What is the casual rate for a primary teacher in Victoria?

Under the Educational Services (Teachers) Award, a casual teacher engaged for less than five consecutive days is paid no higher than Level 3. For five or more consecutive days, the casual rate matches the appropriate classification level. Casual loading is included in the daily rates shown in the award pay guide.

Can a primary teacher in Victoria be paid less than the award rate?

No. The award sets the legal minimum. An enterprise agreement or individual flexibility arrangement can set a higher rate, but never lower. Some state public sector teachers may be covered by a state award, but the federal award still applies to most private and independent schools.

How does the ABS median compare to the award minimum for primary teachers?

The ABS median full-time weekly earnings for primary school teachers is $2,226, well above the award minimum of $1,455.40 for a Level 1 graduate. This reflects that many teachers are paid above the award through enterprise agreements or experience. The median is a survey average, not a legal floor.

Primary Teacher Salary Vic: Award Minimums and Market Rates

The minimum annual salary for a Level 1 primary teacher in Victoria under the award is $75,941, while the ABS survey median for full-time primary teachers is $2,226 per week ($60 per hour).

Primary teacher salary vic: understanding the pay floor

When researching primary teacher salary vic, it is important to separate the legal minimum from what teachers actually earn on average. In Victoria, most primary teachers in schools and preschools are covered by the Educational Services (Teachers) Award 2020 (MA000077), which sets minimum rates that apply from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026. These rates are published by the Fair Work Ombudsman and are enforceable.

Award minimum rates for primary teachers in Victoria

The award classifies teachers from Level 1 (graduate) to Level 5 (highly accomplished/lead). For a full-time primary teacher in a preschool or school, the minimum annual salaries are:

Level 1: $75,941 ($1,455.40 per week, $38.30 per hour)
Level 2: $83,004 ($1,590.70 per week, $41.86 per hour)
Level 3: $90,362 ($1,731.70 per week, $45.57 per hour)
Level 4: $97,720 ($1,872.70 per week, $49.28 per hour)
Level 5: $105,076 ($2,013.70 per week, $52.99 per hour)

These rates are the legal floor. An employer cannot pay less. Many teachers in Victoria are employed under enterprise agreements that set higher rates, particularly in government schools. The award also provides for part-time employees to be paid pro rata, and casual teachers have specific daily rates (e.g., Level 1 full day $363.85).

Survey median earnings from the ABS

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (May 2025) reports the median full-time weekly earnings for primary school teachers (occupation code 2412) at $2,226, with a median hourly rate of $60. This is a survey average, not a minimum. It reflects the mix of experience levels, enterprise agreements, and location allowances. The median is significantly above the award minimum, indicating that most primary teachers earn more than the base rate.

Superannuation is on top

When discussing any pay rate for a primary teacher in Victoria, remember that the superannuation guarantee requires employers to pay an additional 12% of ordinary time earnings into a super fund. This is on top of the salary figure. For example, a Level 1 teacher on $75,941 would receive an extra $9,112.92 in super contributions per year.

How the national minimum wage relates

The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week). However, the award rates for teachers are much higher, so the national minimum does not apply to award-covered teachers. Only award-free employees would fall back to the national minimum, which is rare in teaching.

Where to find your exact rate

Your exact pay depends on your classification, whether you work in a school or long day care centre (rates differ slightly), and any applicable enterprise agreement. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides a Pay and Conditions Tool to calculate your minimum entitlements. You can also check our Which minimum wage applies guide for an overview, or see our Rate tables for award classifications.

Summary

For a primary teacher in Victoria, the legal minimum is set by the Educational Services (Teachers) Award, with Level 1 starting at $75,941 per year. The ABS survey median of $2,226 per week shows what many teachers actually earn. Always check your specific award classification and any agreement that may apply. Super is paid on top of all salary figures.

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