What is the minimum teacher salary under the award from July 2026?

The minimum weekly rate for a full-time Level 1 teacher (graduate) is $1,455.40, which equates to an annual salary of $75,941. This is based on 38 ordinary hours per week, as set out in the Educational Services (Teachers) Award 2020. Higher classifications apply for experienced and lead teachers.

How does casual loading apply to teacher salaries?

Casual teachers receive a 25% loading on top of the base hourly rate. For example, a Level 1 casual teacher engaged for five or more consecutive days earns $47.88 per hour ($38.30 + 25%). The loading compensates for lack of leave entitlements. See the [casual loading](/topics/casual-loading) page for more details.

Is superannuation included in the teacher salary rates?

No, superannuation is paid on top of the salary. Employers must contribute 12% of ordinary earnings (up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830) to a super fund. For a Level 1 teacher on $75,941, the employer adds $9,112.92 in super. This is separate from the salary shown in award rates.

Teacher Salary Guide: Award Rates, Casual Loading, and Annual Pay

Under the Educational Services (Teachers) Award, a full-time Level 1 teacher earns $1,455.40 per week, or $75,941 annually based on 38 hours per week.

Understanding Teacher Salary Under the Award

Teacher salary in Australia is primarily governed by the Educational Services (Teachers) Award 2020 (MA000077), which sets minimum rates for teachers in schools, preschools, and long day care centres. The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes updated pay guides each year, and from 1 July 2026 the following weekly rates apply for full-time teachers:

Level 1 (graduate teacher): $1,455.40 per week ($38.30 per hour)
Level 2 (proficient): $1,590.70 per week ($41.86 per hour)
Level 3 (proficient after 3 years at Level 2): $1,731.70 per week ($45.57 per hour)
Level 4 (proficient after 3 years at Level 3): $1,872.70 per week ($49.28 per hour)
Level 5 (Highly Accomplished/Lead): $2,013.70 per week ($52.99 per hour)

These rates are the minimum; many teachers receive above-award pay through enterprise agreements or individual contracts. The award also specifies higher rates for teachers in long day care centres (an additional 4%).

Converting Hourly to Annual: The 38-Hour Week

To estimate annual teacher salary from an hourly rate, use the standard formula:

Annual gross ≈ hourly rate × hours per week × 52

For a full-time teacher, the award assumes 38 ordinary hours per week. For example, a Level 1 teacher on $38.30 per hour would earn:

$38.30 × 38 × 52 = $75,941 (rounded to the nearest dollar.

The award confirms full-time employees work an average of 38 hours per week. The weekly rate is derived by dividing the annual salary by 52.18, so the hourly rate is consistent.

Fortnightly pay is simply the weekly rate multiplied by two. For Level 1: $1,455.40 × 2 = $2,910.80 per fortnight before tax.

Our hourly conversion tool uses this same method, but always check your specific award or agreement for exact hours.

Casual Loading and Super Paid on Top

Casual Loading

Casual teachers receive a 25% loading on the base hourly rate to compensate for the lack of paid leave. The award states that casual employees engaged for five or more consecutive days are paid the appropriate classification rate plus 25%. For shorter engagements, the rate is capped at Level 3.

Example: Level 1 casual teacher (5+ days)

Base hourly: $38.30
Casual loading (25%): $9.575
Total casual rate: $47.875 per hour

This loading is paid on top of the base rate, not included in it. See our casual loading page for more details.

Superannuation

Superannuation is paid on top of the salary. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of ordinary earnings (up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830). For a Level 1 teacher on $75,941, the employer must contribute an additional $9,112.92 per year to a super fund. This is not deducted from the salary; it is an extra cost to the employer.

For more on how super interacts with salary, see super and packaging.

Tax and Take-Home Pay

Once you have the annual gross salary, you can estimate tax using the 2026–27 resident rates:

Nil tax on first $18,200
15% on income from $18,201 to $45,000
30% on income from $45,001 to $135,000
37% on income from $135,001 to $190,000
45% on income above $190,000

Plus a Medicare levy of 2% (with possible reductions for low income). For a Level 1 teacher on $75,941, the estimated tax (including Medicare) would be approximately $15,000–$16,000, leaving a take-home pay of around $60,000 per year. Use our take-home pay calculator for a precise estimate.

Comparing with National Minimum Wage and Average Earnings

The National Minimum Wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week for 38 hours). Teacher award rates are well above this, reflecting the qualifications and responsibilities. The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports that full-time adult average weekly ordinary time earnings were $2,083.70 in May 2026. A Level 1 teacher at $1,455.40 is below that average, but Level 5 teachers at $2,013.70 are close to the average. Many experienced teachers earn above the award through increments or promotions.

Summary

Teacher salary under the award ranges from $75,941 (Level 1) to $105,076 (Level 5) annually for full-time work.
Casual teachers get 25% loading on top.
Super is 12% on top of the salary.
Use the formula hourly × 38 × 52 to estimate annual gross.
Fortnightly pay is weekly × 2.

For more detailed pay guides, visit our pay guides page. Always confirm your specific classification and any applicable allowances or agreements.