Teacher salary WA: Award rates and the national minimum compared

Teacher salary WA: award rates and the national minimum

When you search for teacher salary WA, the first figure you will find is the award rate from the Fair Work Ombudsman. The Educational Services (Teachers) Award 2020 sets the minimum for teachers in preschools and schools. The minimum weekly rate for a full-time teacher at Level 1 is $1,455.40 per week, which equals $38.30 per hour. This is the legal minimum for a graduate teacher covered by the award.

How the award rate works

The award applies to teachers in school education and children's services. The classification determines the pay. Level 1 is for graduate teachers. A teacher with proficient accreditation gets Level 2, which is $1,590.70 per week ($41.86 per hour. For long day care centres, the rates are 4% higher. The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum of $26.44 per hour, but the award rate is higher. The award rate is the minimum; enterprise agreements can set higher.

WA public teacher salary is higher

The Department of Education WA pays its teachers at a negotiated salary. Starting salary for a qualified teacher is $88,178 per year (Level 2.1) as of December 2025. That is above the award. The award is a floor. The $26.44 per hour is the national minimum for award-free employees. If you are a teacher not covered by any award or agreement, you must get at least the award rate if it applies. Check Rate tables for more.

Superannuation is on top

Employers must pay 12% super on ordinary earnings. For a teacher on the award, the $1,455.40 per week, the employer adds $174.65 in super.

What if you are not covered by the award?

If you are a teacher in a state system? Some WA employees are covered by state awards. The national system covers most private sector. The award applies to national system employers. If you are award-free, the national minimum of $26.44 per hour applies. See Guides for more.

The award rates from 1 July 2026

The Fair Work Ombudsman published a pay guide from 24 June 2026. The rates apply from first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026. The award includes Level 1 to Level 5. Level 5 for lead teacher is $2,013.70 per week ($52.99 per hour).

Chart explanation

The chart shows the award minimum for Level 1 teacher at $38.30 per hour. The national minimum is $26.44 per hour. The award is above the national minimum. Many teachers earn more.

Frequently asked questions

Three FAQs are provided above.

Conclusion

When you search teacher salary WA, know that the award rate is a minimum. The WA public school salary is higher. Check your award or agreement. The national minimum applies if no award covers you.