What is the minimum teacher salary in Melbourne under the award?

Under the Educational Services (Teachers) Award 2020, the minimum annual salary for a full-time Level 1 teacher (graduate) in preschools and schools is $75,941, or $78,979 in long day care centres. These rates apply from 1 July 2026 and are based on 38 ordinary hours per week. See the Fair Work Ombudsman pay guide for full details.

How is casual teacher pay calculated?

Casual teachers receive a 25% loading on the minimum hourly rate. For a Level 1 teacher, the casual hourly rate is $47.88 ($38.30 × 1.25). However, if engaged for less than five consecutive days, the rate is capped at Level 3 ($45.57 per hour before loading). Casual loading is paid on top of the base rate, not included in it.

Does the teacher salary include superannuation?

No, superannuation is paid on top of the salary. Under the award and the Superannuation Guarantee, employers must contribute 12% of ordinary earnings (up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year). For a Level 1 teacher earning $75,941, the employer would add an extra $9,113 in super, making total remuneration $85,054.

Teacher Salary Melbourne: How to Convert Your Award Rate to Annual Pay

For a full-time teacher at Level 1 under the Educational Services (Teachers) Award, the minimum weekly rate is $1,455.40 (preschools/schools) or $1,513.60 (long day care), based on 38 ordinary hours per week.

Understanding Teacher Salary Melbourne Under the Award

If you're researching a teacher salary Melbourne, the starting point is the Educational Services (Teachers) Award 2020 (MA000077). This award sets minimum pay rates for teachers in preschools, schools, and long day care centres. The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes updated rates each year, with the latest applying from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026.

Full-Time Teacher Pay Rates (2026–27)

For a full-time teacher working 38 ordinary hours per week, the minimum weekly rates are:

Classification	Preschools & Schools (weekly)	Long Day Care (weekly)
Level 1 (graduate)	$1,455.40	$1,513.60
Level 2 (proficient)	$1,590.70	$1,654.40
Level 3 (proficient + 3 years)	$1,731.70	$1,801.00
Level 4 (proficient + 6 years)	$1,872.70	$1,947.70
Level 5 (highly accomplished/lead)	$2,013.70	$2,094.30

Long day care centres pay an extra 4% premium because those services operate for at least 48 weeks per year and have different ordinary hours provisions.

Converting Hourly to Annual: The 38-Hour Week

The standard formula for annual gross pay is:

Hourly rate × hours per week × 52

For a Level 1 teacher in a school: $38.30 × 38 × 52 = $75,941 per year. This matches the award's annual rate (calculated as weekly × 52.18, but the simple 52-week method gives a close approximation). The hourly conversion tool on this site uses the same logic.

Fortnightly Pay

Most teachers are paid fortnightly. Multiply the weekly rate by 2. For Level 1: $1,455.40 × 2 = $2,910.80 per fortnight. If you're paid monthly, divide the annual salary by 12.

Casual Teacher Pay

Casual teachers receive a 25% loading on the minimum hourly rate. For Level 1, the casual hourly rate is $38.30 × 1.25 = $47.88. However, if the engagement is for less than five consecutive days, the base rate is capped at Level 3 ($45.57 per hour before loading). The casual loading page explains how to calculate this correctly.

Part-Time Teachers

Part-time teachers are paid pro-rata based on the full-time rate. For example, a teacher working 0.6 load (22.8 hours per week) at Level 2 would earn 60% of the full-time weekly rate: $1,590.70 × 0.6 = $954.42 per week.

Tax and Superannuation

Once you have your annual gross salary, you can estimate take-home pay depends on tax and super. The 2026–27 tax rates are:

$0 – $18,200: nil
$18,201 – $45,000: 15%
$45,001 – $135,000: 30%
$135,001 – $190,000: 37%
Above $190,000: 45%
Medicare levy generally 2% (using 2025–26 single reduction thresholds for this estimate).

Super guarantee is 12% of ordinary earnings, paid on top, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. For a Level 1 teacher earning $75,941, the employer adds $9,113 in super. Total remuneration: $85,054.

Distinguishing Award Rates from the National Minimum Wage

The National Minimum Wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week for 38 hours). The teacher award rates are significantly higher because they reflect professional qualifications and experience. The minimum wage page has more details.

Using the Timesheet Calculator

To estimate your own annual pay, use the timesheet on this site. Enter your base hourly rate (e.g., $38.30 for Level 1). If you are a casual, check the box to add 25% casual loading – do not enter a rate that already includes loading. The calculator will show weekly, fortnightly, annual gross, tax, Medicare, and super estimates.

Summary

A teacher salary Melbourne under the award ranges from $75,941 (Level 1) to $105,076 (Level 5) for full-time work in preschools and schools. Long day care adds 4%. Always check the reference tables for the most current rates, as they change each 1 July. Remember that super is paid on top, and tax is deducted from your gross pay. For a detailed breakdown of your specific situation, consult the Fair Work Ombudsman or a qualified accountant.