Victorian teacher salary: how awards compare to the national minimum wage

Understanding vic teacher salary through awards and the national minimum wage

When people search for "vic teacher salary," they are often trying to compare what teachers earn in Victoria against other benchmarks—especially the national minimum wage and the broader pay landscape. The phrase "vic teacher salary" covers a range of pay rates depending on whether a teacher works in a government, Catholic, or independent school, and their level of experience and accreditation. This article uses the lens of awards versus the national minimum wage to explain where Victorian teacher pay sits on the Salary Index.

The award foundation: Educational Services (Teachers) Award 2020

The minimum pay for most Australian teachers is set by the Educational Services (Teachers) Award 2020, a modern award from the Fair Work Ombudsman. This award classifies teachers into five levels based on accreditation and experience. As of 1 July 2026, the minimum annual salaries for full-time teachers in preschools and schools are:

• Level 1 (graduate): $75,941
• Level 2 (proficient): $83,004
• Level 3 (proficient after 3 years at Level 2): $90,362
• Level 4 (proficient after 3 years at Level 3): $97,720
• Level 5 (Highly Accomplished/Lead Teacher): $105,076

These rates are from the Fair Work Ombudsman's consolidated award. For long day care centres, an extra 4% applies. Compare these to the national minimum wage of $52,255 (index 48.2) from 1 July 2026. Even a graduate teacher earns 45% more than the national minimum. The award itself is a floor; many teachers earn above it.

Victorian government schools: a higher floor

Victoria has its own enterprise agreement for government school teachers, negotiated between the state government and the Australian Education Union. The Victorian Department of Education publishes salary scales that are substantially higher than the award. For example, the current scale (effective from August 2026) shows:

• Range 1-1 (graduate): $79,589
• Range 1-5: $91,056
• Range 2-1: $94,415
• Range 2-6: $118,063
• Range 3-1: $123,966
• Range 3-2: $129,544

These figures come from the Victorian Department of Education's teacher salary PDF. The union also published projected rates showing Range 3-2 reaching $166,150 by November 2029. So a Victorian government teacher at Range 2-6 ($118,063) has a salary index of about 109—well above the national line of $108,352 (index 100). Even the lowest government graduate rate ($79,589) is above the award's Level 1 and far above the national minimum wage.

How the salary index works for vic teacher salary

The Salary Index compares gross annual ordinary-time earnings to the national line. The national line is $108,352 (based on ABS Average Weekly Earnings of $2,083.70 per week in May 2026). An index of 100 means you earn exactly the national average. Victoria's state average index is 98 ($106,137), slightly below the national line. But the Education and Training industry index is 105.5, meaning education workers on average earn 5.5% above the national line. A Victorian teacher at the top of the government scale (index ~120) is well above both.

Awards vs national minimum wage: a clear gap

The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, $1,004.90 per week, annualised $52,255 (index 48.2). The teacher award's lowest full-time rate ($75,941) is 45% higher. The Victorian government's lowest rate ($79,589) is 52% higher. This gap reflects the professional qualifications and responsibilities of teachers. The award also includes superannuation guarantee of 12% (from 1 July 2026), so total remuneration is even higher.

What about take-home pay?

Gross salary is not take-home pay. For 2026-27, resident tax rates (excluding Medicare) are: nil up to $18,200, 15% to $45,000, 30% to $135,000, 37% to $190,000, and 45% above. Plus a 2% Medicare levy. A Victorian teacher earning $100,000 would pay about $22,967 in tax plus $2,000 Medicare levy, leaving about $75,033. But this ignores HELP repayments, salary sacrifice, or the Medicare levy surcharge. The pay guides section has more on net pay estimates.

Why awards matter for vic teacher salary

Awards set the legal minimum, but enterprise agreements often override them. In Victoria, the state government agreement means teachers are paid above the award. However, teachers in Catholic or independent schools may be on the award or a different agreement. The states page shows how Victoria's overall index compares to other states. The industries page shows Education and Training at 105.5, reflecting that teachers, university lecturers, and trainers earn above the national average.

Summary

A "vic teacher salary" is not a single number. It ranges from about $76,000 (award graduate) to over $129,000 (experienced government teacher). All are far above the national minimum wage. On the salary index, most Victorian teachers sit above 100, especially those in government schools. The award provides a safety net, but state agreements lift pay significantly. For more context, see how the index works and explore topics related to teacher pay.