How is a dental hygienist’s pay calculated?

Under the award, a dental hygienist with a Diploma (AQF Level 5) starts at $32.44 per hour (full-time) in the first year, rising to $34.44 in years 2–3 and $36.44 in years 4–6. Casual employees receive a 25% loading. Superannuation of 12% is paid on top of ordinary time earnings.

Can a dental hygienist be paid less than the award rate?

No. The award sets the legal minimum. An enterprise agreement or individual contract can only pay more, not less. Junior employees (under 21) may be paid a percentage of the adult rate, but the award specifies those percentages.

Dental Hygienist Salary in Australia: Award Minimums and Pay Guide

Q: What award covers dental hygienists in Australia?

Dental hygienists are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027). They are classified as Health Professional employees, not support services. The minimum rate depends on the AQF level of their qualification and years of experience.

A dental hygienist’s minimum pay depends on qualifications and experience, with award rates ranging from $32.44 to $36.44 per hour for Level 1 Health Professionals, plus 12% super.

Understanding the Dental Hygienist Salary in Australia

When searching for a dental hygienist salary, it is important to distinguish between the legal minimum set by the award, the actual rate paid by an employer, and any survey averages. This guide focuses on the minimum pay floor under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027), which covers most dental hygienists in the national workplace relations system.

Award Coverage and Classification

Dental hygienists are classified as Health Professional employees under Schedule B of the award. The minimum hourly rate depends on the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level of the hygienist’s qualification and their years of experience at Level 1. For example:

AQF Level 5 (Diploma) – 1st year: $32.44 per hour
AQF Level 5 – 2nd to 3rd year: $34.44 per hour
AQF Level 5 – 4th to 6th year: $36.44 per hour

These rates are for full-time or part-time employees working a 38-hour ordinary week. The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes the official pay guide for this award, and the Fair Work Commission updates the minimum rates each year through the Annual Wage Review.

How the National Minimum Wage Interacts

The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week). However, the award rates for dental hygienists are higher, so the award rate is the applicable minimum. If an employee is award-free (rare for dental hygienists), the national minimum would apply, but most are covered by the award.

Casual Loading and Superannuation

Casual dental hygienists receive a 25% loading on top of the base hourly rate. For a Level 1 first-year hygienist, that means $40.55 per hour. Superannuation (the super guarantee) is an additional 12% paid by the employer on ordinary time earnings, including the casual loading. This is not deducted from the employee’s pay.

Comparing with Other Pay Types

Legal minimum: The award rate described above.
Survey average: The Australian Bureau of Statistics does not publish a specific average for dental hygienists. Any figure you see elsewhere is likely from a private survey and may not reflect the minimum.
Negotiated salary: Employers and employees can agree on a higher rate than the award, especially through an enterprise agreement. Always check the award first.

Junior and Apprentice Rates

If a dental hygienist is under 21, the award provides junior percentages of the adult rate. For example, a 19-year-old receives 80% of the adult rate. Apprentice dental technicians have separate rates under the award. The national minimum junior percentages (e.g., under 17 at 50%) do not apply because the award overrides them.

How to Find Your Correct Rate

Use the Which minimum wage applies guide to determine if you are covered by the award. Then check the Rate tables for the Health Professionals classification. If your employer has an enterprise agreement, that agreement may set a higher rate, but it cannot undercut the award.

Important Notes

The award minimums apply from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026.
Always verify your classification and years of experience with your employer or the Fair Work Ombudsman.
This information is for guidance only and is not legal advice. For a binding determination, consult the Fair Work Commission or a workplace relations professional.

For the published floors, see the rate tables and how the figures work.