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NSW Teachers Salary: Gross Pay, Super, and Tax in 2026
See how NSW teachers salary compares to the national line. Graduate pay $92,882, experienced $133,422. Includes super, tax, and salary index.
A graduate NSW teacher earns $92,882 (index 85.7), while an experienced teacher at the top of the scale earns $133,422 (index 123.1), both above the NSW state average index of 101.2.
What does 'NSW teachers salary' mean?
The keyword 'nsw teachers salary' refers to the pay scales for teachers employed in New South Wales public schools, as set by the state industrial award. These salaries are negotiated between the NSW Government and teacher unions, and they apply to classroom teachers, school counsellors, and school leaders. The figures are gross annual salaries before tax and superannuation, and they are updated periodically through enterprise agreements.
Current salary structure for NSW teachers
Under the Crown Employees (Teachers in Schools and Related Employees) Salaries and Conditions Award 2024, teacher salaries are structured in seven steps plus a Highly Accomplished/Lead Teacher classification. From October 2026, the rates are:
- Step 1 (Graduate): $92,882
- Step 2: $99,889
- Step 3: $104,156
- Step 4: $108,421
- Step 5: $115,972
- Step 6: $124,696
- Step 7 (Proficient): $133,422
- Highly Accomplished/Lead Teacher: $141,997
These figures come from the NSW Department of Education's official award document and a news release confirming the final 3% increase.
School leadership salaries
Teachers who move into leadership roles earn significantly more:
- Assistant Principal or Head Teacher: $149,059
- Deputy Principal: $174,034
- Principal: $229,435
- Executive Principal: $245,989
These roles reflect increased responsibility and are also covered by the same award.
How does the salary compare on the salary index?
The Salary Index uses the national line of 100 to represent full-time adult ordinary-time earnings, which is $108,352 per year based on ABS Average Weekly Earnings (May 2026). A graduate teacher at $92,882 gives an index of 85.7, meaning it is about 14% below the national average. An experienced teacher at $133,422 is at index 123.1, well above the line. The NSW state index is 101.2, so top-of-scale teachers earn about 22% above the state average.
For context, the national minimum wage from July 2026 is $52,255 (index 48.2). Education and training industry index is 105.5, which includes all education workers. Teachers at the top of the scale are above that.
Superannuation and salary packaging
Teachers receive 12% superannuation guarantee from July 2026. For a $92,882 salary, the employer contributes $11,146 per year. This is on top of the gross salary. Salary packaging is available to eligible teachers, allowing them to sacrifice part of their pay for benefits like motor vehicles, computers, mobile phones, and superannuation. This reduces taxable income but is cost-neutral to the employer.
Tax on teacher pay
Income tax for 2026-27: nil up to $18,200; 15% to $45,000; 30% to $135,000; 37% to $190,000; 45% above. Medicare levy 2%. A teacher at $92,882, the tax is about $18,200 plus 30% on the next $27,800 = $8,340, total $26,540 plus 2% Medicare = $2,577, total tax $29,117. Take-home pay is about $63,765 per year. For $133,422, tax is $18,200 + 30% on $90,000 = $27,000, plus 37% on $43,422 = $15,910, total $42,910 plus 2% Medicare $2,668, total tax $45,578. Take-home is $87,844.
Casual teacher rates
Casual teachers with graduate accreditation paid daily rate of $466.44 (Casual Teacher 1), $523.04 (Casual Teacher 2), $582.38 (Casual Teacher 3). These are daily rates for temporary staff without leave entitlements.
Why this matters for your pay
Understanding the 'nsw teachers salary' helps you see where a teacher's pay against the national line. If you are considering teaching, you can compare to other states: Victoria index 98, Queensland 97.9, Western Australia 106.9, ACT 109.9. NSW teachers are competitive.
For more on how the index works, see [how the index works](/method]. For state comparisons, see states. For industry benchmarks, see industries. For pay guides, see pay guides.
Where to look next
Place the figure on the Salary Index. Compare states and industries, then read the method if you want to see why 100 is the national line. More pay guides cover neighbouring questions.
Questions people ask
What is the starting salary for a NSW teacher in 2026?
A graduate teacher (Step 1) in NSW public schools earns $92,882 per year from October 2026. This is the entry-level salary under the Crown Employees (Teachers) Award, following a 3% increase from the previous year.
How does a NSW teacher's salary compare to the national average?
The national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings are $108,352 per year (index 100). A graduate teacher at $92,882 sits at index 85.7, while an experienced teacher at $133,422 is at index 123.1. The NSW state average index is 101.2, so top-of-scale teachers earn well above the state average.
What about superannuation and tax for NSW teachers?
Teachers receive 12% superannuation guarantee on top of their salary from July 2026. For a $92,882 salary, that adds $11,146 in super. Income tax for 2026-27 is progressive: 30% on income between $45,001 and $135,000, plus 2% Medicare levy. Salary packaging can reduce taxable income for items like cars or computers.