What is the minimum salary for a teacher under the award?

The minimum annual salary for a full-time teacher under the Educational Services (Teachers) Award 2020 is $75,941 for a Level 1 graduate teacher (preschools and schools). Higher classifications apply: Level 2 ($83,004), Level 3 ($90,362), Level 4 ($97,720), and Level 5 ($105,076 for Highly Accomplished/Lead Teacher). These rates are from 1 July 2026 and include the 4.75% annual wage review increase.

How does the teachers award rate compare to the national minimum wage?

The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week. The lowest teacher award rate (Level 1) is $38.30 per hour, well above the national minimum. Teachers covered by the award are entitled to the award rate, which is higher than the national minimum. The national minimum only applies to award-free employees.

Are there higher pay rates for experienced teachers?

Yes. The award provides five classification levels based on accreditation and experience. A teacher with proficient accreditation (Level 2) earns at least $83,004 per year. After three years at Level 2, they move to Level 3 ($90,362). Level 4 requires a further three years ($97,720). Level 5 is for teachers with Highly Accomplished or Lead Teacher accreditation ($105,076). Enterprise agreements or individual arrangements may set higher rates.

Teachers salary award rates 2026: minimum pay for teachers under the Educational Services Award

The minimum salary for a graduate teacher (Level 1) under the Educational Services (Teachers) Award is $75,941 per year, with higher rates for proficient and lead teachers.

Understanding the teachers salary award minimum

When researching a teachers salary in Australia, the first figure to check is the minimum rate set by the Educational Services (Teachers) Award 2020 (MA000077). This award covers most teachers in schools, preschools, long day care centres, and children’s services. The Fair Work Commission reviews award wages each year, and from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026, the rates rose by 4.75%.

Award classification levels

The award groups teachers into five levels based on accreditation and experience:

Level 1: Graduate teacher or those with provisional/conditional registration – minimum $75,941 per year ($38.30 per hour)
Level 2: Teacher with proficient accreditation – $83,004 per year ($41.86 per hour)
Level 3: Proficient teacher after three years at Level 2 – $90,362 per year ($45.57 per hour)
Level 4: Proficient teacher after three years at Level 3 – $97,720 per year ($49.28 per hour)
Level 5: Highly Accomplished or Lead Teacher accreditation – $105,076 per year ($52.99 per hour)

These rates apply to full-time employees working an average of 38 ordinary hours per week. Part-time teachers are paid pro-rata at the same hourly rate. The weekly rates are derived by dividing the annual salary by 52.18, as per clause 17.3 of the award.

How the award rate relates to the national minimum wage

The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week. However, the award sets a higher floor for teachers. Even the lowest award classification (Level 1) pays $38.30 per hour, which is 45% above the national minimum. The national minimum wage only applies to employees not covered by any award or registered agreement. If you are covered by the Educational Services Award, your minimum pay is the award rate, not the national minimum.

Superannuation is on top

Employers must pay superannuation guarantee contributions on top of the salary. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee rate is 12% of ordinary time earnings. So for a Level 1 teacher on $75,941, the employer must contribute an additional $9,112.92 per year to a complying super fund. This is not deducted from the salary; it is an extra payment.

Casual and part-time arrangements

Casual teachers engaged for less than five consecutive days are paid a casual rate that cannot exceed Level 3. The casual hourly rate includes a loading (typically 25%) in lieu of paid leave. The pay guide from the Fair Work Ombudsman shows casual day rates: for Level 1, a full day (up to 7.6 hours) is $363.85, and a half day is $181.93. Part-time teachers receive the same hourly rate as full-time teachers, paid for the hours worked.

Enterprise agreements and individual contracts

The award is a safety net. Many teachers are employed under enterprise agreements that provide higher salaries, better conditions, or additional allowances. If an enterprise agreement applies, the rates in that agreement override the award, provided the agreement passes the better off overall test. Always check your employment contract or agreement first. The award minimum is the legal floor; you cannot be paid less.

Where to find official rates

The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes a pay guide summary for the Educational Services (Teachers) Award. You can also use the Pay and Conditions Tool on the Fair Work Ombudsman website to calculate your exact entitlements. For the full award text, including allowances and penalty rates, refer to the Fair Work Commission’s award database.

Other considerations

State system employees: Some teachers in state government schools or certain Western Australian employers may be covered by state awards. Those awards may have different rates.
Apprentices and trainees: Not applicable to qualified teachers, but if you are a trainee teacher under a different arrangement, the Miscellaneous Award may apply.
Junior rates: The award does not have junior rates for teachers; all teachers are paid adult rates regardless of age.

For a broader overview of how minimum wages work in Australia, see our Which minimum wage applies guide. You can also browse Rate tables for other occupations.

Summary

The minimum teachers salary under the federal award is $75,941 per year for a graduate teacher, rising to over $105,000 for a lead teacher. These rates are significantly above the national minimum wage and are adjusted annually. Superannuation of 12% is paid on top. Always confirm whether an enterprise agreement applies to your workplace, as it may offer higher pay.

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