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Teacher salary NSW: how pay compares on the Australian salary index
See how teacher salary NSW compares to the national average. Graduate teachers start at $90,177, experienced at $129,536. Find the salary index figures and award rates.
A graduate teacher in NSW earns a salary index of about 83, while an experienced teacher reaches around 120, both compared to the national line of 100.
What is teacher salary NSW?
"Teacher salary NSW" refers to the pay rates for teachers employed in New South Wales, primarily in public schools under the NSW Department of Education. These salaries are set by state industrial awards and are among the most transparent in Australian education. Understanding where these figures sit on the Australian salary index helps you see how teaching compares to other professions and the national average.
The salary index works by dividing a yearly gross salary by the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings ($108,352 as of May 2026) and multiplying by 100. A score of 100 means the job pays exactly the national average. Anything above is above average; below is below average.
How teacher salary NSW compares on the index
The Education and Training industry has an index of 105.5, meaning the sector pays about 5.5% above the national line. But within that, teacher salaries in NSW vary widely by experience and role.
Graduate teachers
A new graduate teacher in a NSW public school starts at Step 1 of the Crown Employees Award. From October 2025, that salary is $90,177 per year. On the salary index:
$90,177 ÷ $108,352 × 100 = 83.2
That's about 17% below the national average. However, teaching has a clear progression path. After one year, Step 2 pays $96,980 (index 89.5). By Step 3, at $101,122, the index reaches 93.3.
Experienced teachers
A teacher at Step 7 (Proficient accreditation) earns $129,536 per year. That gives an index of:
$129,536 ÷ $108,352 × 100 = 119.5
This is nearly 20% above the national line. For context, the Professional, Scientific and Technical industry index is 114.7, so an experienced NSW teacher outpaces many white-collar roles.
School leadership
Leadership roles push the index much higher. An assistant principal or head teacher earns $149,059 (index 137.6). A deputy principal earns $174,034 (index 160.6). A principal earns $229,435 (index 211.7), and an executive principal earns $245,989 (index 227.0).
These figures show that while starting teacher pay is below the national line, the career ceiling is well above it.
Award and minimum rates
The Fair Work Ombudsman's Educational Services (Teachers) Award MA000077 sets minimum hourly rates for teachers not covered by a state award. From July 2026, Level 1 teachers get $38.30 per hour, rising to $52.99 at Level 5. For a full-time teacher (38 hours per week, 52 weeks), that annualises to roughly $75,700 to $104,700. However, most NSW public school teachers are covered by the Crown Employees Award, which pays more.
The Crown Employees (Teachers in Schools) Award 2024 includes a 3% increase each October. By October 2026, Step 1 will be $92,882 (index 85.7) and Step 7 will be $133,422 (index 123.1). Highly Accomplished/Lead Teachers will earn $141,997 (index 131.0).
Casual and part-time rates
Casual teachers in NSW public schools are paid a daily rate based on experience. As of October 2025, Casual Teacher 1 earns $466.44 per day, Casual Teacher 2 $523.04, and Casual Teacher 3 $582.38. These rates include casual loading. On an annualised basis (assuming 200 days), that's $93,288 to $116,476, giving indices of 86.1 to 107.5.
How super and tax affect take-home pay
All teacher salaries quoted are gross before superannuation. From July 2026, the super guarantee is 12%, paid on top. For a graduate teacher, that adds $10,821 to the total package. For an experienced teacher, it adds $15,544.
After tax and Medicare levy (2%), a graduate teacher earning $90,177 takes home approximately $70,000 (assuming no HELP debt or salary sacrifice). An experienced teacher at $129,536 takes home roughly $93,000. These are estimates using the 2026-27 tax rates: tax-free threshold to $18,200, then 15% to $45,000, 30% to $135,000, plus 2% Medicare.
How teacher salary NSW compares by state
NSW has a state index of 101.2, meaning the average full-time worker in NSW earns slightly above the national line. Teacher salaries in NSW are set by state awards and tend to be competitive. For comparison, the states page shows Victoria at 98.0, Queensland at 97.9, and Western Australia at 106.9. A teacher moving from NSW to WA might find similar award structures but different cost-of-living factors.
Where to find current pay guides
For the most up-to-date teacher salary NSW figures, check the NSW Department of Education's salary page and the Fair Work Ombudsman's pay guides. The Crown Employees Award is updated each October. Private school teachers may have different rates under enterprise agreements.
Summary
Teacher salary NSW starts below the national line but climbs well above it with experience and leadership. The salary index provides a clear benchmark: graduate teachers at 83, experienced teachers at 120, and principals above 200. The Education and Training industry index of 105.5 confirms that teaching, overall, pays above the Australian average. For anyone considering a teaching career in NSW, the progression from Step 1 to Step 7 and beyond offers a reliable path to above-average earnings.
Questions people ask
What is the starting salary for a teacher in NSW?
A graduate teacher in a NSW public school starts at Step 1 of the Crown Employees Award, which is $90,177 per year from October 2025. This is based on the 7-step scale for teachers with Graduate accreditation. Casual teachers start at a daily rate of $466.44.
How does teacher salary NSW compare to the national average?
The national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings are $108,352 per year (index 100). A graduate teacher at $90,177 sits below this line (index 83). An experienced teacher at Step 7 ($129,536) is above the line (index 120). The Education and Training industry index is 105.5, meaning the sector as a whole pays about 5.5% above the national average.
What awards cover teacher salary NSW?
NSW public school teachers are covered by the Crown Employees (Teachers in Schools and Related Employees) Salaries and Conditions Award 2024. The Fair Work Ombudsman also publishes the Educational Services (Teachers) Award MA000077, which sets minimum rates for teachers in preschools and schools. Private schools may have their own enterprise agreements.