Primary teacher salary NSW: award minimum rates and what they mean
The minimum weekly rate for a Level 1 primary teacher in NSW under the award is $1,455.40 ($38.30 per hour), with 12% super on top.
Understanding the primary teacher salary NSW minimum
If you are researching a primary teacher salary NSW, the first figure to know is the legal minimum set by the Educational Services (Teachers) Award 2020 (MA000077). This award covers teachers in the school education industry across Australia, including NSW. The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes a pay guide with the current rates, effective from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026.
Award minimum rates for primary teachers
Under the award, a primary teacher is classified by their accreditation level. For a graduate or provisionally accredited teacher (Level 1), the minimum weekly rate is $1,455.40, which equates to $38.30 per hour based on a 38‑hour week. A teacher with full proficient accreditation (Level 2) receives at least $1,590.70 per week ($41.86 per hour). These rates are before any superannuation.
| Classification | Weekly rate | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 (graduate) | $1,455.40 | $38.30 |
| Level 2 (proficient) | $1,590.70 | $41.86 |
Higher levels (3, 4, 5) apply after additional years of service and accreditation. The award also specifies rates for long day care centres, which are slightly higher.
How superannuation fits in
Superannuation is an employer payment on top of the base salary. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of ordinary time earnings. So for a Level 1 primary teacher, the employer must contribute an extra $174.65 per week to a super fund. The total remuneration package is therefore $1,630.05 per week (base plus super).
Legal minimum vs actual pay
The award rate is the floor, not the ceiling. Many NSW primary teachers are employed under enterprise agreements or individual contracts that pay above the award. For example, the NSW Department of Education has its own salary structure for public school teachers, which typically exceeds the award minimum. Private and independent schools also set their own rates, often higher. Always check your specific employment instrument.
Casual and part‑time rates
Casual primary teachers receive a loading of 25% on the hourly rate. However, if engaged for less than five consecutive days, the casual rate cannot exceed Level 3 of the award. Part‑time teachers are paid pro‑rata based on the full‑time weekly rate.
Comparing to the national minimum wage
The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week). The award minimum for a primary teacher is significantly higher, reflecting the professional qualifications required. The award rate is set by the Fair Work Commission and enforced by the Fair Work Ombudsman.
For more detail on how pay floors work, see our Which minimum wage applies guide. You can also browse Rate tables for other occupations.
What if I’m not covered by the award?
Most primary teachers in NSW are covered by the Educational Services (Teachers) Award 2020. However, some state public sector employees may be covered by a state award or determination. If you are award‑free and agreement‑free, the national minimum wage applies, but this is rare for qualified teachers.
Key takeaway
The primary teacher salary NSW minimum under the award is $1,455.40 per week for a Level 1 teacher. Super is extra. Actual salaries can be higher depending on your employer and agreement. Always verify your classification and check your pay against the award using the Fair Work Ombudsman’s tools.
For the published floors, see the rate tables and how the figures work.
Questions people ask next
Does the primary teacher salary in NSW include superannuation?
No, the award rates shown are base pay. Employers must also pay superannuation guarantee contributions of 12% on top of ordinary time earnings, as set by the ATO. So the total remuneration package is higher than the base rate.
Can a primary teacher in NSW be paid less than the award rate?
No. The award sets the legal minimum. However, some employees may be covered by an enterprise agreement or individual contract that pays more. Casual teachers engaged for less than five consecutive days cannot be paid above Level 3 of the award. Always check your specific classification and agreement.
Where can I find the exact primary teacher salary for my school?
The award gives the minimum. Actual salaries depend on your level of accreditation, years of service, and any enterprise agreement. For NSW public schools, the Department of Education publishes salary scales. For private schools, check your contract or the school's enterprise agreement. The Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay and Conditions Tool can help you calculate your minimum entitlements.
Related guides
- Primary school teacher salary: award minimums and market rates
The legal minimum for a primary school teacher under the Educational Services (Teachers) Award is $75,941 per year (Level 1), while the median full-time earnings are $115,752 per year according to ABS data.
- Primary School Teacher Salary NSW: Which Pay Floor Applies?
Primary school teachers in NSW are covered by either the Educational Services Award (private schools) or the Crown Employees Award (public schools), with minimum hourly rates ranging from $38.30 to over $55 depending on level and sector.
- Primary school teacher salary Victoria: award rates and enterprise agreements explained
The minimum weekly salary for a Level 1 (graduate) primary school teacher in Victoria under the award is $1,455.40 ($75,941 annually), plus 12% super, but the Victorian Government Schools Agreement 2026 may set higher rates.
- Primary Teacher Salary: Award Minimums and Median Earnings in Australia 2026
The legal minimum primary teacher salary under the Educational Services (Teachers) Award 2020 ranges from $38.30 per hour (Level 1) to $52.99 per hour (Level 5), with a median full-time hourly rate of $60 according to the ABS.