Support services employee level 3 (dental assistant) pay rate 2026
New minimum rates for the Health Professionals and Support Services Award apply from 1 October 2026, set out in the Fair Work Ombudsman pay guide published 26 August 2026. The figures on this page apply until then.
Minimum rate for Support services employee level 3 (dental assistant) under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award (MA000027) from 1 July 2026: $1,106.20 a week full-time, $57,677 a year (weekly × 52.14). Casual: $36.39 an hour, loading included.
Rate table in the pay database: Dental assistants—until 31 December 2026.
Minimum pay rates
| Employment type | Hourly | Weekly | Annual (× 52.14) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time / part-time | $29.11 | $1,106.20 | $57,677 |
| Casual (loading included) | $36.39 | — | — |
How this rate compares
It ranks 28th of 30 distinct adult hourly rates in the Health Professionals and Support Services Award.
The next rate up is Support services employee level 4 at $29.45 an hour, $0.34 (1.2%) higher than this classification.
The next rate down is Support services employee level 2 at $28.03 an hour, $1.08 (3.7%) lower.
It is $2.67 an hour (10.1%) above the national minimum wage of $26.44.
What changed on 1 July 2026
The hourly rate rose $1.32 (4.7%) from $27.79 on 30 June 2026 to $29.11, and the full-time weekly rate rose $50.20.
Penalty rates
| When | Full-time / part-time | Casual |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary hours | $29.11100% | $36.39125% |
| SaturdayBetween midnight Friday and midnight Sunday | $43.67150% | $50.94175% |
| SundayBetween midnight Friday and midnight Sunday | $43.67150% | $50.94175% |
| Public holiday | $72.78250% | $80.05275% |
| Shiftwork | $33.48115% | $40.75140% |
Resulting hourly rates as published in the Fair Work Commission’s Modern Awards Pay Database. Casual figures include the casual loading. Percentages are of the minimum hourly rate.
A week with weekend shifts
| Hours | Rate | Pay |
|---|---|---|
| 4 weekday hours | $36.39 | $145.56 |
| 8 Saturday hours | $50.94 | $407.52 |
| 8 Sunday hours | $50.94 | $407.52 |
| Total | $960.60 |
That week pays $960.60, which is $232.80 (32%) more than the same 20 hours worked on weekdays at the casual rate ($727.80). A full-time week of 38 ordinary hours pays $1,106.20.
Overtime rates
| Overtime | Full-time / part-time | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Monday to Saturday - First 2 hours | $43.67 | 150% |
| Monday to Saturday - After 2 hours | $58.22 | 200% |
| Sunday | $58.22 | 200% |
| Public holiday | $72.78 | 250% |
Rates current as of 1 July 2026. FWC pay database, MA000027, checked (how). General information only: your award or enterprise agreement prevails if it differs.