Teacher Salary WA: Gross Pay, Super, and Tax in 2026

Teacher Salary WA: Gross Pay, Super, and Tax

When you search for "teacher salary wa", you're likely trying to understand what a teacher in Western Australia actually earns after super and tax. This guide breaks down the gross pay figures from public and Catholic schools, explains how superannuation and tax affect take-home pay, and shows where these salaries sit on the Salary Index.

Public School Teacher Salaries (Department of Education WA)

The Western Australian Department of Education publishes salary scales for teachers in public schools. As of December 2025, a qualified teacher starts at Level 2.1 with an annual salary of $88,178. Teachers progress annually through increments up to Level 2.9 at $127,737, provided they meet satisfactory standards. Beyond that, senior teacher and classroom teacher levels go up to $147,077 at Level 3.3.

These figures are gross ordinary-time earnings. They do not include superannuation, which is paid on top. Teachers in rural, regional, or remote locations may receive additional incentives and allowances.

Catholic School Teacher Salaries (SCEA)

Catholic schools in WA, under the Swan Christian Education Association (SCEA), have their own salary schedule. As of December 2025, Step 1 is $83,618 per year (inclusive of income protection insurance). The top step (Step 10) is $127,839. These rates are slightly lower than public school equivalents but include income protection cover.

Award Minimums (Fair Work Ombudsman)

For teachers not covered by an enterprise agreement, the Educational Services (Teachers) Award MA000077 sets minimum rates. From July 2026, a Level 1 teacher earns at least $1,455.40 per week ($38.30 per hour), annualising to about $75,680. Level 5 is $2,013.70 per week ($52.99 per hour), about $104,712 annualised.

Most WA teachers are paid above award rates through enterprise agreements or individual contracts. The award serves as a safety net.

Gross Pay and the Salary Index

The Salary Index compares gross annual earnings to the national line of $108,352 (full-time adult ordinary-time earnings from ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). A figure of 100 means you earn exactly the national average. WA's state index is 106.9 (annualised $115,825), meaning the typical WA full-time worker earns about 7% above the national line.

• A starting public school teacher ($88,178) has an index of 81.4 – below the national line and below the WA state average.
• A teacher at Level 2.9 ($127,737) has an index of 117.9 – above the national line.
• A Level 3.3 teacher ($147,077) has an index of 135.7 – well above.

So "teacher salary wa" covers a wide range. Early-career teachers earn less than the state average, while experienced teachers can exceed it significantly.

Superannuation

From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of ordinary time earnings. This is paid by the employer on top of the gross salary. For a teacher earning $88,178, super adds $10,581.36 per year. For a teacher on $147,077, super adds $17,649.24. The super contributions are taxed at 15% within the fund (up to the contribution cap of $270,830).

Teachers in WA public schools are typically members of the Government Superannuation Office or can choose a complying fund. Catholic school teachers may have access to salary packaging and other benefits.

Tax on Teacher Salaries

Using the 2026-27 resident tax rates (excluding Medicare levy):

• Up to $18,200: nil
• $18,201 to $45,000: 15% on excess over $18,200
• $45,001 to $135,000: 30% on excess over $45,000
• $135,001 to $190,000: 37% on excess over $135,000
• Above $190,000: 45%

Plus a 2% Medicare levy on taxable income.

Example: Starting teacher $88,178 gross

• Tax: $18,200 nil, then $26,800 at 15% = $4,020, then $43,178 at 30% = $12,953.40. Total tax = $16,973.40.
• Medicare levy: $88,178 × 2% = $1,763.56.
• Total tax and Medicare: $18,736.96.
• Take-home pay: $88,178 - $18,736.96 = $69,441.04 per year (about $5,787 per month).

Example: Senior teacher $147,077 gross

• Tax: $18,200 nil, $26,800 at 15% = $4,020, $90,000 at 30% = $27,000, $12,077 at 37% = $4,468.49. Total tax = $35,488.49.
• Medicare levy: $147,077 × 2% = $2,941.54.
• Total: $38,430.03.
• Take-home pay: $147,077 - $38,430.03 = $108,646.97 per year (about $9,054 per month).

These estimates ignore HELP repayments, salary sacrifice, or the Medicare levy surcharge.

How Teacher Salaries Compare Across Australia

Teacher salaries vary by state and sector. The states page shows that WA has a higher overall wage index (106.9) than most states, but teacher pay scales are set by state agreements. The industries page shows Education and Training index at 105.5, close to the national line. Teachers in WA public schools at senior levels exceed that industry average.

For more on how the index works, see how the index works. To explore other pay guides, visit pay guides.

Summary

"Teacher salary wa" ranges from about $84,000 to $147,000 gross, depending on experience and sector. Super adds 12% on top. After tax and Medicare, take-home pay for a starting teacher is around $69,000 per year. The salary index shows that while early-career teachers are below the national line, experienced teachers can earn well above it. Always check the latest enterprise agreement or award for your specific situation.