Minimum wage rates.au

How to check your childcare worker salary: a practical guide to the childcare worker salary and award rates

The minimum hourly rate for a childcare worker under the Children's Services Award ranges from $26.44 for a Level 1 Support Worker to $46.12 for a Director, with most educators starting at $28.81 per hour (from 1 July 2026).

Understanding the childcare worker salary floor

If you work in early childhood education or children's services, your pay is likely covered by the Children's Services Award 2010 (). This award sets minimum hourly rates for different roles, from support workers to directors. The national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour (from 1 July 2026) acts as a safety net, but award rates are generally higher.

Award rates vs the national minimum

The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage each year. From 1 July 2026, the adult rate is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week for a 38-hour week. However, the Children's Services Award requires higher pay for most classifications. For example:

  • Level 1 – Introductory Educator: $28.81 per hour
  • Level 2 – Educator: $29.69 per hour
  • Level 3 – Qualified Educator: $32.47 per hour
  • Level 4 – Experienced Educator: $34.65 per hour
  • Level 5 – Advanced Educator: $36.57 per hour
  • Level 6 – Room Leader: $38.25 per hour
  • Level 7 – Assistant Director: $40.00 per hour
  • Level 8 – Director: $46.12 per hour

Support workers (e.g., those not directly educating children) start at $26.44 per hour for Level 1.1. These rates were updated from 1 July 2026, including a 4.75% increase from the Annual Wage Review and gender undervaluation adjustments ().

How super fits in

Your employer must pay superannuation guarantee of 12% on top of your ordinary time earnings (from 1 July 2026). This is not part of your hourly rate; it's an additional payment into your super fund. When comparing your pay to award rates, remember that the award minimum is before super.

Checking your own rate

To see if your pay is correct:

  1. Find your classification in the award (use the Rate tables on this site).
  2. Compare your hourly rate (excluding any casual loading if you are permanent) to the minimum.
  3. If you are a junior (under 21), check the percentage of the adult rate that applies.
  4. If you are an apprentice, different rates apply.

If your pay is below the award minimum, your employer may be in breach. The Fair Work Ombudsman can help enforce your entitlements.

When a higher rate applies

Your employer may be required to pay more than the award minimum if:

  • An enterprise agreement covers you.
  • Your individual contract promises a higher rate.
  • You work overtime, weekends, or public holidays (penalty rates apply).

The award sets the minimum; you cannot be paid less.

Need more help?

Visit our Guides for more on award coverage, or How the figures work for details on how we calculate rates.

This guide is for information only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest award or agreement applicable to your workplace.

Questions people ask next

What is the minimum wage for a childcare worker in Australia?

The legal minimum depends on whether you are covered by the Children's Services Award. If you are award-free, the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour applies (from 1 July 2026). However, most childcare workers are covered by the award, which sets higher minimum rates. For example, a Level 1 Introductory Educator must be paid at least $28.81 per hour, and a Level 2 Educator at least $29.69 per hour. Support workers start at $26.44 per hour. Always check your classification under the award.

Do all childcare workers get the same rate?

No. The Children's Services Award has multiple classification levels based on qualifications and experience. For example, a Room Leader (Level 6) must be paid at least $38.25 per hour, while a Director (Level 8) at least $46.12 per hour. Junior employees (under 21) may be paid a percentage of the adult rate. Apprentices also have different rates. Your employer must pay you at least the rate for your classification.

How can I check if my pay is correct?

First, confirm your classification under the award. Compare your hourly rate (excluding casual loading if you are permanent) to the minimum rate in the award for that classification. Remember that superannuation (12% from 1 July 2026) is paid on top of your ordinary time earnings. If your rate is lower, your employer may be underpaying you. You can use the Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay and Conditions Tool for a personalised calculation.

Related guides

  1. Social Worker Salary Guide: Award Rates, Minimum Pay, and Median Earnings

    The minimum pay for a qualified social worker under the SCHADS Award is $1,616.71 per week ($42.55 per hour) plus 12% super, while the median full-time social worker salary is $2,172 per week ($57 per hour).

  2. Disability support worker salary: award minimums and what they mean

    The minimum award rate for a disability support worker (home care disability level 2) is $1,096.60 per week ($28.86 per hour) as of 1 July 2026, with a 15% increase scheduled for December 2026.

  3. Understanding the support worker salary floor in Australia

    The minimum pay floor for support workers varies by award; the national minimum is $26.44/h, but many support workers are covered by awards with higher minimum rates.

  4. Aged care worker salary: award rates, tax and super on your weekly packet

    The minimum weekly salary for an aged care worker under the Aged Care Award ranges from $1,055.40 (general Level 1) to $1,541.90 (direct care Level 6), with superannuation of 12% paid on top.