What is the current WA teacher salary under the award?

Under the Educational Services (Teachers) Award 2020, the minimum weekly rate for a full-time Level 1 teacher (graduate) in preschools and schools is $1,455.40, equivalent to $75,941 per year. Rates increase with classification levels up to Level 5 ($2,013.70/week, $105,076/year). These rates apply from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026.

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

The WA Department of Education offers a starting salary of $88,178 per year (Level 2.1) for qualified teachers, which is above the award minimum. Salaries progress annually up to Level 2.9. This is a negotiated salary, not the legal minimum, so it can be higher than the award rate.

Does superannuation apply on top of the WA teacher salary?

Yes. The superannuation guarantee requires employers to pay 12% on top of ordinary time earnings. For a teacher earning the award minimum of $75,941, the employer would contribute an additional $9,112.92 per year into a super fund. This is separate from the salary figure.

WA Teacher Salary: Award Minimums, Government Rates, and Your Pay Floor

The minimum weekly rate for a Level 1 teacher under the Educational Services (Teachers) Award is $1,455.40, while the WA Department of Education offers a starting salary of $88,178 per year (Level 2.1).

Understanding the WA teacher salary landscape

When researching "wa teacher salary", it's important to separate the legal minimum from what employers actually pay. In Western Australia, teachers are covered by either the federal Educational Services (Teachers) Award 2020 or a state government enterprise agreement. This guide explains the pay floors, typical rates, and what you can expect in your weekly packet after tax and super.

The award minimum: your legal floor

The Fair Work Commission sets the Educational Services (Teachers) Award, which applies to most teachers in preschools, schools, and long day care centres. The Fair Work Ombudsman enforces these rates. For full-time teachers in preschools and schools, the minimum weekly rates from 1 July 2026 are:

Level 1 (graduate): $1,455.40/week ($75,941/year)
Level 2 (proficient): $1,590.70/week ($83,004/year)
Level 3 (after 3 years at Level 2): $1,731.70/week ($90,362/year)
Level 4 (after 3 years at Level 3): $1,872.70/week ($97,720/year)
Level 5 (highly accomplished/lead): $2,013.70/week ($105,076/year)

These are the minimums. An enterprise agreement or individual contract can set a higher rate. The award also includes casual rates (25% loading) and part-time pro-rata arrangements. For long day care centres, the weekly rates are slightly higher (e.g., Level 1: $1,513.60/week).

WA government teacher salaries: a negotiated rate

The WA Department of Education publishes its own salary scale, which is above the award. As of December 2025, a qualified teacher starts at Level 2.1: $88,178 per year. This increases annually to Level 2.9. The department considers prior experience and qualifications. This is not the legal minimum but a competitive offer.

How your weekly packet breaks down

Let's take the award minimum for a Level 1 teacher: $1,455.40 per week. On top of that, the employer must pay 12% superannuation ($174.65/week) into your super fund. Your gross salary is $1,455.40, but your take-home pay depends on tax and the Medicare levy.

Using 2026-27 tax rates (resident, full tax-free threshold, no HELP or salary sacrifice), a weekly gross of $1,455.40 gives an annual equivalent of about $75,941. Tax on that is roughly $13,417 per year, plus Medicare levy (2% above $30,000) about $1,519. So net annual pay is around $61,005, or $1,173 per week. This is a rough estimate; your actual situation may differ.

For the WA government starting salary of $88,178 ($1,690/week), the same calculation gives net around $68,500 per year ($1,317/week).

Award vs. average earnings

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reports that full-time adult ordinary-time earnings in May 2026 were $2,083.70 per week. The award minimum for a teacher is well below this average, reflecting that teaching is a profession with career progression. The WA government rate is closer to the average.

What if you're not covered by the award?

Some teachers in Western Australia may be in the state industrial system (e.g., working for a state government school). Their pay is set by the WA Public Sector award or agreement, which typically matches or exceeds the federal award. Always check your employment contract and the applicable award or agreement. The national minimum wage of $26.44/hour ($1,004.90/week) is the absolute floor for award-free employees, but teachers are almost always covered by an award or agreement.

Superannuation: an extra 12%

Remember, super is paid on top of your salary. The super guarantee rate is 12% from 1 July 2026. For a teacher on $75,941, that's an extra $9,113 per year into super. This is not part of your take-home pay but is a compulsory benefit.

FAQs

What is the difference between the award minimum for casual teachers?

Casual teachers under the award are entitled to a 25% loading on top of the hourly rate. For a Level 1 casual in preschools and schools, the casual full-day rate is $363.38 per day (one-fifth of weekly rate plus 25%). For long day care, the casual rate is higher. The award limits casuals engaged for less than five consecutive days to Level 3 maximum.

Can a WA teacher be paid below the award?

No. The award sets minimum rates. If your employer pays less, you can contact the Fair Work Ombudsman. However, some employees may be covered by a state award that has different rates. Always check your classification and the correct award.

How often do WA teacher salaries increase?

Award rates are reviewed annually by the Fair Work Commission. The 2026 increase was 4.75% from 1 July 2026. The WA Department of Education increases are negotiated through enterprise bargaining.

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