How to Compare an Education Support Salary Job Offer Using Take-Home Pay

Understanding Education Support Salary Rates

When you receive a job offer in the education support sector, the advertised figure is only part of the picture. What matters most is the amount that lands in your bank account after tax, the Medicare levy, and any salary packaging. This guide helps you compare offers using the education support salary rates set by the Fair Work Commission and real-world earnings data.

Award Minimums vs Market Rates

The Education Support Award (MA000076) covers school support staff such as teacher aides, laboratory assistants, clerical workers, and grounds staff. Minimum hourly rates range from $26.44 for a Level 1.1 cleaner or kitchen assistant to $46.64 for a Level 8 senior administrator or nurse. These rates are updated each July after the Annual Wage Review. For the full classification table, see .

However, many employers pay above the award. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the median hourly earnings for education aides in May 2025 were $37, and median full-time weekly earnings were $1,342. This means half of full-time education aides earn more than that. The data from shows that only 31% of education aides work full-time, so part-time and casual roles are common.

Calculating Your Take-Home Pay

To compare offers, convert the annual salary to a fortnightly take-home amount. Use the 2026–27 tax rates:

• Tax-free threshold: $0 – $18,200
• 15% bracket: $18,201 – $45,000
• 30% bracket: $45,001 – $135,000
• 37% bracket: $135,001 – $190,000
• 45% bracket: over $190,000

Plus the Medicare levy of 2% on taxable income above $35,013 (single). If your income is between $28,011 and $35,013, you pay a reduced rate of 10c per $1 over the lower threshold.

Example: A full-time Level 1.1 role paying the minimum wage of $26.44 per hour gives an annual salary of $52,255 (38 hours × 52 weeks). Tax on this is approximately $6,197, Medicare is $1,045, and the Low Income Tax Offset reduces tax by $216. Your estimated take-home is about $45,229 per year, or $1,740 per fortnight.

For a Level 8 role at $46.64 per hour, the annual salary is $90,665. Tax is about $17,420, Medicare $1,813, and LITO is nil. Take-home is roughly $71,432 per year, or $2,747 per fortnight.

Use our Take-home pay tool to run your own numbers. Remember, this is an estimate only and does not include HELP/HECS repayments, the Medicare levy surcharge, or salary sacrifice.

Comparing Job Offers

When comparing two education support salary offers, look beyond the headline figure:

1. Base salary vs total package: Some ads quote a base salary plus super (12% from 1 July 2026). Others include super in the figure. Always check which is which.
2. Hours and employment type: Full-time, part-time, and casual have different penalty rates and leave entitlements. Casual loading is 25% but you lose paid leave.
3. Location and allowances: Some roles attract shift loadings (afternoon/night 15%, permanent night 30%) or allowances for higher duties.
4. Salary packaging: Schools may offer salary packaging for items like laptops or cars, which can reduce your taxable income.

For a deeper dive into packaging, see Salary packaging.

Superannuation and Your Future

Your employer must pay super on top of your ordinary time earnings. The super guarantee rate is 12% from 1 July 2026, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830. This is not deducted from your take-home pay; it's an extra contribution to your retirement savings. When comparing offers, a role with a slightly lower base salary but higher super contributions may be better in the long run. Learn more on our Super page.

Using the Award to Your Advantage

The Education Support Award also sets penalty rates for weekends and public holidays. Saturday work attracts 150% (or 125% for some catering staff), Sunday 200% (or 175% for catering), and public holidays 250%. Shift workers get 115% for afternoon/night shifts and 130% for permanent night shifts. These can significantly boost your take-home pay if you work non-standard hours.

Final Thoughts

Your take-home pay is the real measure of a job offer. By understanding the award rates, tax brackets, and super, you can make an informed decision. Use our Clearance tool to see how much you'd actually receive, and check the Minimum wage page for the latest national rates.

Remember, the figures here are based on publicly available data from Fair Work, the ATO, and the ABS. Always verify with your employer and the Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay Calculator for your specific situation.