What is the minimum high school teacher salary in Australia?

Under the Educational Services (Teachers) Award 2020, the minimum annual salary for a full-time high school teacher depends on their classification. A graduate teacher (Level 1) earns at least $75,941 per year, while a teacher with proficient accreditation (Level 2) earns $83,004. Rates increase with experience and accreditation up to Level 5 at $105,076. These rates apply from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026.

Does the award cover all high school teachers?

The Educational Services (Teachers) Award covers most teachers in the school education industry, including high schools. However, some teachers may be covered by a state public sector award or an enterprise agreement. If an enterprise agreement applies, it must provide pay and conditions that are overall better than the award. You can check your coverage by reviewing your employment contract or contacting the Fair Work Ombudsman.

How does superannuation affect a high school teacher's salary?

Superannuation is an employer payment on top of your salary. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee rate is 12% of your ordinary time earnings. For a graduate teacher on the minimum award salary of $75,941, the employer must contribute an additional $9,112.92 per year into your super fund. This is not deducted from your salary; it is paid separately.

High School Teacher Salary: Award Minimum Rates and How to Check Your Pay

The minimum annual salary for a graduate high school teacher covered by the Educational Services (Teachers) Award 2020 is $75,941 (Level 1), with higher levels up to $105,076 for lead teachers.

Understanding the High School Teacher Salary Under the Award

If you are researching the high school teacher salary in Australia, the most reliable starting point is the legal minimum set by the Educational Services (Teachers) Award 2020 [MA000077]. This award covers teachers employed in the school education industry, including high schools. The Fair Work Commission reviews and updates these rates each year through the Annual Wage Review. The rates shown here apply from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026.

Award Classification Levels

The award classifies teachers into five levels based on accreditation and experience. Your classification determines the minimum pay you must receive. The levels are:

Level 1: Graduate teacher or those with provisional/conditional accreditation. Minimum annual salary: $75,941. Hourly rate: $38.30.
Level 2: Teacher with proficient accreditation. Minimum annual salary: $83,004. Hourly rate: $41.86.
Level 3: Teacher with proficient accreditation after 3 years at Level 2. Minimum annual salary: $90,362. Hourly rate: $45.57.
Level 4: Teacher with proficient accreditation after 3 years at Level 3. Minimum annual salary: $97,720. Hourly rate: $49.28.
Level 5: Teacher with Highly Accomplished or Lead Teacher accreditation. Minimum annual salary: $105,076. Hourly rate: $52.99.

These are minimum rates. Many schools and employers pay above the award, especially in private or independent schools. Enterprise agreements can also set higher rates. The award is the floor, not the ceiling.

Separating the Legal Minimum from Other Figures

It is important to distinguish between the legal minimum (award rate), a survey average, and a negotiated salary. The award rate is the minimum an employer must pay a teacher covered by this award. Survey averages, such as those published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), reflect what teachers actually earn on average, which is often higher. The ABS May 2026 data shows full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $2,083.70 per week across all industries, but that is not specific to high school teachers. This guide focuses on the award minimum because it is the enforceable standard. If you are negotiating a salary, the award rate is your safety net.

How to Check If the Award Applies to You

The Educational Services (Teachers) Award covers employers in the school education industry and their employees who are teachers as defined in the award. It excludes employees covered by a state public sector award or an enterprise instrument. Most private and independent schools are covered by this federal award. Public school teachers in some states may be covered by state awards. You can check your coverage by reading the award's coverage clause or using the Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay and Conditions Tool. For more guidance, see our Rate tables page.

Superannuation Is Paid on Top

When discussing a high school teacher salary, remember that superannuation is an employer contribution on top of your base pay. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of ordinary time earnings. For a Level 1 teacher on $75,941, that means an extra $9,112.92 per year paid into your super fund. This is not part of your take-home pay but is a compulsory benefit.

Comparing the Award Rate to the National Minimum Wage

The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week for a full-time adult employee. The award rates for teachers are significantly higher. For example, a Level 1 teacher earns $38.30 per hour, which is 45% above the national minimum. This reflects the professional qualifications and responsibilities of teaching. However, if you are award-free (not covered by any award or agreement), the national minimum wage would apply. Most teachers are covered by an award or agreement, so the award rate is the relevant floor.

What If You Are Paid Less?

If you believe you are being paid less than the award minimum for your classification, you should first check your classification and hours. Part-time and casual teachers are paid pro-rata or at a casual loading. Casual teachers engaged for less than five consecutive days cannot be paid above Level 3 rates. If you are underpaid, you can contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for help. Your employer cannot pay below the award unless an enterprise agreement allows a different arrangement, and even then, the agreement must pass the better-off-overall test.

For more details on how minimum wages are set and calculated, visit our How the figures work page.

Summary

The minimum high school teacher salary under the Educational Services (Teachers) Award 2020 ranges from $75,941 for a graduate to $105,076 for a lead teacher. These rates are updated annually and are the legal minimum. Actual salaries may be higher depending on the school, location, and experience. Always check your award coverage and classification to ensure you are receiving at least the minimum.