What is the minimum hourly rate for a teacher in NSW under the award?

Under the Educational Services (Teachers) Award 2020, a Level 1 teacher (graduate or provisional registration) must be paid at least $38.30 per hour, or $1,455.40 per week for a full-time employee working 38 ordinary hours. Higher levels apply with experience and accreditation, up to $52.99 per hour at Level 5.

How does the NSW Department of Education salary compare to the award?

The NSW Department of Education pays above the award. A new graduate teacher in a NSW public school earns $90,177 per year (about $45.63 per hour based on 38 hours), compared to the award minimum of $75,941 per year. Experienced teachers can reach $129,536, and leadership roles like principal go up to $229,435. These are negotiated enterprise agreement rates, not the legal minimum.

Does superannuation apply on top of a teacher's salary?

Yes. 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 or wage rate. For example, a teacher earning the award minimum of $75,941 would receive an extra $9,113 in super contributions, making total employment cost $85,054.

Teachers Salary NSW: How the Award Minimum Compares to the National Pay Floor

The minimum hourly rate for a Level 1 teacher under the Educational Services (Teachers) Award is $38.30, well above the national minimum of $26.44, but many teachers earn more under enterprise agreements like the NSW public school system.

Understanding the Teachers Salary NSW Pay Floor

When researching "teachers salary nsw", it's important to distinguish between the legal minimum set by the award and the higher rates paid by specific employers like the NSW Department of Education. This guide helps you check whether a teacher's hourly rate meets the minimum required by law.

The Legal Minimum: Educational Services (Teachers) Award

The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes the Educational Services (Teachers) Award 2020, which covers teachers in preschools, schools, and children's services across Australia, including NSW. From the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026, the minimum weekly rates for full-time teachers (38 ordinary hours) are:

Level 1 (graduate or provisional registration): $1,455.40 per week ($38.30 per hour)
Level 2 (proficient accreditation): $1,590.70 per week ($41.86 per hour)
Level 3 (3 years at Level 2): $1,731.70 per week ($45.57 per hour)
Level 4 (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 legal minimum. An employer cannot pay less, but a modern award or enterprise agreement can set a higher rate. The award also provides annual salaries: Level 1 is $75,941 per year, Level 5 is $105,076.

Casual Teacher Rates

Casual teachers engaged for less than five consecutive days cannot be paid above Level 3. The casual hourly rate includes a 25% loading. For example, a casual Level 1 teacher receives $47.88 per hour (full day rate $378.40). Casual teachers engaged for five or more consecutive days are paid the appropriate classification rate plus the casual loading.

How the Award Compares to the National Minimum Wage

The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week). Every award rate must be at least this amount. The lowest teacher award rate (Level 1) is $38.30 per hour, which is 45% above the national minimum. This means even a graduate teacher is well above the basic floor.

However, not all teachers are covered by this award. Some may be covered by state awards or enterprise agreements. If a teacher is award-free and agreement-free, the national minimum wage applies, but junior rates may be lower for those under 21.

NSW Department of Education Salaries: A Negotiated Example

The NSW Department of Education publishes its own salary scale, which is higher than the award. A new graduate teacher in a NSW public school earns $90,177 per year (about $45.63 per hour), compared to the award minimum of $75,941. Experienced teachers on the top step earn $129,536 ($65.52 per hour). Leadership roles pay significantly more: Assistant Principal $149,059, Deputy Principal $174,034, Principal $229,435.

These rates come from an enterprise agreement, not the award. They demonstrate how employers can choose to pay above the legal minimum to attract and retain staff.

Superannuation: An Employer Payment on Top

When discussing a teacher's salary, remember that superannuation is an additional cost for the employer. The super guarantee rate is 12% of ordinary time earnings. For a teacher earning the award minimum of $75,941, the employer must contribute an extra $9,113 into a super fund. The total employment cost is $85,054. This is separate from the salary figure.

How to Check Your Rate

If you are a teacher in NSW, first determine which award or agreement covers you. Most private school teachers are covered by the Educational Services (Teachers) Award. Public school teachers are covered by state enterprise agreements. Check your pay slip against the award classification that matches your accreditation level. If your hourly rate is below $38.30 (Level 1) or the appropriate level, you may be underpaid.

For more guidance, see Which minimum wage applies and our Rate tables for award classifications.

Remember: the Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage, and the Fair Work Ombudsman explains and enforces it. The award rates above are current from 1 July 2026. Always check the latest award or agreement for your specific situation.

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