2% Medicare levy ($3,360), for a total of about $47,827. This assumes no deductions or HELP debt. Take-home pay is roughly $120,173 per year, excluding super.