Secondary school teacher salary: award rates, median earnings and your take-home pay

Secondary school teacher salary: what the award says

If you are a secondary school teacher in Australia, your minimum pay is set by the Educational Services (Teachers) Award 2020. Fair Work Ombudsman publishes the current rates, which apply from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026. For teachers in preschools and schools, 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 are the minimums. Your actual secondary school teacher salary may be higher, especially if you have experience, hold a leadership role, or work in a non-government school.

Median earnings from Jobs and Skills Australia

Jobs and Skills Australia reports that the median full-time weekly earnings for secondary school teachers (ANZSCO 2414) are $2,322. That works out to about $120,744 per year before tax. The median hourly rate is $64. This is significantly above the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour and also above the average full-time ordinary time earnings of $2,083.70 per week.

About 77% of secondary school teachers work full-time, and the average full-time hours are 45 per week. The female share is 58%, and the median age is 40.

Your take-home pay after tax and Medicare

To estimate how much reaches your bank account, you need to subtract income tax and the Medicare levy. For the 2026–27 tax year, the tax brackets are:

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

You may also be eligible for the Low Income Tax Offset (LITO), which can reduce tax by up to $700 for incomes below $37,500, phasing out by $66,667.

The Medicare levy is 2% of your taxable income, but if you earn below the single threshold of $28,011 you pay nothing, and between $28,011 and $35,013 you pay a reduced rate. Full-time teachers will almost always pay the full 2%.

For a teacher earning the median $120,744, the estimated tax is about $27,000 and Medicare about $2,415, leaving roughly $91,300 take-home. This is a guide only – your actual amount depends on deductions, HELP repayments, and other factors. Use our Take-home pay calculator for a personalised estimate.

Superannuation is on top

Your employer must pay super at 12% from 1 July 2026, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. This is not deducted from your salary; it is paid in addition. So your total remuneration package is higher than your base salary.

How the secondary school teacher salary compares to benchmarks

• National minimum wage: $26.44 per hour, $1,004.90 per week, $52,255 per year.
• All employees average weekly total earnings: $1,579.20 per week (includes part-time).
• Full-time adult ordinary time earnings: $2,083.70 per week.

The median secondary school teacher salary of $2,322 per week is about 11% above the full-time average. Even the award minimum at Level 5 ($2,013.70) is close to the average. This reflects the professional nature of teaching and the qualifications required.

For more on how salaries stack up, see our Benchmarks page.

Tax and Medicare considerations

The Australian Taxation Office provides guidance for teachers on work-related deductions. You can claim expenses such as classroom supplies, professional development, and travel between schools. Keeping good records helps reduce your taxable income and increase your take-home pay. See our Tax and Medicare guide for details.

Remember that the Medicare levy surcharge may apply if you do not have private hospital cover and your income exceeds $93,000 (single) or $186,000 (family). Most teachers on the median salary would be below the surcharge threshold for singles, but check your situation.

Summary

Your secondary school teacher salary will depend on your classification under the award, your experience, and your employer. The minimums are set by Fair Work, but the median earnings show many teachers earn well above award rates. After tax and Medicare, a teacher on the median can expect to take home around $91,000 per year, plus super. Use our Take-home pay tool to see your own estimate.