Primary school teacher salary: award minimums and market rates

Primary school teacher salary: award minimums and market rates

When researching a primary school teacher salary in Australia, it is important to distinguish between the legal minimum set by the award, the median earnings reported by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), and the rates that may apply under an enterprise agreement or individual contract. This guide explains the current pay floor for primary school teachers under the Educational Services (Teachers) Award 2020, how it compares to the national minimum wage, and what the typical full-time teacher earns.

The award minimum for primary school teachers

The Educational Services (Teachers) Award 2020 (MA000077) covers teachers in the school education industry, including primary schools. The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes a pay guide that sets out the minimum rates. From the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026, the minimum weekly rate for a full-time teacher at Level 1 (graduate teacher or provisional registration) is $1,455.40 per week, which equates to $75,941 per year (based on 52.18 weeks). The hourly rate is $38.30 .

Teachers progress through classification levels based on accreditation and years of service. For example, a Level 2 teacher (proficient accreditation) earns a minimum of $1,590.70 per week ($83,004 per year), and a Level 5 teacher (Highly Accomplished or Lead Teacher) earns $2,013.70 per week ($105,076 per year) .

These award rates are the legal minimum. If a school has an enterprise agreement, the rates in that agreement may be higher. Individual contracts cannot undercut the award.

How the award rate compares to the national minimum wage

The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a full-time adult employee. The award minimum for a Level 1 teacher is $38.30 per hour, which is 45% higher. This reflects the professional qualifications and responsibilities of teachers. However, not all teachers are covered by the award—some state public sector teachers may be under state awards or industrial instruments. For those who are award-free, the national minimum wage would apply, but this is rare for qualified teachers.

Median earnings for primary school teachers

The ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (May 2025) provides median full-time earnings for primary school teachers. According to Jobs and Skills Australia, the median full-time weekly earnings for primary school teachers are $2,226, and the median hourly earnings are $60 . This is significantly above the award minimum, reflecting that many teachers are paid above the award due to experience, enterprise agreements, or individual arrangements.

Note that the median figure includes all full-time primary school teachers, not just those on the award. It is a guide to what typical teachers earn, not a minimum.

Superannuation on top of salary

All employers must pay superannuation guarantee contributions on top of a teacher's ordinary time earnings. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee rate is 12%. This means that for a teacher earning the award minimum of $75,941 per year, the employer must contribute an additional $9,113 into the teacher's super fund. The super is not deducted from the salary; it is an extra payment.

Factors that can affect a primary school teacher's salary

• Classification level: As teachers gain accreditation and experience, they move up the award levels.
• Type of school: Teachers in long day care centres have slightly different award rates (e.g., Level 1 in long day care is $1,513.60 per week).
• Enterprise agreements: Many schools and systems have agreements that set higher rates.
• Location: Some remote or regional schools offer additional allowances.
• Casual or part-time work: Casual teachers receive a loading (25% for engagements of 5 or more consecutive days) but are capped at Level 3 for shorter engagements.

Using this site's resources

For a broader understanding of how minimum wages work in Australia, see our Rate tables and Guides. These explain the national minimum wage, award rates, and how to determine which pay floor applies to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

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This guide is for informational purposes only. It is not a pay determination or legal advice. Always refer to the relevant award or agreement for your specific circumstances.