Kindergarten Teacher Salary: Award Minimum Rates Under the Educational Services (Teachers) Award

Understanding the Kindergarten Teacher Salary Under the Award

When researching the kindergarten teacher salary, the first step is to identify the correct pay floor. Most kindergarten teachers in Australia are covered by the Educational Services (Teachers) Award 2020 (MA000077). This award sets minimum rates for teachers in preschools, schools, and children’s services. The Fair Work Commission determines these rates, and the Fair Work Ombudsman provides guidance and enforcement.

Legal Minimum vs Award Rate vs Survey Average

It is important to separate the legal minimum from other figures. The national minimum wage ($26.44 per hour from 1 July 2026) applies only to employees not covered by an award or agreement. For kindergarten teachers, the award provides a higher floor. The award minimum for a graduate teacher (Level 1) is $38.30 per hour or $1,455.40 per week (annualised to $75,941). This is the legal minimum you must receive unless an enterprise agreement or individual contract offers more. Survey averages from the ABS or industry groups reflect typical earnings, not minimums. The ABS May 2026 data shows full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $2,083.70 per week, but that includes all occupations and experience levels.

Award Classification Levels

The award classifies teachers into five levels based on accreditation and experience:

• Level 1: Graduate teacher or those with provisional/conditional registration – $1,455.40/week ($38.30/h)
• Level 2: Proficient accreditation – $1,590.70/week ($41.86/h)
• Level 3: After 3 years at Level 2 – $1,731.70/week ($45.57/h)
• Level 4: After 3 years at Level 3 – $1,872.70/week ($49.28/h)
• Level 5: Highly Accomplished/Lead Teacher – $2,013.70/week ($52.99/h)

For kindergarten teachers in long day care centres, the rates are slightly higher (e.g., Level 1 annual $78,979). These rates are effective from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026.

Superannuation Is Extra

All minimum rates quoted are before super. Employers must pay superannuation guarantee of 12% on top of ordinary time earnings. For a Level 1 teacher earning $75,941 per year, the employer adds $9,112.92 in super. This is not deducted from your salary.

Casual and Part-Time Rates

Casual kindergarten teachers receive a loading. For a casual engaged for less than five consecutive days, the rate is capped at Level 3. The casual full-day rate for Level 1 is $378.40 (including loading). Part-time teachers are paid pro-rata based on the full-time weekly rate.

How to Check Your Pay

If you are unsure which classification applies, refer to the award or use the Fair Work Ombudsman’s Pay and Conditions Tool. Your employer may also be covered by an enterprise agreement that sets higher rates. Always compare your pay against the award minimum. For more details, see our Which minimum wage applies guide or the Rate tables for other occupations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum kindergarten teacher salary under the award?

Under the Educational Services (Teachers) Award 2020, the minimum weekly rate for a full-time kindergarten teacher at Level 1 (graduate or provisional registration) is $1,455.40, equivalent to $38.30 per hour. This applies from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026. Teachers with proficient accreditation (Level 2) receive at least $1,590.70 per week ($41.86/h). These rates are before super.

Does the national minimum wage apply to kindergarten teachers?

The national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour is a backstop for award-free employees, but most kindergarten teachers are covered by the Educational Services (Teachers) Award, which sets a higher minimum. The award rate for a Level 1 teacher ($38.30/h) is well above the national minimum. Always check the award or any enterprise agreement that may apply.

Can a kindergarten teacher be paid less than the award rate?

No. The award sets the legal minimum. An enterprise agreement or individual contract can only pay more, not less. Casual teachers engaged for less than five consecutive days are capped at Level 3 rates. Junior employees, apprentices, and supported wages have different rules, but most qualified teachers are adults and entitled to the full award rate.

For the published floors, see the rate tables and how the figures work.