What is the minimum hourly rate for a primary teacher?

Under the Educational Services (Teachers) Award 2020, the minimum hourly rate for a full-time primary teacher depends on classification. Level 1 (graduate) is $38.30 per hour, Level 2 $41.86, Level 3 $45.57, Level 4 $49.28, and Level 5 $52.99. These rates apply from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026. Casual teachers engaged for less than five consecutive days are capped at Level 3 ($45.57 per hour).

How does the median primary teacher salary compare to the award minimum?

The ABS reports median full-time weekly earnings for primary school teachers of $2,226, which equates to about $60 per hour based on average full-time hours of 45 per week. This is well above the award minimum of $38.30 per hour for a Level 1 teacher. The median reflects experienced teachers and those with higher classifications, while the award sets the legal floor.

Do I receive superannuation on top of my primary teacher salary?

Yes. The superannuation guarantee requires your employer to contribute an additional 12% of your ordinary time earnings to a super fund. This is on top of your base salary, whether you are paid at the award rate or a higher negotiated rate. The award itself also references superannuation obligations under the Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992.

Primary Teacher Salary: Award Minimums and Median Earnings in Australia 2026

The legal minimum primary teacher salary under the Educational Services (Teachers) Award 2020 ranges from $38.30 per hour (Level 1) to $52.99 per hour (Level 5), with a median full-time hourly rate of $60 according to the ABS.

Understanding the primary teacher salary floor

When researching a primary teacher salary in Australia, it is important to distinguish between the legal minimum set by the award and the average or median earnings reported in surveys. The legal minimum is the rate you must be paid, while the median gives a sense of what typical teachers earn. This guide uses the most current public figures from the Fair Work Ombudsman and the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

Award rates under the Educational Services (Teachers) Award 2020

The Educational Services (Teachers) Award 2020 covers most primary school teachers in the national system. The Fair Work Commission sets the award rates, and the Fair Work Ombudsman publishes pay guides. From the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026, the minimum weekly and hourly rates for full-time teachers in preschools and schools are:

Level 1 (graduate teacher): $1,455.40 per week, $38.30 per hour
Level 2 (proficient accreditation): $1,590.70 per week, $41.86 per hour
Level 3 (proficient after 3 years at Level 2): $1,731.70 per week, $45.57 per hour
Level 4 (proficient after 3 years at Level 3): $1,872.70 per week, $49.28 per hour
Level 5 (Highly Accomplished/Lead Teacher): $2,013.70 per week, $52.99 per hour

These rates are the minimum. Your employer may pay more under an enterprise agreement or individual contract. The award also covers part-time and casual employees. Casual teachers engaged for less than five consecutive days cannot be paid above Level 3 ($45.57 per hour).

Median earnings from the ABS

The ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025, provides median full-time earnings for primary school teachers. The median weekly earnings are $2,226, and the median hourly earnings are $60. These figures are for full-time non-managerial employees paid at the adult rate. They are higher than the award minimum because they reflect experienced teachers, those in higher classifications, and possibly those in schools that pay above the award. The ABS also reports that 63% of primary school teachers work full-time, with average full-time hours of 45 per week.

How superannuation fits in

All salary figures discussed are before tax and do not include superannuation. The superannuation guarantee requires employers to contribute an additional 12% of your ordinary time earnings to a super fund. This is on top of your base pay. For example, a Level 1 teacher earning $38.30 per hour would have an extra $4.60 per hour contributed to super, making the total cost to the employer $42.90 per hour.

Comparing your rate to the floor

To check whether your primary teacher salary meets the legal minimum, compare your hourly rate to the appropriate award classification. If you are a graduate with provisional registration, you should be at Level 1 ($38.30 per hour). If you have proficient accreditation, you should be at Level 2 or higher depending on your years of service. The national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour does not apply to teachers covered by the award because the award rates are higher. However, if you are award-free (rare for teachers), the national minimum would be the floor.

What if your salary is above the award?

Many teachers are paid above the award minimum, especially in independent schools or through enterprise agreements. The award only sets a floor; you can negotiate a higher salary. The median of $60 per hour suggests that many experienced teachers earn well above the award. If your rate is below the award for your classification, you may be underpaid. You can check your classification using the award criteria and contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for advice.

Using this site

For more information on how minimum wages work across different industries, see Which minimum wage applies. To compare rates across awards and classifications, visit our Rate tables.

Important notes

The award rates above are from the Fair Work Ombudsman pay guide effective from 1 July 2026. The median earnings are from the ABS May 2025 survey. These figures are a guide only and do not constitute legal or financial advice. Your actual pay may be affected by your employer’s enterprise agreement, individual contract, or state system coverage. Always refer to the official award or contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for your specific situation.

For the published floors, see the rate tables and how the figures work.