School counsellor salary: award minimums and market rates explained

School counsellor salary: award minimums and market rates

When researching a school counsellor salary, it's important to distinguish between the legal minimum under the relevant award and broader market averages. This guide explains the pay floor set by the Educational Services (Schools) General Staff Award 2020 and how it compares with national data.

Legal minimum under the award

School counsellors are covered by the Educational Services (Schools) General Staff Award 2020 under the classification of "wellbeing services" – employees whose principal duties support the health and wellbeing of students and staff. The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes the award rates, which from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026 are as follows:

• Level 7.1: $40.25 per hour, $1,529.50 per week
• Level 7.2: $41.54 per hour, $1,578.60 per week
• Level 7.3: $42.83 per hour, $1,627.40 per week
• Level 8: $46.64 per hour, $1,772.30 per week

Movement to the next pay point occurs after each 12-month period following a performance review. The award also provides for junior rates (for employees under 21) and apprentice rates, but most school counsellors are adult employees. An enterprise agreement can set a higher rate than the award.

Survey averages and market rates

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reports median weekly earnings for counsellors (all types) at $1,477 per week for full-time non-managerial employees, with median hourly earnings of $39. This figure is for the broader occupation group (ANZSCO 2721) and includes careers counsellors, drug and alcohol counsellors, and others. For school counsellors specifically, the award minimum of $40.25 per hour is slightly above that median, suggesting many school counsellors are paid at or above the award rate.

How the award rate compares with the national minimum

The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week). However, because school counsellors are covered by a modern award, the award rate is the legal minimum. The award rate is significantly higher – about 52% above the national minimum – reflecting the specialised qualifications and responsibilities of the role.

Tax and super considerations

All rates quoted are before tax. For the 2026-27 tax year, an employee earning the award minimum of $1,529.50 per week would have an annual salary of about $79,534. After the tax-free threshold and Medicare levy (estimated at 2% once annual income exceeds $30,000), the weekly take-home pay would be lower. The superannuation guarantee of 12% is paid by the employer on top of ordinary time earnings, so the total employment cost is higher than the base salary.

For more detailed rate tables, see our Rate tables page. To understand how we calculate these figures, see How the figures work.

Key takeaways

• The legal minimum for a school counsellor under the award is at least $40.25 per hour (Level 7.1).
• The ABS median for all counsellors is $39 per hour, but this is a survey average, not a legal minimum.
• Superannuation of 12% is paid on top of the base salary.
• An enterprise agreement or individual contract can provide a higher rate than the award.