What is the minimum hourly rate for a school counsellor under the award?

Under the Educational Services (Schools) General Staff Award 2020, school counsellors (wellbeing services employees) are classified at various levels. For example, Level 4.1 has a minimum hourly rate of $31.11, Level 5.1 is $33.73, and Level 6.1 is $36.61. The exact classification depends on duties and experience. These rates are from the Fair Work Ombudsman's pay guide effective from 1 July 2026.

How is casual loading applied to a school counsellor's pay?

Casual employees under the award receive a 25% loading on top of the minimum hourly rate. For a Level 4.1 school counsellor, the casual rate would be $31.11 × 1.25 = $38.89 per hour. This loading compensates for entitlements like annual leave and sick leave that casuals do not receive. The loading is paid on all ordinary hours worked.

How is superannuation calculated for a school counsellor?

Superannuation is paid on top of the gross wage at 12% of ordinary earnings (the super guarantee rate for 2026-27). For a full-time school counsellor earning $61,500 annually, the employer would contribute an additional $7,380 to super. This contribution stops once earnings exceed the maximum contribution base of $270,830.

School Counsellor Salary: From Hourly to Annual Pay Under the 2026 Award

For a school counsellor at Level 4.1 under the Educational Services (Schools) General Staff Award, the minimum hourly rate is $31.11, leading to an annual salary of around $61,500 based on a 38-hour week and 52 weeks.

School Counsellor Salary: A Guide to Hourly, Annual, and Fortnightly Pay

Understanding a school counsellor salary in Australia starts with knowing the correct award classification and how to convert hourly rates to annual, fortnightly, and after-tax figures. This guide uses the latest Fair Work Ombudsman rates for the Educational Services (Schools) General Staff Award 2020 and the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) median earnings data.

Award Rates for School Counsellors

School counsellors are covered by the Educational Services (Schools) General Staff Award 2020. The award includes a classification for "wellbeing services" employees, which covers counsellors and therapists. Minimum pay rates are set by classification level. For example:

Level 4.1: $31.11 per hour, $1,182.10 per week, $61,682 annual (based on 52.18 weeks)
Level 5.1: $33.73 per hour, $1,281.70 per week, $66,879 annual
Level 6.1: $36.61 per hour, $1,391.30 per week, $72,598 annual

These rates are from the Fair Work Ombudsman's pay summary and apply from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026.

Converting Hourly to Annual (38-Hour Week)

The standard full-time week under the award is 38 ordinary hours. To estimate an annual salary, multiply the hourly rate by 38 hours and then by 52 weeks. For a Level 4.1 school counsellor:

$31.11 × 38 × 52 = $61,473 (rounded)

This is close to the award's official annual figure of $61,682, which uses 52.18 weeks. Our hourly conversion tool uses 52 weeks for simplicity. The difference is minor.

Fortnightly and Weekly Pay

Fortnightly pay is simply the weekly rate multiplied by two. For Level 4.1:

Weekly: $1,182.10
Fortnightly: $2,364.20

This helps when budgeting or comparing job offers. See our pay guides for more award breakdowns.

Median Earnings vs Award Minimums

The ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (May 2023) reports median full-time earnings for counsellors (including school counsellors) at $1,477 per week, or $39 per hour. This is higher than the award minimum, reflecting experience and qualifications. Many school counsellors are paid above the award rate.

Tax and Take-Home Pay

Using the 2026-27 resident tax rates (nil up to $18,200; 15% to $45,000; 30% to $135,000; 37% to $190,000; 45% above) and the 2% Medicare levy, a school counsellor earning $61,473 would pay:

Tax: $8,267 (approx)
Medicare: $1,229
Net annual: $51,977
Net fortnightly: $1,999

Use our take-home pay calculator for a personalised estimate. Note that HELP repayments, Medicare levy surcharge, and salary packaging are not included.

Superannuation on Top

Employers must pay super guarantee contributions of 12% on ordinary earnings (for 2026-27). This is paid on top of the gross salary. For a $61,473 salary, super adds $7,377 per year, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. See super and packaging for more.

Casual Loading

Casual school counsellors receive a 25% loading on the base hourly rate. For Level 4.1, the casual rate is $38.89 per hour. This loading is included in the hourly rate you see in job ads—do not add it again. Our casual loading page explains how to use the timesheet checkbox correctly.

National Minimum Wage Comparison

The National Minimum Wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, $1,004.90 per week for 38 hours. A school counsellor at Level 4.1 earns $31.11, which is 18% above the minimum. See minimum wage for details.

Summary

A school counsellor salary under the award ranges from about $61,500 to $72,600 per year for full-time work, depending on classification. Median earnings are higher at around $77,000 ($39/hr). Use our the timesheet to convert your hourly rate to annual, fortnightly, and after-tax figures. Always check the specific award classification with your employer.