WA Teacher Salary 2026: Award Rates, State Minimum, and National Minimum Explained

WA Teacher Salary 2026: Award Coverage Versus Award-Free Rates

When researching the wa teacher salary 2026, it is essential to understand that the legal minimum pay for a teacher in Western Australia depends on which industrial system covers their employer. Most teachers fall under either the national Fair Work system or the Western Australian state system, and each has its own minimum rates. This guide separates the award rates from the national and state minimums, explains how superannuation is paid on top, and clarifies when a higher rate may apply.

The Educational Services Award (National System)

For teachers working in private preschools, independent schools, and long day care centres, the relevant award is the Educational Services (Teachers) Award 2020 (MA000077). The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes pay guides that show the minimum rates from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026. These rates are significantly higher than the national minimum wage. For example, a full-time teacher at Level 1 earns $1,455.40 per week or $38.30 per hour, while a Level 5 teacher in a long day care centre receives $2,094.30 per week or $55.11 per hour. All rates include the 4.75% increase awarded by the Fair Work Commission, but the award itself can set a higher rate. Superannuation is an employer payment of 12% on top of ordinary time earnings, so the total cost to the employer is higher than the headline rate.

Classification Levels and Casual Rates

The award has five classification levels. For preschool and school teachers, the weekly rates are:

• Level 1: $1,455.40 per week ($38.30 per hour)
• Level 2: $1,590.70 per week ($41.86 per hour)
• Level 3: $1,731.70 per week ($45.57 per hour)
• Level 4: $1,872.70 per week ($49.28 per hour)
• Level 5: $2,013.70 per week ($52.99 per hour)

For long day care centres, the rates are higher due to additional penalty and shift loadings. A casual teacher engaged for less than five consecutive days cannot be paid above Level 3. The award also includes director allowances and educational leader allowances, which are paid on top of the base rate.

The Western Australian State System

Teachers employed by WA public schools (Department of Education) are covered by the state industrial relations system. The Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission increased the state minimum wage by 4.75% to $998.30 per week from 1 July 2026. However, this is a floor for award-free employees. Public school teachers are covered by the School Education Act Employees’ (Teachers and Administrators) General Agreement or similar state awards, which set rates well above the state minimum. The exact figures for WA public school teachers are not published in the search results, but they are typically higher than the award rates for private schools. The state wage case decision noted that the increase aims to balance living standards with business pressures.

Award-Free Teachers and the National Minimum

If a teacher is not covered by any award or enterprise agreement (rare in practice), the national minimum wage applies. 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, making the casual rate $33.05 per hour. However, junior rates, apprentice rates, and supported wages can be lower. For example, a 19-year-old award-free worker receives $21.82 per hour (82.5% of the adult rate). But a qualified teacher would almost always be covered by an award or agreement, so the national minimum is not the relevant floor.

How Superannuation Works

All minimum rates discussed are base pay. Employers must pay superannuation guarantee of 12% on top of ordinary time earnings. For a teacher earning $1,455.40 per week, the employer pays an additional $174.65 into super, making the total employment cost $1,630.05 per week. This is separate from the wage and does not reduce the cash pay.

Comparing the Figures

The chart above shows the Level 1 teacher weekly rate under the Educational Services Award ($1,455.40) compared with the ABS full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $2,083.70 per week (May 2026). The award rate is about 30% below the average, reflecting that this is an entry-level classification. Higher levels and experienced teachers earn more. For a more detailed breakdown of rates, see our Rate tables. To check which system applies to your job, see Which minimum wage applies.

When a Higher Rate Applies

A modern award or enterprise agreement can set a higher minimum than the award or national minimum. Many WA public school teachers are covered by enterprise agreements that provide above-award pay, allowances, and conditions. Always check your employment contract and the applicable award or agreement. The rates in this guide are legal minimums only.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum wage for a teacher in WA in 2026?

It depends on the employer. For teachers in private preschools, schools, and long day care centres covered by the Educational Services Award, the minimum from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026 is $38.30 per hour (Level 1) or $1,455.40 per week, plus 12% superannuation. For WA public school teachers covered by the state industrial relations system, the state minimum wage increased to $998.30 per week, but actual teacher rates are set by state awards or enterprise agreements and are typically higher.

Does the national minimum wage apply to WA teachers?

Not directly. The national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour (from 1 July 2026) applies only to award-free and agreement-free employees in the national system. Most WA teachers are covered by either a modern award (e.g., Educational Services Award) or a state award/agreement, which set higher minimum rates. The national minimum acts as a safety net but is rarely the applicable floor for qualified teachers.

What is the WA state minimum wage for 2026?

The Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission increased the state minimum wage by 4.75% to $998.30 per week for employees 21 and over, effective from the first pay period on or after 1 July 2026. This applies to employers in the state system, such as sole traders, unincorporated partnerships, and certain not-for-profits. WA public school teachers are covered by this system, but their actual pay is governed by specific state awards or agreements, not the state minimum wage alone.

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