Victoria Teacher Salary: Award Minimums, Enterprise Agreements, and the National Pay Floor

Understanding the Victoria Teacher Salary Landscape

When researching a victoria teacher salary, it is essential to separate the legal minimum from award rates, enterprise agreement rates, and any survey averages. This guide explains the pay floors that apply to teachers in Victoria, using current figures from the Fair Work Commission and the Fair Work Ombudsman.

The National Minimum Wage as a Backstop

Every national system employee in Australia, including teachers, is entitled to at least the national minimum wage. From 1 July 2026, the adult national minimum is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a 38‑hour week. Casual employees receive a 25% loading, giving $33.05 per hour. However, modern awards and enterprise agreements almost always set higher rates for teachers, so the national minimum rarely applies directly to qualified teaching staff.

The Educational Services (Teachers) Award 2020

The primary award covering teachers in Victoria is the Educational Services (Teachers) Award 2020 [MA000077]. This award sets minimum rates for teachers in preschools, schools, and long day care centres. The Fair Work Commission publishes the full classification and pay structure in its Modern Awards Pay Database.

Under the award, a full‑time teacher is classified into one of five levels based on accreditation and experience. The minimum annual salaries from 1 July 2026 are:

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

These rates are the legal minimum for teachers covered by the award. Employers cannot pay less, but they can pay more. The award also provides for part‑time and casual employment. Casual teachers receive a 25% loading on the applicable weekly rate divided by five days.

The Victorian Government Schools Agreement 2026

Teachers employed by the Victorian government school system are covered by the Victorian Government Schools Agreement 2026, a single‑enterprise agreement approved by the Fair Work Commission. This agreement overrides the award for those employees and typically provides higher salaries and better conditions. The exact salary scales are set out in the agreement document, which is available on the Fair Work Commission’s website. For the most current figures, teachers should refer to their enterprise agreement or consult their employer.

How Superannuation Fits In

All salary figures discussed here are base rates. Employers must also pay the superannuation guarantee, which is 12% of ordinary time earnings (from 1 July 2026). For a teacher on the award minimum of $75,941, the employer contributes an additional $9,112.92 to a super fund. When comparing advertised salaries, always check whether the figure includes super or is the base amount.

Award vs. Agreement vs. National Minimum

It is important to distinguish between these three levels:

• National minimum wage: the absolute floor – $26.44 per hour. Rarely relevant for qualified teachers.
• Award rate: the minimum set by the Educational Services (Teachers) Award – e.g., $75,941 per year for a Level 1 teacher.
• Enterprise agreement rate: a higher rate negotiated for a specific employer or sector – e.g., the Victorian Government Schools Agreement.

If you are covered by an enterprise agreement, that agreement sets your minimum pay. If not, the award applies. The national minimum only applies if you are award‑free and agreement‑free, which is uncommon for teachers.

For more detail on how these pay floors interact, see our Which minimum wage applies guide. You can also explore Rate tables for award classifications.

What This Means for Your Pay Check

If you are a teacher in Victoria, your salary will depend on your employer, your classification, and any applicable agreement. The award provides a solid baseline, but many teachers earn above it. To know your exact entitlement, check your employment contract, your enterprise agreement (if any), or the award classification that matches your role.

Remember that the figures in this guide are minimums. Actual salaries may be higher, especially for experienced teachers or those in leadership roles. Always verify with official sources such as the Fair Work Ombudsman or your employer.

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