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WA Teacher Salary: How It Compares on the Australian Salary Index
Understand where a WA teacher salary sits on the Australian salary index using current public pay scales from the Department of Education and SCEA.
A starting WA teacher salary of $88,178 gives an index of 81.4, while a senior teacher at $132,557 reaches 122.3, compared to the national line of 100.
What is a WA teacher salary?
A WA teacher salary refers to the pay for teachers working in Western Australia, whether in public schools (Department of Education) or private schools (e.g., SCEA). The term is often searched by educators comparing pay across states or against the national average. This guide explains where WA teacher salaries sit on the Australian salary index, using publicly available scales.
WA teacher salary on the index
The Salary Index measures yearly gross pay against the national line of 100, which equals full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $108,352 (ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). A figure below 100 means below the national average; above means above.
For WA public school teachers, the Department of Education scale (effective December 2025) shows:
- Level 2.1: $88,178 → index 81.4
- Level 2.5: $110,925 → index 102.4
- Level 2.9: $127,737 → index 117.9
- Senior teacher 1: $132,557 → index 122.3
- Level 3.3 classroom teacher: $147,077 → index 135.7
These are among the highest in Australia’s highest teacher salaries, as noted by range from $83,618 (step 1) to $127,839 (step 10) inclusive of income protection insurance. That step 1 salary gives an index of 77.1, while the top step is **118.0. These are also competitive.
How increments work
WA public school teachers receive annual increments (e.g., from Level 2.1 to 2.9 if teaching to a satisfactory standard. This means a teacher can expect their salary to increase each year until they reach the top of their level. Experience and qualifications can start higher (e.g., as a 5-year trained teacher may start at a higher level. This means a teacher can start at a higher salary level than the base. The index can be higher than the base.
Comparing WA teacher salary to other industries
The [Education and training industry index is 105.5, meaning the average education and training workers earn about 105.5% above the national line. WA teacher salaries vary from below the national average at the start but above the national average at senior levels. For example, a teacher at Level 2.1 is below the education industry average (81.4 vs 105.5), but a teacher at Level 3.3 is above (135.7). This reflects the career progression within teaching.
Caveats and updates
The salary figures from December 2025 may not reflect the 2026 state wage case decision (effective 1 July 2026) increased WA award rates may have increased. The updated salary summaries will be published before 1 July 2026. The current salary summaries will be published before 2026. The current salary summaries are available from [states](/states] and [industries](/industries] and [topics](/topics] and [pay guides](/blog] and how the index works.
FAQs
What is the starting salary for a WA teacher?
For a qualified teacher in WA public schools, the starting salary is $88,178 (Level 2.1) as of December 2025. This is based on the Department of Education WA salary scale. Private schools may have different starting rates; for example, SCEA lists a starting step of $83,618 (inclusive of income protection insurance).
How does a WA teacher salary compare to the national average?
The Australian salary index sets 100 as full-time adult ordinary-time earnings ($108,352 annualised). A WA teacher at Level 2.1 ($88,178) has an index of 81.4, below the national line. However, a Senior teacher 1 ($132,557) has an index of 122.3, well above. WA’s overall state index is 106.9, meaning many WA workers earn above the national average. Teacher salaries in WA are among the highest in Australia, according to the Department of Education.
Are WA teacher salaries the same in public and private schools?
No. Public school salaries follow the Department of Education WA scale (e.g., Level 2.1 $88,178). Private schools have their own enterprise agreements. For example, SCEA (Swan Christian Education Association) pays from $83,618 to $127,839 (inclusive of income protection insurance). Both scales are competitive and among the highest in Australia, but exact rates differ and may include additional benefits like salary packaging or income protection.
Questions people ask
What is the starting salary for a WA teacher?
For a qualified teacher in WA public schools, the starting salary is $88,178 (Level 2.1) as of December 2025. This is based on the Department of Education WA salary scale. Private schools may have different starting rates; for example, SCEA lists a starting step of $83,618 (inclusive of income protection insurance).
How does a WA teacher salary compare to the national average?
The Australian salary index sets 100 as full-time adult ordinary-time earnings ($108,352 annualised). A WA teacher at Level 2.1 ($88,178) has an index of 81.4, below the national line. However, a Senior teacher 1 ($132,557) has an index of 122.3, well above. WA’s overall state index is 106.9, meaning many WA workers earn above the national average. Teacher salaries in WA are among the highest in Australia, according to the Department of Education.
Are WA teacher salaries the same in public and private schools?
No. Public school salaries follow the Department of Education WA scale (e.g., Level 2.1 $88,178). Private schools have their own enterprise agreements. For example, SCEA (Swan Christian Education Association) pays from $83,618 to $127,839 (inclusive of income protection insurance). Both scales are competitive and among the highest in Australia, but exact rates differ and may include additional benefits like salary packaging or income protection.