Primary School Teacher Salary: How It Compares to the National Index

Primary School Teacher Salary on the Australian Salary Index

When people ask about a primary school teacher salary, they usually want to know what a typical teacher earns and how that compares to other jobs. The Australian salary index helps answer that by putting every pay figure against a national line: index 100 equals full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $108,352 per year (based on ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). A primary school teacher's pay can fall anywhere from below the line to above it, depending on experience, location, and whether they're on an award or an enterprise agreement.

Where the Award Sets the Floor

The Fair Work Ombudsman's Educational Services (Teachers) Award 2020 sets minimum rates for teachers in preschools and schools. The award has five classification levels based on accreditation and experience:

• Level 1 (graduate teacher): $1,455.40 per week, annualised $75,941 – index 70.1
• Level 2 (proficient accreditation): $1,590.70 per week, $83,004 – index 76.6
• Level 3 (after 3 years at Level 2): $1,731.70 per week, $90,362 – index 83.4
• Level 4 (after 3 years at Level 3): $1,872.70 per week, $97,720 – index 90.2
• Level 5 (Highly Accomplished/Lead Teacher): $2,013.70 per week, $105,076 – index 97.0

These rates apply from 1 July 2026 and include a 4.75% increase. Teachers in long day care centres get an extra 4% loading. The award is the legal minimum, but many teachers are covered by enterprise agreements or individual contracts that pay more. For a full breakdown of award classifications, see our pay guides page.

Median Earnings Tell a Different Story

Jobs and Skills Australia reports median full-time weekly earnings for primary school teachers at $2,226 (May 2025 data). That annualises to about $116,150, which gives an index of 107.2 – comfortably above the national line. This median figure includes teachers on enterprise agreements and those with years of experience, so it's a better reflection of what an experienced teacher might earn. The same source shows that 63% of primary school teachers work full-time, averaging 45 hours per week. The female share of the profession is 82%, and the median age is 41.

State and Industry Context

Where you teach affects your buying power. The salary index varies by state: for example, Western Australia has an index of 106.9 (annualised $115,825), while Tasmania sits at 88.6 ($96,008). A primary school teacher on the national median of $116,150 would have higher relative purchasing power in a lower-index state like Tasmania, but lower in a high-index state like WA. You can compare state benchmarks on our states page.

The Education and Training industry overall has an index of 105.5, meaning the industry average is 5.5% above the national line. Primary school teachers sit slightly above that industry average. For comparison, the Mining industry index is 154.7, while Retail trade is 75.9. See more on our industries page.

How Super and Tax Affect Take-Home Pay

From 1 July 2026, the superannuation guarantee is 12% of ordinary-time earnings, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830. So on a $116,150 salary, an employer must contribute $13,938 to super. That money isn't in your pocket now, but it builds retirement savings.

For a resident earning $116,150 in 2026–27, the estimated tax (including 2% Medicare levy) is roughly $30,600, leaving a take-home of about $85,550. This ignores HELP repayments, salary sacrifice, or the Medicare levy surcharge. The tax-free threshold is $18,200, then marginal rates apply: 15% up to $45,000, 30% to $135,000, 37% to $190,000, and 45% above that.

Putting It All Together

A primary school teacher salary can range from index 70 (award graduate) to index 107 (median experienced teacher). Most teachers will earn somewhere between the award floor and the median, depending on their state, sector, and years of service. The salary index gives you a quick way to see where any pay figure sits against the national line. For more on how the index is calculated, visit how the index works.

If you're comparing teaching with other careers, remember that the profession offers strong job security, generous leave provisions, and a clear career progression through accreditation levels. The award provides a safety net, but the median earnings show that many teachers do better than the minimum. For a broader look at pay across occupations, explore our topics page.

Key Takeaways

• Award minimums for primary school teachers range from $75,941 to $105,076 (index 70 to 97).
• Median full-time earnings are about $116,150 (index 107).
• State and industry indices help compare real purchasing power.
• Superannuation at 12% and marginal tax rates apply.
• Most teachers earn above the award but below the median until they gain experience and higher accreditation.