Education Assistant Salary: Award Minimums and What You Should Know

Education Assistant Salary: Award Coverage vs Award-Free Rates

If you are looking up the education assistant salary in Australia, the first question is whether you are covered by a modern award. Most education assistants working in primary or secondary schools are covered by the Educational Services (Schools) General Staff Award 2020 (MA000076). This award sets minimum pay rates, allowances, and conditions for general staff in the school education industry, including teacher aides, learning support officers, and administrative assistants.

The Legal Minimum Under the Award

The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage, but modern awards like this one provide higher minimum rates for specific industries. Under the Educational Services (Schools) General Staff Award, the minimum hourly rate for an adult full-time education assistant at Level 1.1 is $26.44 per hour (or $1,004.90 per week for 38 ordinary hours). This rate applies from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026. The employer must also pay 12% superannuation on top of ordinary time earnings.

Classification levels range from Level 1 (routine tasks) to Level 8 (senior managerial). Most education assistants start at Level 1 or Level 2. Movement to a higher pay point within a level occurs after 12 months, subject to a performance review. For example, a Level 1.2 rate is $27.08 per hour, and Level 2.1 is $28.24 per hour. You can find the full pay table in the Rate tables section.

Award-Free Workers: The National Minimum Wage

If an education assistant is not covered by any award (for example, working in a non-school setting or for a state government employer not in the national system), the national minimum wage applies. From 1 July 2026, that is $26.44 per hour for adults, or $1,004.90 per week. Casual workers receive a 25% loading, making the casual rate $33.05 per hour. Award-free junior rates are lower: a 17-year-old gets 57.8% of the adult rate ($15.29 per hour).

However, most education assistants in schools are award-covered, so the award rate is the floor. If an enterprise agreement applies, it may set a higher rate. Always check your employment contract or agreement.

How Does the Education Assistant Salary Compare to Averages?

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reports that full-time adult ordinary-time earnings across all industries were $2,083.70 per week in May 2026. That is well above the award minimum for an education assistant. But the ABS does not publish a specific average for education assistants. Actual salaries vary by school sector (government, Catholic, independent), location, and experience. Some enterprise agreements in public schools pay significantly above the award. The award minimum is just the starting point.

What About Juniors and Apprentices?

The award allows junior rates for employees under 21. For example, a 16-year-old education assistant at Level 1.1 would be paid 47.3% of the adult rate, or $12.51 per hour. Apprentices (rare in this role) follow different percentages. Always refer to the award or the Which minimum wage applies guide for exact figures.

Key Takeaways

• The education assistant salary minimum under the award is $26.44 per hour (Level 1.1 adult).
• Superannuation of 12% is paid on top.
• Classification level depends on duties; higher levels pay more.
• Enterprise agreements or individual contracts can set higher rates.
• Award-free workers fall back to the national minimum wage.

For a detailed breakdown of all award rates, see our Rate tables. If you are unsure which award covers you, use the Guides section to check coverage.