What is the minimum salary for a teacher in Australia?

The minimum salary depends on the applicable award or agreement. Under the Educational Services (Teachers) Award 2020, a Level 1 (graduate) teacher in a preschool or school must be paid at least $75,941 per year (or $78,979 in a long day care centre). If no award applies, the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week) is the legal floor. Many teachers are covered by enterprise agreements that set higher rates.

Do teachers receive superannuation on top of their salary?

Yes. Employers must pay the superannuation guarantee, currently 12% of ordinary time earnings, on top of the teacher's salary. For example, a teacher earning the award minimum of $75,941 would receive an additional $9,112.92 in super contributions (before tax). This is a legal obligation, not a deduction from the salary.

Can a teacher be paid less than the award rate?

Generally no. The award sets minimum pay and conditions. An employer cannot pay less unless a registered enterprise agreement or individual flexibility arrangement provides a higher or more beneficial outcome. Juniors, apprentices, and supported wage employees may have different minimum rates, but these are specified in the award or the National Minimum Wage Order.

Teacher Salary Australia: Award Minimums and the National Pay Floor

For teachers covered by the Educational Services (Teachers) Award, the minimum annual salary from 1 July 2026 is $75,941 (Level 1, preschools/schools); award-free teachers must receive at least the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour.

Teacher Salary Australia: Understanding the Pay Floor

When researching teacher salary Australia, it is important to distinguish between the legal minimum set by awards or the national minimum wage, and the higher salaries often negotiated through enterprise agreements or individual contracts. This guide explains the minimum rates that apply to teachers under federal workplace laws.

The Educational Services (Teachers) Award

Most teachers in preschools, schools, and long day care centres are covered by the Educational Services (Teachers) Award 2020, as published by the Fair Work Ombudsman. This award sets minimum salaries for five classification levels based on accreditation and experience:

Level 1 (graduate teacher): $75,941 per year (preschools/schools) or $78,979 (long day care)
Level 2 (proficient accreditation): $83,004 / $86,324
Level 3 (proficient after 3 years at Level 2): $90,362 / $93,976
Level 4 (proficient after 3 years at Level 3): $97,720 / $101,629
Level 5 (Highly Accomplished/Lead Teacher): $105,076 / $109,279

These rates apply from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026. Part-time teachers are paid pro rata. Casual teachers receive a 25% loading on the hourly rate, but if engaged for less than five consecutive days, the rate cannot exceed Level 3.

The National Minimum Wage as a Backstop

For teachers not covered by any award or registered agreement, the national minimum wage applies. The Fair Work Commission sets this at $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week) from 1 July 2026. However, because most teaching roles fall under the award, the award minimums are the relevant floor. The national minimum wage only becomes the legal minimum if the teacher is award-free and agreement-free.

How Superannuation Fits In

All salaries discussed are before tax and do not include superannuation. Employers must pay the superannuation guarantee (12% from 1 July 2026) on top of ordinary time earnings. For a teacher on the award Level 1 salary of $75,941, the employer would contribute an additional $9,112.92 per year. This is not deducted from the salary; it is an extra payment.

Comparing Award Rates with Survey Averages

The award minimums are legal minimums, not survey averages. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reported in May 2026 reported full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $2,083.70 per week for all full-time workers. Many teachers under enterprise agreements often earn above the award floor, especially in high-demand subjects or with experience. However, the award minimum is the legal minimum, not a typical salary.

Casual and Junior Teacher Pay

Casual teachers receive a 25% loading under the award. For a Level 1 casual teacher in a preschool or school, the full-day rate is $363.85 (Level 1) plus loading. For long day care, the rate is $378.40 (Level 1). These rates include the casual loading. Junior teachers under 21 may be paid a percentage of the national minimum wage if award-free, but the award itself sets adult rates for teachers.

Which Minimum Wage Applies?

To determine your correct pay floor, check if you are covered by the Educational Services (Teachers) Award or a state award. If you are award-free, the national minimum wage applies. Enterprise agreements can set higher rates. See our Which minimum wage applies guide for more detail. For full rate tables, visit Rate tables.

Key Takeaways

The legal minimum for most teachers is the award rate, not the national minimum wage.
Award rates range from $75,941 to $109,279 annually depending on classification and workplace type.
Superannuation of 12% is paid on top.
Casual teachers receive a 25% loading.
Always check your specific award or agreement, as it may provide higher pay.

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