Understanding the primary teacher salary in Australia: award rates, state pay scales, and what you take home

How primary teacher pay is set

Your primary teacher salary is not a single national figure. Pay is determined by the award or enterprise agreement that covers your employer. The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes minimum rates under the Educational Services (Teachers) Award 2020, which applies to many non-government schools and early childhood services. State government schools have their own agreements, often with higher pay scales.

Award rates for teachers in preschools and schools

Under the Fair Work award, full-time teachers are classified from Level 1 to Level 5. As of July 2026, the weekly rates are:

• Level 1: $1,455.40 ($38.30 per hour)
• Level 2: $1,590.70 ($41.86 per hour)
• Level 3: $1,731.70 ($45.57 per hour)
• Level 4: $1,872.70 ($49.28 per hour)
• Level 5: $2,013.70 ($52.99 per hour)

These rates apply to teachers in preschools and schools. For long day care centres, the award provides slightly higher rates. Casual teachers receive a full-day rate that includes a loading, but casuals engaged for less than five consecutive days cannot be paid above Level 3.

State government teacher salaries

Many state education departments have their own pay agreements. For example, the South Australian Department for Education publishes a detailed pay scale for school teachers. In 2026, a classroom teacher in SA earns between $84,971 (Tier 1) and $123,236 (Tier 9) per annum. Contract teachers and temporary relieving teachers receive additional loadings. Highly Accomplished Teachers can earn $133,736 per year.

Other states have similar banded structures. A primary teacher salary in a government school typically starts around $75,000 to $85,000 and progresses with experience and performance.

How your primary teacher salary compares to national benchmarks

To give context, the national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week ($52,255 per year). A primary teacher at the lowest award level earns $38.30 per hour – 45% above the minimum. The ABS reports that full-time adult ordinary time earnings (excluding overtime and employer super) are $2,083.70 per week ($108,352 per year). A teacher at Level 5 of the award ($2,013.70 per week) is close to that average, while many state school teachers exceed it.

Estimating your take-home pay

Your after-tax income depends on your total taxable income, including allowances and any second job. For the 2026-27 tax year, the tax rates are:

• $0 – $18,200: Nil
• $18,201 – $45,000: 15c per $1 over $18,200
• $45,001 – $135,000: $4,020 plus 30c per $1 over $45,000
• $135,001 – $190,000: $31,020 plus 37c per $1 over $135,000
• Over $190,000: $51,370 plus 45c per $1 over $190,000

The Low Income Tax Offset (LITO) can reduce tax by up to $700 for incomes under $37,500, phasing out by $66,667. The Medicare levy is 2% of taxable income, with a shading threshold for low earners. The latest single-person Medicare thresholds are $28,011 and $35,013 – full-time teachers will pay the full 2%.

For example, a primary teacher earning $90,000 per year would pay approximately $19,467 in income tax (after LITO phase-out) plus $1,800 Medicare levy, leaving about $68,733 take-home pay. That is roughly $2,644 per fortnight. Use our Take-home pay calculator for your exact situation.

Superannuation

Employers must pay superannuation at 12% of ordinary time earnings from 1 July 2026, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830. If your salary is quoted as “plus super”, the super is paid on top and does not reduce your take-home pay. If quoted as “including super”, the super component is deducted from the total package.

Allowances and additional pay

Teachers may receive allowances for leadership roles, directing a centre, or working in remote areas. The Fair Work award includes director allowances of $8,733 to $13,138 per year (full-time) and leadership allowances up to $6,075 per year. State agreements often have similar allowances for coordinating roles, special education, or performing arts.

Tax deductions for teachers

The Australian Taxation Office provides guidance on work-related deductions for teachers. Common claims include:

• Classroom supplies and teaching aids
• Professional development courses and conferences
• Travel between schools (but not home to work)
• Home office expenses if you work from home
• Union fees and teaching registration costs

Keep all receipts and a logbook for travel. The ATO’s occupation guide for teachers is a useful resource.

Summary

A primary teacher salary in Australia varies widely but generally offers above-minimum-wage pay with clear progression. Award rates start around $75,000, while state government teachers can earn over $120,000. After tax and Medicare, a typical teacher takes home roughly 75-80% of their gross salary. For a personalised estimate, check our Take-home pay tool and review the Tax and Medicare guide.