Orthodontist salary in Australia: pay floors, tax, and super explained

Orthodontist salary: what the official data shows

Orthodontists are dental specialists who diagnose and treat irregularities of the teeth and jaw. According to Jobs and Skills Australia, there are about 1,400 orthodontists employed in Australia, with a median age of 47 and a female share of 32%. Most work full-time (59%), averaging 44 hours per week. However, the ABS does not publish median weekly earnings for orthodontists because the occupation is too small for reliable survey estimates. This means we cannot point to a single 'average orthodontist salary' from official sources.

The legal pay floor

Orthodontists are not covered by a modern award under the Fair Work system. The Fair Work Commission's Modern Awards Pay Database does not list a specific classification for dental specialists. As award-free employees, orthodontists are entitled to the national minimum wage. From 1 July 2026, that is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a 38-hour week. Casual orthodontists receive a 25% loading, making the minimum $33.05 per hour. However, this floor is far below what qualified orthodontists actually earn. Most work under individual contracts or enterprise agreements that set much higher rates.

Award coverage and enterprise agreements

Some orthodontists may be covered by enterprise agreements negotiated with their employer or practice. These agreements must pass the 'better off overall test' compared to the relevant award (if any) or the national minimum. The Fair Work Ombudsman's PACT tool can help check if an agreement applies. If no agreement exists, the orthodontist's contract sets the pay, but it cannot be less than the national minimum.

How super and tax affect the weekly packet

The angle of this guide is the weekly packet after super and tax. Superannuation guarantee is 12% on top of ordinary time earnings. For an orthodontist earning $200,000 per year, that means $24,000 in super contributions paid by the employer. This is not part of the take-home salary. Tax is withheld by the employer using the PAYG system. For 2026-27, the tax-free threshold is $18,200. On a $200,000 salary, the tax (excluding Medicare) would be approximately $54,667, plus Medicare levy of $4,000 (2% of $200,000). That leaves a weekly take-home of about $2,718 before any salary sacrifice or deductions.

Comparing orthodontist salary to other benchmarks

The ABS reports that full-time adult average weekly ordinary-time earnings were $2,083.70 in May 2026. Orthodontists almost certainly earn above this average, given the extensive postgraduate training required (79% have a postgraduate qualification). The national minimum wage of $1,004.90 per week is a floor, not a target. For a more accurate picture, orthodontists should consult industry surveys or professional bodies like the Australian Dental Association.

Where to find more information

For more on how minimum wages apply, see Which minimum wage applies. For details on how we calculate figures, see How the figures work.

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum wage for an orthodontist in Australia?

Orthodontists are not covered by a specific modern award, so the national minimum wage applies as a floor. From 1 July 2026, that is $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week for a 38-hour week). Most orthodontists earn well above this under individual contracts or enterprise agreements.

Do orthodontists receive superannuation?

Yes. Employers must pay superannuation guarantee of 12% on top of ordinary time earnings. For an orthodontist earning $200,000 per year, that adds $24,000 in super contributions. Super is not included in the advertised salary unless stated as 'total package'.

How is an orthodontist's salary taxed?

Orthodontist salary is taxed at resident individual rates. For 2026-27, the tax-free threshold is $18,200. Above that, marginal rates apply up to 45% for income over $190,000. Medicare levy of 2% applies once income exceeds $30,000. Salary sacrifice and the low income tax offset can reduce tax, but these are not automatic.

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