Dental Practice Wage Increase: Check Your Payroll.
Minimum award wages increased by 4.75% from 1 July 2026.
The increase applies from the employee’s first full pay period starting on or after 1 July 2026. The National Minimum Wage is now $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week, based on a 38-hour week. Casual employees covered by the National Minimum Wage must receive at least $33.05 per hour, including casual loading.
What Dental Practices Should Do
Practice owners and managers should:
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download the updated award pay guide;
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confirm each employee’s correct award and classification;
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update base rates, casual loading, allowances and penalty rates;
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check employees paid above award are still receiving at least the new minimum;
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review annualised salaries against the updated award entitlements; and
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confirm payroll changes were applied from the correct pay period.
Do not simply increase every employee by 4.75%. The practice must first identify the applicable award, classification and minimum rate for each role.
The Fair Work Ombudsman’s Pay and Conditions Tool and updated pay guides can be used to check current rates.
Key Message
Review payroll now and correct any underpayments promptly. Keep a record of the award, classification, rate and effective date used for each employee.
Official References
- Fair Work Ombudsman — Minimum wages increase from 1 July 2026
- Fair Work Ombudsman — Minimum wages
- Fair Work Ombudsman — Pay guides
- Fair Work Ombudsman — Pay and Conditions Tool
- Fair Work Ombudsman — Changes to the Health Services Award
Disclaimer: This information is general in nature and does not constitute employment, payroll or legal advice. Award coverage can vary according to an employee’s duties and circumstances. Practices should check current Fair Work information and seek professional advice where required.
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