What is the minimum teacher salary in Victoria for a graduate?

Under the Educational Services (Teachers) Award 2020, a Level 1 graduate teacher in a preschool or school must be paid at least $75,941 per year, which works out to $1,455.40 per week or $38.30 per hour (based on 38 ordinary hours). This rate applies to teachers with provisional or conditional accreditation. For long day care centres, the minimum is slightly higher at $78,979 per year. All rates are before tax and exclude superannuation.

Does the teacher award apply to all Victorian schools?

The Educational Services (Teachers) Award covers most teachers in Victoria who are national system employees. This includes teachers in private schools, early childhood services, and long day care centres. However, teachers employed by the Victorian government (state public sector) may be covered by a separate state award or enterprise agreement. If you work in a Victorian government school, check your employment contract or agreement, as it may set a higher rate than the national award.

How does superannuation affect my teacher salary?

Superannuation is paid on top of your ordinary time earnings. Under the Superannuation Guarantee, your employer must contribute 12% of your ordinary time earnings into a super fund. For a graduate teacher on the award minimum of $75,941, that means an extra $9,112.92 per year in super contributions. This is not deducted from your salary; it is an additional payment from the employer.

Teacher Salary Victoria: How the Award Sets Your Minimum Pay

The legal minimum for a graduate teacher in Victoria under the national award is $75,941 per year ($38.30 per hour), plus 12% super.

Understanding the teacher salary Victoria minimum

If you are a teacher in Victoria or considering the profession, knowing the legal minimum pay floor is essential. The term "teacher salary Victoria" often brings up a mix of advertised salaries, enterprise agreements, and award rates. This guide focuses on the minimum you must be paid under the national system, using the Educational Services (Teachers) Award 2020 as the benchmark. The award is set by the Fair Work Commission and enforced by the Fair Work Ombudsman. It applies to teachers in preschools, schools, and long day care centres across Australia, including Victoria.

The Educational Services (Teachers) Award

The award classifies teachers into five levels based on accreditation and experience. The minimum rates for full-time employees in preschools and schools, effective from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026, are:

Level 1 (graduate): $75,941 per year ($1,455.40 per week)
Level 2 (proficient): $83,004 per year ($1,590.70 per week)
Level 3 (proficient after 3 years at Level 2): $90,362 per year ($1,731.70 per week)
Level 4 (proficient after 3 years at Level 3): $97,720 per year ($1,872.70 per week)
Level 5 (Highly Accomplished/Lead Teacher): $105,076 per year ($2,013.70 per week)

For teachers in long day care centres, the rates are 4% higher because they are not covered by the ordinary hours provisions. For example, a Level 1 teacher in a long day care centre earns $78,979 per year.

These rates are the legal minimum. Your employer can pay more under an enterprise agreement or individual contract, but never less. If you are a part-time or casual teacher, your pay is calculated pro-rata based on these full-time rates, with casuals receiving a loading (typically 25% for engagements of five or more consecutive days).

How the award rates compare to the national minimum

The national minimum wage for an adult employee not covered by an award is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week from 1 July 2026. However, the teacher award sets a much higher floor. A graduate teacher's hourly rate of $38.30 is about 45% above the national minimum. This reflects the qualification and responsibility required for teaching. Even the introductory rate for award-covered employees (first six months) is $25.74 per hour, but teachers are classified at Level 1 from the start, so the introductory rate does not apply to them.

If you are comparing a job offer or current pay, check your classification level against the award table. If your hourly rate falls below the award minimum for your level, you may be underpaid. The Fair Work Ombudsman can help recover unpaid wages.

What about super?

Superannuation is an employer payment on top of your salary. The Superannuation Guarantee requires your employer to contribute 12% of your ordinary time earnings into a nominated super fund. For a graduate teacher on $75,941, that is an extra $9,112.92 per year. This is not part of your take-home pay but builds your retirement savings. Always consider total remuneration including super when evaluating a salary.

How to check your rate

To do a practical check, take your hourly rate (or calculate it from your annual salary divided by 52.18 weeks and then by 38 hours). Compare it to the award rate for your classification. If you are unsure of your classification, refer to the criteria in the award: Level 1 for graduates with provisional accreditation, Level 2 for proficient accreditation, etc. Remember that enterprise agreements can set higher rates, but they cannot undercut the award.

For more context on how minimum wages work across different industries, see Which minimum wage applies and Rate tables on this site.

Important notes

The award rates above are for full-time employees working 38 ordinary hours per week. Part-time employees are paid pro-rata.
Casual teachers engaged for less than five consecutive days are paid at a maximum of Level 3 rate, but not exceeding Level 3.
State public sector teachers in Victoria (e.g., Victorian government schools) may be covered by a different instrument. Check your employment contract or union for your specific agreement.
The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage and modern awards. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides guidance and enforces compliance.

If you are an employer, ensure you pay at least the award rate. If you are a teacher, know your rights. The award is a reliable starting point for understanding teacher salary Victoria.

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