What is the minimum child care salary in Australia?

The minimum child care salary depends on the classification under the Children's Services Award. For a full-time adult Level 1 Introductory Educator, the minimum is $28.81 per hour ($1,094.80 per week) from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026. However, junior employees (under 21) receive a percentage of the adult rate, and apprentices have their own pay scales. The national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour applies only if the award does not cover the employee.

Do child care workers get superannuation on top of their salary?

Yes. Employers must pay the super guarantee of 12% on top of ordinary time earnings for most employees. For a child care worker earning the award rate, the super contribution is additional to the hourly or weekly wage shown in the award. For example, a Level 1 Introductory Educator on $1,094.80 per week would attract an extra $131.38 in super, making the total employment cost $1,226.18 per week.

How much does a child care worker take home after tax?

Take-home pay depends on the classification, hours, and tax situation. For a full-time adult Level 1 Introductory Educator earning $1,094.80 per week ($56,929.60 annually), estimated tax (using 2026-27 rates with full tax-free threshold) is about $7,500, plus Medicare levy of 2% on income above $30,000 (approx. $1,139). This leaves roughly $48,290 per year, or $928 per week. Super is not included in take-home pay as it goes into the super fund.

Child care salary in Australia: award rates, minimum wage and what you take home

The minimum hourly rate for a Level 1 Introductory Educator under the Children's Services Award is $28.81 per hour from 1 July 2026, with higher rates for qualified and experienced roles.

What is a typical child care salary in Australia?

When people search for "child care salary" they usually want to know what an educator or support worker can expect to earn. The answer depends on whether you are covered by the Children's Services Award, your classification, your age, and whether you work full-time, part-time, or casually. This guide uses the latest award rates from the Fair Work Ombudsman and the national minimum wage to give you a clear picture.

The legal minimum: national minimum wage vs award rates

The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage. From 1 July 2026 the adult rate is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a 38-hour week. Casual employees get a 25% loading, making it $33.05 per hour. However, most child care workers are covered by the Children's Services Award, which has higher minimum rates. The award backstop means no adult employee can be paid less than the national minimum, but the award rates are the actual floor for the industry.

Children's Services Award rates from 1 July 2026

The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes the current pay guide for the Children's Services Award . The award covers employees in early childhood education and care. The minimum weekly and hourly rates for adult full-time and part-time employees are:

Level 1 – Introductory Educator: $1,094.80 per week / $28.81 per hour
Level 2 – Educator: $1,128.40 / $29.69
Level 3 – Qualified Educator: $1,233.90 / $32.47
Level 4 – Experienced Educator: $1,316.70 / $34.65
Level 5 – Advanced Educator: $1,389.50 / $36.57
Level 6 – Room Leader: $1,453.50 / $38.25
Level 7 – Assistant Director: $1,519.90 / $40.00
Level 8 – Director: $1,752.70 / $46.12

These rates apply from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026, following the Annual Wage Review and gender undervaluation adjustments. The award also includes penalty rates for Sundays, public holidays, early morning shifts, and afternoon shifts. For example, a Level 1 educator working on a Sunday gets $57.62 per hour.

Support workers and cooks

Employees classified as support workers (e.g., cleaning, kitchen duties) have lower rates. From 1 July 2026:

Support Worker Level 1.1: $1,004.90 per week / $26.44 per hour
Support Worker Level 2.1: $1,023.40 / $26.93
Support Worker Level 2.2 (after 1 year): $1,057.00 / $27.82
Support Worker Level 3.1: $1,119.10 / $29.45

Cooks who hold or are working towards an early childhood qualification must be paid the children's services employee rate applicable to their qualification, not the support worker rate.

Junior and apprentice rates

Junior employees (under 21) working as Level 1 or Level 2 educators are paid a percentage of the Level 2 adult rate ($29.69/h):

Under 17: 70% = $20.78/h
Under 18: 80% = $23.75/h
Under 19: 90% = $26.72/h

Juniors at Level 3, 4, or 5 must be paid the full adult rate. Apprentices have their own scale, starting at 50% of the Level 3 rate for first-year apprentices who have not completed Year 12.

Casual loading and superannuation

Casual employees get a 25% loading on the ordinary hourly rate. For a Level 1 educator, that means $36.01 per hour. On top of all wages, employers must pay superannuation guarantee of 12% into the employee's super fund. This is not deducted from the wage; it is an additional cost to the employer.

How does the child care salary compare to average earnings?

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reported in May 2026 that full-time adult ordinary-time earnings were $2,083.70 per week. A Level 1 educator at $1,094.80 is about 53% of that average. A Room Leader at $1,453.50 is about 70%. These are award minima; many employers pay above award through enterprise agreements or individual contracts.

What about tax and take-home pay?

Using the 2026-27 tax rates with the full tax-free threshold, a full-time Level 1 educator earning $56,929.60 annually would pay approximately $7,500 in income tax and $1,139 in Medicare levy (2% on income over $30,000), leaving about $48,290 per year or $928 per week. This does not include the low income tax offset, HELP repayments, or salary sacrifice. For a more detailed breakdown, see our How the figures work guide.

Can an employer pay less than the award rate?

No. The award sets the legal minimum. An employer can pay more through an enterprise agreement or individual contract, but never less. Some employees may be award-free (e.g., certain state government workers), in which case the national minimum wage applies. Always check your classification and award coverage. Our Rate tables page can help you compare.

Summary

The child care salary in Australia is governed by the Children's Services Award, with minimum rates ranging from $28.81 per hour for an entry-level educator to $46.12 for a director. Support workers start at $26.44. Juniors and apprentices receive lower rates. Superannuation of 12% is paid on top. Take-home pay after tax and Medicare is roughly 85% of gross for a typical full-time educator.