What is the minimum teacher salary in Australia?

The minimum teacher salary depends on the classification under the Educational Services (Teachers) Award 2020. For a graduate teacher (Level 1) in a preschool or school, the minimum annual salary is $75,941, or $38.30 per hour. Higher levels apply for teachers with proficient or lead accreditation. These rates are the legal minimum under the award; your employer may pay more under an enterprise agreement or individual contract.

Do teachers get superannuation on top of their salary?

Yes. The superannuation guarantee requires employers to pay an additional 12% of ordinary time earnings into a super fund. For a teacher earning the award minimum of $75,941, the employer must contribute at least $9,112.92 per year in super. This is on top of the salary, not deducted from it.

Can a teacher be paid less than the award rate?

No, the award rate is the legal minimum for teachers covered by the Educational Services (Teachers) Award. However, some teachers may be covered by a registered enterprise agreement that sets different rates, which must still be at least as favourable overall. If no award or agreement applies, the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour (as of 1 July 2026) would be the floor, but most teachers are covered by the award.

Teacher Salary in Australia: Award Rates and the Legal Minimum

The minimum teacher salary under the Educational Services (Teachers) Award 2020 is $38.30 per hour for a Level 1 graduate teacher, or $75,941 per year, plus 12% superannuation.

Understanding the teacher salary minimum

When you search for "teacher salary" in Australia, the figure you see depends on whether it's the legal minimum, an award rate, a survey average, or a negotiated salary. This guide focuses on the pay floor that applies to most teachers: the minimum rates under the Educational Services (Teachers) Award 2020, set by the Fair Work Commission and enforced by the Fair Work Ombudsman.

The award minimum for graduate teachers

Under the award, a full-time teacher is classified by their accreditation level. A Level 1 teacher (graduate teacher with provisional or conditional registration) must be paid at least $38.30 per hour, or $75,941 per year (based on a 38‑hour week). This rate applies to preschools and schools. For long day care centres, the minimum is slightly higher: $78,979 per year.

Higher classifications attract higher minimums:

Level 2 (proficient accreditation): $83,004 per year ($41.86/h)
Level 3 (after 3 years at Level 2): $90,362 per year ($45.57/h)
Level 4: $97,720 per year ($49.28/h)
Level 5 (Highly Accomplished/Lead Teacher): $105,076 per year ($52.99/h)

These rates are from the Fair Work Ombudsman's pay guide for the award, effective from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026. All figures are before tax and do not include superannuation.

How the legal minimum compares

The national minimum wage (for employees not covered by any award or agreement) is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week from 1 July 2026. However, most teachers are covered by the award, so the award rates above are the relevant minimum. The award rate for a graduate teacher is about 45% higher than the national minimum wage.

If you are a casual teacher, the award provides a casual loading. For a Level 1 casual teacher engaged for less than five consecutive days, the full‑day rate is $363.85 (equivalent to $38.30/h plus loading). For five or more consecutive days, the hourly rate is the same as a permanent employee.

Superannuation is on top

Employers must pay 12% superannuation guarantee on top of ordinary time earnings. For a teacher on the Level 1 minimum of $75,941, the employer contributes an extra $9,112.92 per year. This is not deducted from your salary; it is an additional payment into your super fund.

Award vs enterprise agreement vs individual contract

The award sets the minimum conditions. Many teachers are covered by enterprise agreements negotiated between employers and unions, which can provide higher pay or better conditions. Individual contracts can also offer more, but cannot undercut the award. If you are unsure which applies, check your employment contract or ask your employer. The Fair Work Ombudsman's Which minimum wage applies tool can help you identify your correct award.

Practical check: your hourly rate

To see if your teacher salary meets the legal minimum, divide your annual salary by 52.18 (weeks) then by 38 (hours). For example:

$75,941 ÷ 52.18 ÷ 38 = $38.30 per hour (Level 1 minimum).
$83,004 ÷ 52.18 ÷ 38 = $41.86 per hour (Level 2 minimum).

If your hourly rate is below these figures, you may be underpaid. Contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for advice.

What about averages?

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reports average earnings, but these are not legal minimums. In May 2026, the ABS found full‑time adult ordinary‑time earnings were $2,083.70 per week (about $108,352 per year). Many experienced teachers earn above the award minimum, but the award remains the floor.

For more detailed rate tables, see our Rate tables page.

Key takeaway

The legal minimum teacher salary under the award is $38.30 per hour for a graduate teacher. Always check your classification and any applicable enterprise agreement. Remember that super is an extra employer payment, not part of your salary.

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