What is the dental prosthetist salary under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award?

The Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 does not explicitly list dental prosthetists in its classification structure. If the award covers the role (for example, as a Health Professional Level 1), the minimum weekly rate ranges from $1,232.70 (first year) to $1,541.30 (seventh year and over), depending on the AQF qualification and years of experience. However, you should check with the Fair Work Ombudsman or your employer to confirm the correct classification.

Is there a published median salary for dental prosthetists in Australia?

No. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) does not produce median weekly earnings for 6‑digit ANZSCO occupations such as Dental Prosthetist (411212). The Jobs and Skills Australia profile for this occupation also does not include a median earnings figure. As a result, no reliable survey‑based average is available.

Do dental prosthetists receive casual loading?

If a dental prosthetist is award‑free and casual, the national minimum wage casual rate of $33.05 per hour applies (from 1 July 2026). If covered by a modern award, the award’s casual loading (typically 25%) is added to the minimum hourly rate. An enterprise agreement may provide a different loading. Superannuation of 12% is paid on top of ordinary time earnings for all employees.

Dental Prosthetist Salary: Pay Floors and Award Coverage in Australia 2026-27

The national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week) applies to award-free dental prosthetists, but a modern award or enterprise agreement may set a higher rate.

Dental Prosthetist Salary: What the Research Shows

When researching the dental prosthetist salary in Australia, the first thing to note is that no single, official median figure exists. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) does not publish median weekly earnings for 6‑digit ANZSCO occupations, and Dental Prosthetist (411212) is one of those occupations. The Jobs and Skills Australia profile for this occupation confirms that no median earnings data is produced. This means any figure you see online that claims to be the “average dental prosthetist salary” is likely an estimate from private surveys or job advertisements, not a government‑backed statistic.

The Legal Minimum Pay Floor

For award‑free and agreement‑free dental prosthetists, the national minimum wage applies. From 1 July 2026, the adult rate is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a 38‑hour week. Casual employees receive a 25% loading, bringing the casual rate to $33.05 per hour. These rates are set by the Fair Work Commission and enforced by the Fair Work Ombudsman.

However, most dental prosthetists are likely covered by a modern award or an enterprise agreement. The most relevant award is the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 [MA000027]. This award covers health professionals and support services employees in the health industry. Dental prosthetists may fall under the “Health Professional” classification if they hold a recognised qualification (such as an Advanced Diploma or Bachelor degree) and are registered with the Dental Board of Australia. The award provides minimum weekly rates for Health Professional Level 1 (AQF Level 5) ranging from $1,232.70 (first year) to $1,541.30 (seventh year and over). These rates are higher than the national minimum wage.

If you are unsure which award applies, use the Which minimum wage applies guide or check with the Fair Work Ombudsman. An enterprise agreement can also set higher rates than the award.

Award Coverage and Classification Uncertainty

The Health Professionals and Support Services Award does not explicitly list “Dental Prosthetist” in its classification tables. The award’s Schedule B lists standard minimum qualifications for health professionals, but dental prosthetist qualifications are not mentioned in the snippet we have. This means the correct classification may depend on the specific duties and the employer’s interpretation. If the award does not cover the role, the national minimum wage applies. Always seek advice from the Fair Work Ombudsman or a workplace relations professional.

Superannuation and Other Payments

Superannuation is an employer payment on top of the base salary. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee rate is 12% of ordinary time earnings. This is not deducted from the wage; it is paid into a super fund. For a full‑time dental prosthetist earning the national minimum wage of $1,004.90 per week, the employer would contribute an additional $120.59 per week in super.

Comparing with Other Occupations

The ABS reports that for May 2026, full‑time adult ordinary‑time earnings across all occupations averaged $2,083.70 per week. The all‑employees average total earnings were $1,579.20 per week. These figures include managers and high‑income earners, so they are not directly comparable to a dental prosthetist’s pay. Without a published median for dental prosthetists, it is not possible to say how the occupation compares to these averages.

Age and Junior Rates

If a dental prosthetist is under 21 and award‑free, junior percentages of the national minimum wage apply. For example, a 19‑year‑old would receive 82.5% of $26.44, or $21.82 per hour. However, if covered by an award, the award’s junior rates (if any) would apply. Apprentice dental technicians have their own rates under the award (see clause 16.5).

Summary

No official median salary exists for dental prosthetists.
National minimum wage: $26.44/h ($1,004.90/wk) for award‑free employees.
Award coverage: Likely the Health Professionals and Support Services Award, with rates starting at $1,232.70/wk for Level 1.
Super: 12% on top of ordinary time earnings.
Always check your specific award or agreement for the correct rate.

For more detail, see our Rate tables and Guides.