Victorian Teacher Salary 2026: Award Minimums and Enterprise Agreement Rates

Understanding the vic teacher salary 2026 landscape

When researching the vic teacher salary 2026, it is important to distinguish between the legal minimum set by a modern award, the higher rates in an enterprise agreement, and the national minimum wage that acts as a backstop. For Victorian teachers, the main safety net is the Educational Services (Teachers) Award [MA000077], published by the Fair Work Ombudsman. The award provides minimum weekly and hourly rates for teachers in preschools, schools, and long day care centres. From the first full pay period starting on or after 1 July 2026, these rates increased as part of the Annual Wage Review 2026.

Award minimum rates for teachers in preschools and schools

The award classifies teachers from Level 1 to Level 5. For a full-time or part-time teacher in a preschool or school, the minimum weekly rate at Level 1 is $1,455.40 ($38.30 per hour). At Level 2, the rate rises to $1,590.70 per week ($41.86 per hour). Level 3 is $1,731.70 ($45.57/h), Level 4 is $1,872.70 ($49.28/h), and Level 5 is $2,013.70 ($52.99/h). Casual teachers engaged for less than five consecutive days cannot be paid above Level 3. These figures come from the Fair Work Ombudsman’s pay guide for the award.

Award rates for long day care centres

Teachers in long day care centres under the same award receive slightly higher minimums due to different penalty and shift arrangements. For example, a Level 1 teacher in long day care earns $1,513.60 per week ($39.83/h), while a Level 5 teacher earns $2,094.30 per week ($55.11/h). The award also specifies penalty rates for Saturday work, overtime, early morning shifts, and broken shifts. These are the legal minimums; an employer cannot pay less.

The Victorian Government Schools Agreement 2026

Many Victorian teachers are not covered by the award because they work under the Victorian Government Schools Agreement 2026, a single-enterprise agreement approved by the Fair Work Commission. This agreement sets pay and conditions for government school teachers and is likely to provide salaries above the award minimum. The agreement expires on 10 August 2030. While the exact salary figures are not reproduced here, teachers covered by this agreement should refer to its terms for their correct rate. Enterprise agreements can always set higher pay than the award, but never lower.

How the national minimum wage fits in

Even if a teacher is award‑free or agreement‑free, the national minimum wage applies. From 1 July 2026, the adult national minimum is $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week). Casual employees receive a 25% loading, bringing the casual rate to $33.05 per hour. However, the award rates for teachers are well above this floor. The national minimum is a backstop only; the award or agreement will almost always require a higher rate. For award‑free junior employees, lower percentages apply (see our Rate tables for details).

Superannuation is paid on top

All minimum rates discussed are base salaries. Employers must also pay the superannuation guarantee, which is 12% of ordinary time earnings from 1 July 2026. For a teacher earning the award Level 2 weekly rate of $1,590.70, the employer would contribute an additional $190.88 into super each week. This is not deducted from the salary; it is an extra payment.

Practical check for your hourly rate

If you are a Victorian teacher and want to know whether your pay meets the legal minimum, start by identifying which instrument covers you. If you work in a private preschool or long day care, the Educational Services Award likely applies. Compare your hourly rate to the award classification that matches your role and experience. If you work in a Victorian government school, your pay should be at least the rate in the Victorian Government Schools Agreement 2026. You can also use the Fair Work Ombudsman’s Pay and Conditions Tool for a personalised calculation. For more guidance on how pay floors work, see our Guides page.

What if you are not covered by an award or agreement?

A small number of teachers may be award‑free and agreement‑free. In that case, the national minimum wage applies. However, the Fair Work Commission’s Modern Awards Pay Database shows that the Educational Services Award covers most teacher employers. If you are unsure, check your employment contract or ask your employer which award or agreement applies.

Key takeaways

• The award minimum for a Level 2 teacher in a preschool or school is $41.86 per hour from July 2026.
• The Victorian Government Schools Agreement 2026 sets higher rates for government school teachers.
• Superannuation of 12% is paid by the employer on top of the salary.
• The national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour is a floor, not a target for qualified teachers.

For more information on how minimum wages are set and enforced, visit How the figures work.