Teacher salary in Australia: state and industry differences explained

Teacher salary under the national award

Teacher salary in Australia is primarily governed by the Educational Services (Teachers) Award 2020, which sets minimum rates for teachers in preschools, schools, and long day care centres. The award classifies teachers into five levels based on accreditation and experience. As of July 2026, the minimum weekly rate for a full-time graduate teacher (Level 1) in a preschool or school is $1,455.40, or $75,941 annualised. At the top of the scale, a highly accomplished or lead teacher (Level 5) earns a minimum of $2,013.70 per week, or $105,076 per year. Teachers in long day care centres receive an additional 4% loading, reflecting different ordinary hours arrangements, bringing Level 1 to $78,979 and Level 5 to $109,279 annually.

These award rates are the legal floor. Many teachers earn more through enterprise agreements, state government pay scales, or private school contracts. The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes current pay guides, and you can compare your classification using the pay guides section on Salary Index.

Median earnings and the salary index

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025) reports median full-time weekly earnings for Primary School Teachers at $2,226. That annualises to roughly $115,752, which sits at an index of about 107 — meaning the typical primary teacher earns 7% more than the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings line of $108,352 (index 100). This aligns closely with the Education and Training industry index of 105.5, confirming that teaching is a solidly above-average paying profession.

For context, the national minimum wage from July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week (index 48.2). A teacher at the award minimum Level 1 earns about $38.30 per hour (preschool/school) — well above the minimum. At the median hourly rate of $60 for primary teachers, the gap is even wider.

State and territory differences

Teacher salary can vary by state due to different cost-of-living pressures, state government wage policies, and the mix of public and private employers. The Salary Index state benchmarks show overall full-time earnings relative to the national line:

• ACT: 109.9
• Western Australia: 106.9
• New South Wales: 101.2
• Victoria: 98.0
• Queensland: 97.9
• Northern Territory: 95.2
• South Australia: 94.6
• Tasmania: 88.6

While these are broad measures for all occupations, they give a sense of where teacher pay might land. For example, a teacher in the ACT or WA may earn above the national median, while a teacher in Tasmania or SA may be closer to the award minimum. Jobs and Skills Australia data shows that 31.7% of primary school teachers work in NSW, 24.2% in Victoria, and 20.7% in Queensland, reflecting population distribution. You can explore state-specific pay patterns on the states page.

Industry context

Teaching falls under the Education and Training industry, which has an index of 105.5. This is higher than the all-industries average of 100, but lower than Professional, scientific and technical services (114.7) and Mining (154.7). It is significantly above Retail trade (75.9) and Accommodation and food services (72.5). The stability and public-sector nature of many teaching roles contribute to consistent pay progression.

Superannuation and tax considerations

From 1 July 2026, the superannuation guarantee is 12%, meaning employers must contribute an additional 12% of ordinary-time earnings into a super fund, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830. For a teacher earning the median $115,752, that adds about $13,890 in super annually.

For a resident teacher claiming the tax-free threshold, the 2026–27 tax rates apply: nil on the first $18,200, 15% on the next $26,800, 30% on the next $90,000, and so on. A teacher on $115,752 would pay roughly $27,000 in tax plus a 2% Medicare levy (about $2,315), leaving a take-home of around $86,400 before any HELP repayments or salary sacrifice. These are estimates only; your individual situation may differ. See how the index works for more on calculating net pay.

Where to find more

For the latest award rates, visit the Fair Work Ombudsman website. For occupation-specific data, the Australian Bureau of Statistics and Jobs and Skills Australia provide regular earnings reports. You can also browse industries and topics on Salary Index to compare teacher salary with other roles.

Summary

Teacher salary in Australia ranges from award minimums around $75,000 for graduates to median earnings of about $116,000 for experienced primary teachers. The index of 107 places teachers above the national line, with state variations reflecting local labour markets. Whether you are entering the profession or considering a move, understanding how teacher salary compares across states and industries helps you make informed decisions.