Average line

HomeGuides

Orthodontist salary in Australia: how it compares to the national average

The ABS does not publish a specific weekly or yearly salary for orthodontists, but dental specialists typically earn above the national full-time average of $2,083.70 per week ($108,352 per year).

This sits on the Australian full-time average.

Week, hour, and a tax sketch

$2,084 a week · $54.83 an hour if spread over 38 hours

About $83,159 after resident income tax and a 2% Medicare levy.

2026–27 resident rates and a 2% Medicare levy. Not a tax assessment.Open the full line

Orthodontist salary in Australia

If you are researching an orthodontist salary in Australia, you will find that official published figures are scarce. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) does not release a specific average or median weekly earnings for orthodontists because the occupation is classified at a detailed level (ANZSCO 6-digit) where sample sizes are too small for reliable estimates. Jobs and Skills Australia also notes that median weekly earnings are not available for Dental Specialists (including Orthodontists).

This does not mean you cannot benchmark orthodontist pay. You can compare against the national full-time average, related occupation groups, and award minimums. This article explains how to read orthodontist salary as a year, a week, and an hour using the data that is available.

The national full-time average as a reference

The ABS publishes Average Weekly Earnings twice a year. The latest release for May 2026 shows that full-time adult average weekly ordinary time earnings were $2,083.70. Multiplied by 52, that is about $108,352 per year. This is the figure this site uses as the national line.

  • Weekly: $2,083.70
  • Yearly: $108,352
  • Hourly (based on a 38-hour week): $54.83

Orthodontists, as specialist dental professionals, almost certainly earn above this average. The ABS Employee Earnings and Hours survey for May 2025 reports that the average weekly total cash earnings for all Professionals (the broad group that includes orthodontists) was $2,049.60, or about $106,579 per year. However, that figure includes many lower-paid professional roles. Dental specialists typically command higher pay.

Medians and the gender pay gap

The ABS also publishes median earnings, which are less affected by very high or very low incomes. For full-time employees in May 2025, the median weekly earnings were $1,887.00, or about $98,124 per year. For all employees (including part-time), the median was $1,436.00 per week ($74,672 per year). These medians are lower than the averages, reflecting the skew of high earners.

For orthodontists, no median is published. However, the gender composition of the occupation may influence pay: 32% of dental specialists are female, according to the 2021 Census. The ABS data shows a persistent gender pay gap in full-time earnings, with men averaging $2,181.50 per week and women $1,934.50 per week in May 2026.

State and territory variations

Orthodontist salaries may also vary by location. The ABS Average Weekly Earnings release provides full-time adult ordinary time earnings by state and territory for May 2026:

  • New South Wales: $2,108.80 per week ($109,658 per year)
  • Victoria: $2,041.10 ($106,137)
  • Queensland: $2,039.70 ($106,064)
  • South Australia: $1,970.20 ($102,450)
  • Western Australia: $2,227.40 ($115,825)
  • Tasmania: $1,846.30 ($96,008)
  • Northern Territory: $1,984.10 ($103,173)
  • Australian Capital Territory: $2,290.20 ($119,090)

Orthodontists in higher-cost states like NSW, WA, and the ACT may earn more to match local market conditions.

Award coverage and minimums

Most orthodontists are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020. From 1 July 2026, the national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week on a 38-hour week ($52,255 per year). Award minimums rose by 4.75% in that adjustment. However, orthodontists are highly skilled specialists and are typically paid well above award rates, often through individual arrangements or enterprise agreements.

How to use this site

Place a salary on the line to see how any figure compares to the national full-time average. You can also explore Job medians for other occupations where the ABS does publish data. For orthodontists, you may need to rely on industry surveys or professional networks for more precise figures.

Summary

While the ABS does not publish an official orthodontist salary, you can use the national full-time average of $108,352 per year as a benchmark. Orthodontists are likely to earn above this, but the exact amount is not available from government sources. For the most reliable data, consider contacting the ABS for a customised report or consulting the Australian Dental Association.

Questions

What is the average orthodontist salary in Australia?

The Australian Bureau of Statistics does not publish a specific average or median salary for orthodontists. The occupation is classified at a detailed level (ANZSCO 6-digit) for which median weekly earnings are not released due to statistical reliability. Jobs and Skills Australia also notes that median weekly earnings are not available for Dental Specialists (including Orthodontists). The most recent ABS Employee Earnings and Hours survey (May 2025) covers broad occupation groups but does not break out orthodontists separately. For a general benchmark, the national full-time adult average weekly ordinary time earnings was $2,083.70 in May 2026, equating to about $108,352 per year.

How does an orthodontist salary compare to the national full-time average?

Without a published orthodontist figure, we can look at related data. Dental specialists (including orthodontists) are classified as Professionals, a group with an average weekly total cash earnings of $2,049.60 (about $106,579 per year) according to the ABS Employee Earnings and Hours survey for May 2025. Orthodontists are likely to earn more than the average for all professionals due to their specialist training and demand. The national full-time adult average is $2,083.70 per week ($108,352 per year). Orthodontist pay probably exceeds this, but the exact amount is not officially published.

Where can I find official salary data for orthodontists?

Official Australian salary data comes from the ABS (Average Weekly Earnings and Employee Earnings and Hours surveys) and from Jobs and Skills Australia occupation profiles. For orthodontists, the ABS does not release a specific figure due to the small sample size. Jobs and Skills Australia lists median weekly earnings as 'N/A' for Dental Specialists (including Orthodontists). You can check professional associations such as the Australian Dental Association for industry surveys, or consult award coverage – most orthodontists are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020, which sets minimum rates but not typical market salaries. For a custom data request, you can contact the ABS.

Related guides