What is the typical dental nurse salary under the Nurses Award?

Under the Nurses Award 2020, a dental nurse classified as an Enrolled Nurse pay point 1 earns $30.00 per hour for full-time or part-time work. Based on 38 hours per week, the weekly pay is $1,139.90, and the annual salary is approximately $59,280 before tax and super.

How does casual loading affect dental nurse pay?

Casual employees receive a 25% loading on top of the base hourly rate. For a dental nurse at $30.00 per hour, the casual rate becomes $37.50 per hour. This loading compensates for the lack of paid leave and other entitlements.

Is superannuation included in the hourly rate for dental nurses?

No, superannuation is paid on top of the hourly rate. The super guarantee is 12% of ordinary earnings, meaning the employer contributes an additional amount to the employee's super fund. For a dental nurse earning $30.00 per hour, the employer pays an extra $3.60 per hour in super.

Dental Nurse Salary: Award Rates, Casual Loading, and Super Paid on Top

Based on the Nurses Award 2020, a dental nurse classified as an Enrolled Nurse pay point 1 earns $30.00 per hour, or $1,139.90 per week for 38 hours, with casual loading of 25% and super of 12% paid on top.

Understanding the Dental Nurse Salary Under the Nurses Award

If you are a dental nurse in Australia, your pay is most likely covered by the Nurses Award 2020. The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes a Pay Guide that sets out minimum rates for classifications such as Enrolled Nurse and Registered Nurse. For a typical dental nurse, the relevant classification is often Enrolled Nurse pay point 1, which from 1 August 2026 has a minimum hourly rate of $30.00 and a weekly rate of $1,139.90 for 38 ordinary hours.

This page explains how to convert that hourly rate into annual, fortnightly, and casual pay, and how superannuation and tax apply.

How Annual Pay Is Calculated: Hourly × Hours × 52

The standard formula for annual gross pay is:

Hourly rate × hours per week × 52 weeks

For a full-time dental nurse working 38 hours per week at $30.00 per hour:

Annual gross = $30.00 × 38 × 52 = $59,280
Fortnightly gross = $30.00 × 76 = $2,280

This calculation assumes the same rate every week, no unpaid overtime, no penalty rates, and no allowances. It is a useful starting point for budgeting and comparing job offers.

Award Rates vs National Minimum Wage

The National Minimum Wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week for 38 hours. However, award rates are almost always higher. The Nurses Award rate of $30.00 per hour for an Enrolled Nurse is well above the minimum. Always check the relevant award before accepting a job offer – the Fair Work Ombudsman’s Pay and Conditions Tool can help.

Casual Loading and Superannuation Paid on Top

Casual Loading

If you work as a casual dental nurse, you are entitled to a 25% loading on top of the base hourly rate. This is specified in clause 11.1 of the Nurses Award. For the $30.00 base rate:

Casual hourly rate = $30.00 × 1.25 = $37.50
Casual weekly (38 hours) = $37.50 × 38 = $1,425
Casual annual = $37.50 × 38 × 52 = $74,100

Remember: the loading is added to the base rate, not included in it. When using our the timesheet, you enter the base hourly rate (e.g., $30.00) and then check the casual loading box to see the correct casual pay.

Superannuation Guarantee

Superannuation is paid on top of your ordinary earnings. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of your ordinary time earnings, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year. For a full-time dental nurse earning $59,280:

Super contribution = $59,280 × 12% = $7,113.60 per year
This is paid by the employer and does not reduce your take-home pay.

For a casual dental nurse earning $74,100 annually:

Super contribution = $74,100 × 12% = $8,892 per year

Super is calculated on ordinary earnings only – overtime and some allowances may be excluded. Learn more about how super interacts with your pay at super and packaging.

Fortnightly Pay and Tax Considerations

Most employers pay wages fortnightly. For a full-time dental nurse at $30.00 per hour:

Fortnightly gross = $30.00 × 76 = $2,280
Fortnightly super (employer contribution) = $2,280 × 12% = $273.60

Tax is withheld by your employer using the 2026–27 resident tax rates:

Nil on the first $18,200
15% on income from $18,201 to $45,000
30% on income from $45,001 to $135,000
37% on income from $135,001 to $190,000
45% on income above $190,000

Plus the Medicare levy of 2% (reduction thresholds for 2025–26 apply). For a $59,280 annual salary, the estimated tax plus Medicare is around $9,800, leaving a take-home pay of about $49,500 per year. Use our take-home pay guide for a detailed breakdown.

Using the Timesheet to Estimate Your Pay

Our the timesheet lets you enter your base hourly rate and see the annual, fortnightly, and casual equivalents instantly. Just type your rate (e.g., $30.00 for a dental nurse) and tick the casual loading box if applicable. The tool uses the same formula: hourly × hours per week × 52, and shows super and tax estimates.

Remember: the timesheet assumes 38 hours per week unless you change it. It does not account for penalty rates, allowances, or salary sacrifice. For award-specific rates, always refer to the pay guides from the Fair Work Ombudsman.

Key Takeaways for Dental Nurse Salary

Award rate: Enrolled Nurse pay point 1 = $30.00 per hour (38 hours/week)
Annual full-time: $59,280
Casual rate: $37.50 per hour (including 25% loading)
Super: 12% paid on top by employer
Fortnightly: $2,280 gross for full-time

Always check your classification and pay point using the reference tables from the Fair Work Commission’s Modern Awards Pay Database. If you are covered by a different award (e.g., Health Professionals and Support Services Award), the rates may differ.

For more on how casual loading works, see our casual loading page. And for a comparison with other roles, visit average pay.