Dental Nurse salary in South Africa

Average Yearly Salary of Dental Nurse in South Africa is approximately 116,612 ZAR (5,805 USD). Data is for 2025 and indicates a pre-tax value. The salary itself depends on multiple factors such as seniority, job performance, certifications, experience or any other bonuses. The value indicated is an average amount based on records we have in database. Real values may vary. The data is for orientational purposes.

What does Dental Nurse do?

A dental nurse plays a crucial role in assisting dentists and dental hygienists during various dental procedures. They provide support to the dental team, ensuring smooth operations and high-quality patient care. Dental nurses prepare the treatment room, sterilize instruments, and assist with dental procedures such as fillings, extractions, and root canals. They also take and develop X-rays, record patient information, and offer post-operative advice to patients. Additionally, dental nurses educate patients on oral hygiene practices and maintain infection control protocols.

Skills: dental nurse, dental assistant, dental care, oral health, dental procedures, patient care
Job industry: Healthcare

How much does Dental Nurse make?

Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately 4 %


Want to check how your salary compares? Submit your own salary here

Salary comparison to National average

Is Dental Nurse a well paid job?

Yes, our data show that Dental Nurse is an averagely well paid job that still allows for some yearly savings. With years and experience the salary might increase even further, resulting in higher satisfaction.

What is considered a high salary for Dental Nurse?

High salary for Dental Nurse would be somewhere between 128,273 ZAR and 169,087 ZAR. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.

How much can you save working as Dental Nurse in South Africa?

Living in South Africa the approximate monthly expenses are: 271 USD. This amount covers basic needs such as food, housing, clothing, healthcare and education costs for a single person. No luxury expenses such as traveling, leisure, hobbies are included in the estimation.

Estimated Yearly Salary: 116,612 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 9,718 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 2,243 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 56 ZAR per hour
By working as Dental Nurse a person can save up to 213 USD per month or 2,551 USD yearly. Values are pre-tax.

NOTE: These values are estimates and are averaged for the whole country. Furthermore the value is likely exaggerated as no other expenses are taken into account in the projection. Unessential expenses are very subjective and are difficult to assess. Most likely the previously estimated number is significantly lower for majority of people. Expenses in different cities across the country may vary. Above values accuracy is low and is based on limited set of data obtained.

For more information regarding expenses in South Africa, see costs of living in South Africa.

Salary comparison to region and neighbouring coutries

Country's neighbours are: Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Eswatini, Lesotho.
To make it easier for comparison a conversion from local currency to USD has been made (conversion rates may vary).

Estimated Yearly Salary for Dental Nurse

Last revision of data: 2025-01-04

Salary increase per years of experience

Based on data available the salary increase per years of experience is as following

0 years (beginner) equals base salary

1 to 5 years of experience yields +12% salary increase

6 to 10 years of experience yields +25% salary increase

11 to 15 years of experience yields +16% salary increase

16 to 25 years of experience yields +9% salary increase

more than 25 years of experience yields +10% salary increase

NOTE: Details based on limited set of data. Percentages may vary. The salary increase over years of experience can vary widely based on factors such as job industry, job role, location, company size, and individual performance. To gain even larger increase in salary one is advised to switch jobs and / or employer.

Top 10 highest salaries in South Africa

Data as of 2025

Random salary:
Radiographic technologist (94,226 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
General cardiologist (839,520 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Personnel security specialist (180,803 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Line supervisor (112,102 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Radiation dosimetrist (203,045 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)

Feedback about these results