Primary school teacher salary: what you take home after tax and Medicare
The minimum annual salary for a primary school teacher under the Educational Services (Teachers) Award is $75,941 for a graduate (Level 1) and $83,004 for a proficient teacher (Level 2), with higher rates for experienced teachers.
Primary school teacher salary under the Fair Work
Fair Work's Educational Services (Teachers) Award sets minimum pay for teachers in preschools and schools. For a primary school teacher, the award classifies you at Level 1 graduate teacher or Level 2 proficient teacher. The minimum weekly rate is $1,455.40 ($38.30 per hour). The annual salary is $75,941 for Level 1 and $83,004 for Level 2. These are the minimum rates from 1 July 2026. [Take-home pay](/topics/take-home] you need to know how tax brackets and the Medicare levy change your fortnight.
How tax brackets and Medicare levy affect your fortnightly pay
Your salary is $75,941 you fall into the 2026–27 tax brackets: $4,020 plus 30c per $1 over $45,000. The Medicare levy is 2% of your taxable income. After tax of $4,020 and Medicare of $1,518. The annual take-home is $60,753. Per fortnight you receive $2,337 per fortnight. This estimate excludes super and salary packaging.
Super is not deducted from your take-home
Your employer contributes 12% super on top of your base salary. Your salary is quoted as 'plus super', the super is not from your pay. The super rate is 12% from 1 July 2026. Your take-home is based on the base salary only.
Medicare levy thresholds for singles
The latest ATO single-person thresholds are $28,011 and $35,013. Full-time primary school teacher salary exceeds $35,013, so you pay the full 2% Medicare levy. The shading applies only if your income is between those thresholds.
Fortnightly pay example for a Level 1 teacher
For a graduate teacher earning $75,941: fortnightly gross is $2,921.58 ($75,941 ÷ 26). Tax on that fortnight is about $584. Medicare levy is $58.43. Net take-home is $2,279.15. This is an estimate; actual pay may vary due to rounding and allowances.
Primary school teacher salary variations
Actual salaries may be higher than the award minimum. Many teachers are paid above the award. The ABS average weekly earnings for full-time adults is $2,083.70 per week ($108,352 annually). Primary school teacher salary can vary by state, sector, and experience.
Summary
Your primary school teacher salary under the award is at least $75,941 for a graduate. After tax and Medicare, your take-home is about $60,753 per year. Super is additional. Use the Clearance tool to estimate your own take-home pay.
Questions
What is the take-home pay for a primary school teacher on the minimum salary?
For a Level 1 teacher earning $75,941, after income tax and the 2% Medicare levy, your annual take-home is approximately $60,753, or about $2,337 per fortnight. This excludes super, which is paid on top.
How does super affect my pay?
Super is not deducted from your salary if your contract states 'plus super'. The employer contributes an additional 12% on top of your base salary. Your take-home is based on the base salary only.
Do I pay the Medicare levy on the full salary?
Yes, if you are single and earn above $35,013, you pay the full 2% Medicare levy. The thresholds are $28,011 and $35,013 for the shading, but full-time teacher salaries exceed that.