Victoria Teacher Salary: How to Read Job Ads and Compare Offers

What does 'victoria teacher salary' mean?

When you search for "victoria teacher salary", you are likely looking at a job advertisement or trying to compare pay offers across schools. In Victoria, teacher salaries are not a single number – they depend on the school sector (government, Catholic, independent), your classification level, and years of experience. The two main reference points are the Victorian government school salary scale and the Educational Services (Teachers) Award 2020 from the Fair Work Ombudsman.

Victorian government school teachers are paid according to a structured classification system with three ranges (Range 1, 2, and 3) and multiple steps within each. For example, a graduate teacher starts at Range 1-1, while an experienced classroom teacher can reach Range 3-2. The current rates (as of August 2026) show Range 1-1 at $79,589 and Range 3-2 at $133,430. These figures are updated regularly through enterprise bargaining.

The Fair Work Ombudsman's award sets a national minimum for teachers in schools and preschools. As of 1 July 2026, the minimum annual salary for a Level 1 (graduate) teacher is $75,941, rising to $105,076 for a Level 5 (Highly Accomplished/Lead) teacher. Note that the award is a floor – most Victorian government schools pay above these rates.

Victorian teacher salary structure

The Victorian government scale is published by the Department of Education and the union (AEUVic). It includes multiple pay points within each range. For example, Range 2 has six steps (2-1 to 2-6), with salaries from $94,415 to $118,063 as of August 2026. The scale also shows projected increases through to 2029, with Range 3-2 expected to reach $166,150 by November 2029.

To interpret a job ad, look for the classification (e.g., "Range 2-3") and then check the current salary table. The Victorian government also publishes a "Teacher Class Salary Without Prejudice" document that shows both current and future rates. This is useful for long-term planning.

Comparing offers with the salary index

The Salary Index helps you compare any salary to the national average. The index is calculated as: (your annual salary ÷ $108,352) × 100. The national line (100) is based on full-time adult ordinary-time earnings from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (May 2026).

For example:

• A graduate teacher at $79,589: index = (79,589 ÷ 108,352) × 100 ≈ 73.5
• A mid-career teacher at $94,415 (Range 2-1): index ≈ 87.1
• A top classroom teacher at $133,430: index ≈ 123.1

Victoria's state average index is 98, meaning the typical Victorian worker earns slightly below the national line. However, the Education and Training industry index is 105.5, indicating that teachers nationally tend to earn above the all-industries average. So a Victorian teacher at index 87 is below the industry average, while one at index 123 is well above.

When comparing offers, also consider the pay guides for your sector (government vs. independent) and the states comparison. For instance, a teacher in New South Wales (index 101.2) might earn slightly more on average than in Victoria (index 98), but individual school offers vary.

Award coverage and minimum rates

The Educational Services (Teachers) Award 2020 covers most teachers in Australia, including those in schools, children's services, and early childhood education. The award classifies teachers into five levels based on accreditation and experience. The minimum weekly rates for schools (as of 1 July 2026) are:

• Level 1: $1,455.40 per week ($75,941 per year)
• Level 2: $1,590.70 ($83,004)
• Level 3: $1,731.70 ($90,362)
• Level 4: $1,872.70 ($97,720)
• Level 5: $2,013.70 ($105,076)

These rates are for full-time employees working 38 ordinary hours per week. Part-time teachers are paid pro-rata. The award also includes provisions for superannuation (12% from 1 July 2026) and allowances.

It's important to note that the award is a minimum. Many Victorian government schools have enterprise agreements that pay higher rates. For example, the government's Range 1-1 ($79,589) is about $3,648 above the award Level 1. Independent schools may have their own agreements, often comparable to or higher than government rates.

Superannuation and tax considerations

When evaluating a salary offer, remember that superannuation is additional. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of ordinary time earnings, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830. So a teacher earning $94,415 would have an additional $11,330 paid into super, making total remuneration $105,745.

Tax: using 2026-27 resident rates (excluding Medicare levy surcharge), a teacher earning $94,415 would pay about $22,000 in tax plus $1,888 Medicare levy, leaving take-home of approximately $70,527. This is a rough estimate – actual take-home depends on HELP repayments, salary sacrifice, and other factors.

For more on how the index works, see how the index works. You can also explore industries to see how teaching compares to other fields, or topics for related salary guides.

Key takeaways

• "Victoria teacher salary" is not a single figure; it depends on classification, sector, and experience.
• Victorian government school salaries range from $79,589 (graduate) to $133,430 (top classroom teacher) as of August 2026.
• The Fair Work Award sets minimums from $75,941 to $105,076.
• Use the salary index to compare: divide the annual salary by $108,352 and multiply by 100.
• Always check the current salary table from the Department of Education or union, as rates are updated periodically.
• Consider superannuation (12%) and tax when comparing total remuneration.