# Teacher Salary in Australia 2026 by State

> Compare teacher salaries across all Australian states and territories for 2026. Graduate pay, top-of-scale, leadership rates, and current enterprise agreements.

## How Much Do Teachers Earn in Australia in 2026?

Teacher pay in Australia varies significantly depending on which state or territory you work in, your experience level, and your accreditation status. A graduate teacher in the Northern Territory earns over $16,000 more per year than a graduate in Victoria — and the gap only widens with experience.

This page provides a **state-by-state breakdown** of current teacher salary scales for government school classroom teachers, including:

- **Graduate starting salaries** in every state and territory
- **Top-of-scale rates** for experienced classroom teachers
- **Leadership and senior teacher pay** where available
- **Recent enterprise agreements** and pay disputes
- Links to the **official government source** for every figure

All figures are gross annual salaries in AUD for full-time classroom teachers in government schools. Catholic and independent school salaries are typically benchmarked against government rates but may differ. Superannuation is in addition to the figures shown unless noted otherwise.

> **Note:** Salary figures on this page are current as of February 2026. Enterprise agreements are regularly renegotiated — always check the official source linked in each section for the latest rates.

## Quick Comparison: Graduate and Top-of-Scale Salaries

The table below ranks every state and territory by graduate starting salary. "Top of scale" is the highest salary a standard classroom teacher can reach without moving into a formal leadership or accreditation pathway.

| Rank | State/Territory | Graduate Salary | Top of Classroom Scale | Official Source |
|------|----------------|-----------------|----------------------|-----------------|
| 1 | **NT** | $96,180 | $136,997 | [Teach in the Territory](https://teachintheterritory.nt.gov.au/pay-and-benefits) |
| 2 | **NSW** | $92,882 (from Oct 2026) | $133,422 (from Oct 2026) | [Teach NSW](https://education.nsw.gov.au/teach-nsw/explore-teaching/salary-of-a-teacher) |
| 3 | **ACT** | $91,396 | $129,107 (T1.11) | [ACT Education](https://www.act.gov.au/work-with-act-government/careers-in-education/pay-and-benefits) |
| 4 | **WA** | $88,178 | $127,737 (Level 2.9) | [WA Education](https://www.education.wa.edu.au/teacher-salaries) |
| 5 | **QLD** | $84,078 (pending new EA) | $111,610 (Band 3.4) | [Teach QLD](https://teach.qld.gov.au/teach-in-state-schools/pay-and-benefits) |
| 6 | **TAS** | $82,828 | $118,328 | [TAS Education](https://www.decyp.tas.gov.au/about-us/employment/teaching/salary-benefits-and-incentives/) |
| 7 | **SA** | $80,093 | $116,162 | [SA Education](https://www.education.sa.gov.au/working-us/careers-education/working-conditions/pay-rates-forms-new-employees-and-enterprise-agreements) |
| 8 | **VIC** | $79,589 | $118,063 | [VIC Education](https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/salary-rates/overview) |

### Key Takeaways

- The **Northern Territory** pays the highest graduate salary in Australia — over $16,000 more than Victoria.
- **NSW** has the second-highest graduate salary and the steepest progression, reaching $133,422 at the top of a simplified 7-step scale.
- **Victoria** has the lowest graduate salary and is currently in an active pay dispute, with the AEU seeking a 35% increase.
- **Western Australia** offers the highest ceiling for classroom teachers who pursue Level 3 certification ($147,077), but the standard top-of-scale is $127,737.

> **Tip:** Salary is only part of the picture. Consider cost of living, superannuation rates (the ACT contributes 12.5%), remote allowances, housing subsidies, and leave entitlements when comparing across states.

## NSW Teacher Salary

**Enterprise Agreement:** Crown Employees (Teachers in Schools and Related Employees) Award 2024 — a three-year deal with 3% annual increases, effective each October.

NSW simplified its pay structure in 2024, replacing the old Band 1/Band 2/Band 3 system with a single **7-step classroom teacher scale**.

### Classroom Teacher Scale (from 9 October 2025)

| Step | Annual Salary |
|------|--------------|
| Step 1 (Graduate) | $90,177 |
| Step 2 | $96,980 |
| Step 3 (Proficient entry) | $101,122 |
| Step 4 | $105,263 |
| Step 5 | $112,594 |
| Step 6 | $121,064 |
| Step 7 (Top of scale) | $129,536 |
| Highly Accomplished / Lead Teacher | $137,861 |

### From 9 October 2026 (next scheduled increase)

| Step | Annual Salary |
|------|--------------|
| Step 1 (Graduate) | $92,882 |
| Step 7 (Top of scale) | $133,422 |
| HAT / Lead Teacher | $141,997 |

### Leadership Salaries (from October 2025)

| Role | Salary |
|------|--------|
| Assistant Principal / Head Teacher | $149,059 |
| Deputy Principal | $174,034 |
| Principal | $229,435 |

### Casual Teacher Rates

From October 2025, casual (relief) teachers earn **$453–$582 per day** depending on accreditation level. See our [relief teacher resources](/teacher-guides/relief-teacher-resources) page for more.

**Source:** [NSW Department of Education — Salary of a Teacher](https://education.nsw.gov.au/teach-nsw/explore-teaching/salary-of-a-teacher)

## VIC Teacher Salary

**Enterprise Agreement:** Victorian Government Schools Agreement 2022 (VGSA 2022) — delivers 1% pay rises every six months. The agreement is due to expire and is currently being renegotiated.

### Classroom Teacher Scale (from 1 July 2025)

| Classification | Annual Salary |
|---------------|--------------|
| Range 1, Level 1 (Graduate) | $79,589 |
| Range 2, Level 6 (Top of classroom scale) | $118,063 |
| Leading Teacher / Learning Specialist (Range 3) | Up to $129,544 |

### Leadership Salaries

| Role | Salary Range |
|------|-------------|
| Principal | $150,000–$200,000+ |

### 2026 Pay Dispute

Victoria has the **lowest teacher salaries** in Australia. The AEU Victoria has lodged a log of claims demanding a **35% pay increase** to close the gap with other states. A protected industrial action ballot opened in February 2026 and closes in March 2026.

An experienced Victorian classroom teacher currently earns approximately:
- **$15,000 less** than their NSW counterpart
- **$19,000 less** than their NT counterpart

**Source:** [VIC Department of Education — Salary Rates](https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/salary-rates/overview)

## QLD Teacher Salary

**Enterprise Agreement:** Department of Education State School Teachers' Certified Agreement 2022 (CA 2022). A replacement agreement is currently being negotiated — a ballot on the proposed new deal opens 26 February 2026 and closes 12 March 2026.

### Classroom Teacher Scale (from 1 July 2024 under CA 2022)

| Classification | Annual Salary |
|---------------|--------------|
| Band 2, Step 1 (Graduate, 4yr degree) | $84,078 |
| Band 2, Step 2 | $88,187 |
| Band 2, Step 3 | $92,372 |
| Band 2, Step 4 | $96,721 |
| Band 3, Step 1 | $100,707 |
| Band 3, Step 2 | $104,842 |
| Band 3, Step 3 | $109,025 |
| Band 3, Step 4 (Top of classroom scale) | $111,610 |

### Senior and Lead Teacher Rates

| Classification | Annual Salary |
|---------------|--------------|
| Senior Teacher (4yr trained) | $116,729 |
| Experienced Senior Teacher, Step 2 | $123,102 |
| Highly Accomplished Teacher | $130,770 |
| Lead Teacher | $142,766 |

### Proposed New Agreement

The Queensland Government has offered a deal that would bring classroom teacher pay to **$135,000** (plus super and incentives) by the end of the agreement. The QTU has challenged some of the Government's claims about the offer — check the [QTU website](https://www.qtu.asn.au/) for the latest updates.

### Casual Teacher Rates

Approximately **$482 per day** (from September 2024).

**Source:** [Teach QLD — Pay and Benefits](https://teach.qld.gov.au/teach-in-state-schools/pay-and-benefits) | [QTU — Salaries under CA 2022](https://www.qtu.asn.au/salaries-CA2022)

## SA Teacher Salary

**Enterprise Agreement:** SA School and Preschool Education Staff Enterprise Agreement 2024 — a $1.6 billion deal approved with overwhelming support. Pay rises for classroom teachers: 4% in year one (backdated to May 2023), then 3% per year for the following three years.

### Classroom Teacher Scale

| Classification | Annual Salary |
|---------------|--------------|
| Graduate (Step 1) | $80,093 |
| Top of classroom teacher scale | $116,162 |
| Senior Leader / Coordinator | $120,000–$140,000+ |

### Leadership Salaries

| Role | Salary Range |
|------|-------------|
| Principal | $140,000–$190,000+ |

Despite the 2024 agreement representing a significant improvement, South Australia still has among the **lowest graduate starting salaries** in the country, with graduates earning $80,093 compared to $96,180 in the NT.

**Source:** [SA Department for Education — Pay Rates](https://www.education.sa.gov.au/working-us/careers-education/working-conditions/pay-rates-forms-new-employees-and-enterprise-agreements)

## WA Teacher Salary

**Enterprise Agreement:** New EBA delivering a **12% pay rise** over three years — described as a "significant deal for public education."

### Classroom Teacher Scale (from December 2025)

| Level | Annual Salary |
|-------|--------------|
| Level 2.1 (Graduate) | $88,178 |
| Level 2.2 | $95,627 |
| Level 2.3 | $103,568 |
| Level 2.4 | $107,175 |
| Level 2.5 | $110,925 |
| Level 2.6 | $114,820 |
| Level 2.7 | $118,868 |
| Level 2.8 | $123,141 |
| Level 2.9 (Top of standard scale) | $127,737 |

### Senior and Level 3 Classroom Teacher Rates

| Classification | Annual Salary |
|---------------|--------------|
| Senior Teacher 1 | $132,557 |
| Senior Teacher 2 | $134,165 |
| Level 3.1 Classroom Teacher | $137,567 |
| Level 3.2 Classroom Teacher | $141,551 |
| Level 3.3 Classroom Teacher | $147,077 |

WA is unique in offering a **Level 3 pathway** that allows experienced classroom teachers to earn up to **$147,077** without moving into formal leadership. This is the highest classroom teacher ceiling in Australia.

### Remote and Regional Allowances

WA offers district allowances and incentive payments for teachers in remote and regional areas, plus subsidised accommodation at some locations.

**Source:** [WA Department of Education — Teacher Salaries](https://www.education.wa.edu.au/teacher-salaries)

## NT Teacher Salary

**Enterprise Agreement:** Northern Territory Public Sector Educators' 2024–2027 Enterprise Agreement, with **4.3% annual increases** from the first full pay period on or after 1 January 2026 and 1 January 2027.

The Northern Territory deliberately sets its teacher salaries **above all other states** to attract teachers to its unique and often remote schools.

### Classroom Teacher Scale

| Level | From Jan 2026 | From Jan 2027 |
|-------|--------------|--------------|
| CT1 (Graduate) | $96,180 | $100,316 |
| CT2 | $100,777 | $105,110 |
| CT3 | $105,369 | $109,900 |
| CT4 | $109,962 | $114,690 |
| CT5 | $117,567 | $122,622 |
| CT6 | $122,162 | $127,415 |
| CT7 | $126,755 | $132,205 |
| CT8 | $131,349 | $136,997 |
| CT9 (Top of scale) | $136,997 | $142,888 |

### Senior Teacher Scale (from January 2026)

| Level | Annual Salary |
|-------|--------------|
| ST1 | $145,286 |
| ST2 | $151,040 |
| ST3 | $160,531 |
| ST5 | $176,487 |
| ST8 | $196,907 |

### Principal Scale (from January 2026)

Principals earn between **$147,068 and $214,369** depending on school level.

### Remote Allowances

The NT offers significant remote locality allowances and **100% rental concessions** (free accommodation) at remote locations. These benefits can add substantial value on top of the base salary.

**Source:** [Teach in the Territory — Pay and Benefits](https://teachintheterritory.nt.gov.au/pay-and-benefits) | [OCPE — Teachers and Educators Rates of Pay](https://ocpe.nt.gov.au/employment-terms-and-conditions/rates-of-pay/teachers-and-educators)

## TAS Teacher Salary

**Enterprise Agreement:** Teachers Agreement 2023 (with variations in 2024 and 2025).

### Classroom Teacher Scale (from January 2026)

| Classification | Annual Salary |
|---------------|--------------|
| Teacher (Band 1, bottom) | $82,828 |
| Teacher (Band 1, top) | $118,328 |
| Advanced Skills Teacher | $125,464 |
| Assistant Principal | $138,909 |
| Principal | $147,175–$205,111 |

### Hard-to-Staff Incentives

Tasmania is actively using financial incentives to attract teachers to remote schools:

- **Hard-to-Staff Schools Incentive:** $1,000 after 6 weeks in Term 1, plus $2,275 after 6 weeks in Term 3
- **Isolated Schools settling-in payment:** $5,000 (requires 2-year commitment)
- **Isolated Schools annual completion payments:** $3,138 (Year 1), $3,275 (Years 2–3), $6,281 (Years 4–6)
- **Subsidised accommodation:** $10 per week at select schools

**Source:** [TAS Department for Education — Salary, Benefits and Incentives](https://www.decyp.tas.gov.au/about-us/employment/teaching/salary-benefits-and-incentives/)

## ACT Teacher Salary

**Enterprise Agreement:** ACTPS Education Directorate (Teaching Staff) Enterprise Agreement 2023–2026 — described as the "largest pay increase for ACT public school teachers in more than two decades," with an average **5.5% annual increase** across all classifications and up to 8.7% for mid-career teachers.

### Classroom Teacher Scale (from December 2025)

| Classification | Annual Salary |
|---------------|--------------|
| T1.1 (Graduate) | $91,396 |
| T1.11 (Top of classroom scale) | $129,107 |

### Leadership Salaries

| Role | Annual Salary |
|------|--------------|
| School Leader C (Executive Teacher) | $142,082 |
| School Leader B (Deputy Principal) | $164,592 |
| School Leader A (Principal) | $187,299–$215,432 |

### Superannuation

From 1 January 2026, the ACT Government contributes **12.5% superannuation** — one of the highest employer super contributions in the country. Employer contributions for paid or unpaid parental leave are made for up to 104 weeks.

> **Tip:** When comparing the ACT with other states, factor in the higher super contribution. A $91,396 ACT salary with 12.5% super is effectively worth more than a $96,180 NT salary with 11.5% super.

**Source:** [ACT Government — Pay and Benefits](https://www.act.gov.au/work-with-act-government/careers-in-education/pay-and-benefits) | [ACT Education — Pay and Conditions](https://www.act.gov.au/work-with-act-government/careers-in-education/pay-and-benefits)

## Enterprise Agreements and Pay Disputes in 2026

Teacher pay across Australia is set through **enterprise agreements** (EAs) negotiated between state governments and teacher unions (typically the Australian Education Union or its state branches). Here is the current status of each state's agreement:

### Active Disputes

**Victoria** — The most contentious jurisdiction. The VGSA 2022 delivered rises of less than 2% per year while inflation peaked at approximately 8%. The AEU Victoria has lodged a log of claims demanding a **35% pay increase**. A protected industrial action ballot opened on 16 February 2026 and closes 12 March 2026. This is the most significant teacher pay dispute currently active in Australia.

**Queensland** — The Crisafulli Government offered a deal that would bring classroom teacher pay to $135,000 (plus super and incentives) by the end of the agreement. Teachers initially rejected the offer. A second ballot opens 26 February 2026.

### Recently Settled Agreements

- **NSW** — Three-year award (2024–2027) with 3% annual increases. Includes a simplified 7-step salary scale replacing the old Band system.
- **ACT** — 2023–2026 agreement endorsed with the largest pay increase in two decades (average 5.5% across all levels, up to 8.7% for mid-career teachers).
- **SA** — $1.6 billion EA 2024 received overwhelming support. 4% in year one for classroom teachers, 3% per year for the following three years.
- **WA** — New EBA delivering 12% over three years.
- **NT** — 4.3% annual increases from January 2026 and January 2027.
- **TAS** — Teachers Agreement 2023 with ongoing variations and new hard-to-staff school incentives.

### How Pay Negotiations Work

Teacher salaries in government schools are **not set by individual schools** — they are determined by state-wide enterprise agreements between the state government (as the employer) and the relevant teacher union. These agreements typically run for 2–4 years and cover salary scales, allowances, leave entitlements, and working conditions.

Independent and Catholic school salaries are set by separate agreements but are generally benchmarked against government rates.

## Beyond Base Salary: What Else Affects Teacher Pay?

The figures on this page show base salary only. Several other factors can significantly affect your total remuneration:

### Superannuation

The standard employer super contribution is **12%** (the final legislated SG rate, effective from 1 July 2025). The **ACT** is an outlier, contributing **12.5%** from January 2026 as an employer-specific policy. Over a career, higher super contributions compound significantly.

### Remote and Regional Allowances

States like the **NT**, **WA**, and **TAS** offer substantial incentives for teachers in remote locations:
- Locality allowances of $2,000–$20,000+ per year
- Subsidised or free accommodation
- Settling-in allowances and completion bonuses
- Air travel allowances

### Salary Packaging

Some states allow teachers to salary-package items like laptops, professional development, or additional super contributions, reducing taxable income.

### Higher Accreditation Pathways

Teachers who achieve **Highly Accomplished Teacher (HAT)** or **Lead Teacher** accreditation can access higher pay without moving into formal leadership. NSW pays $137,861 (rising to $141,997) for HAT/Lead; WA pays up to $147,077 for Level 3 classroom teachers.

### Cost of Living

A higher salary in Sydney or Canberra may not stretch as far as a lower salary in Hobart or Adelaide. The [ABS Consumer Price Index](https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/economy/price-indexes-and-inflation/consumer-price-index-australia) provides data on relative costs across capital cities.

For teachers looking to supplement their income, see how you can [sell your teaching resources](/help/getting-started) on TeachBuySell.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Which Australian state pays teachers the most?

The **Northern Territory** pays the highest base salary for standard classroom teachers, with graduates starting at $96,180 and the top of the classroom teacher scale at $136,997 (from January 2026). When remote allowances are included, NT teachers can earn significantly more. However, **Western Australia** offers the highest ceiling for classroom teachers who pursue Level 3 certification ($147,077). Source: [Teach in the Territory](https://teachintheterritory.nt.gov.au/pay-and-benefits)

### Which state pays teachers the least?

As of early 2026, **Victoria** has the lowest teacher salaries in Australia, with graduates starting at approximately $79,589 and the top of the standard classroom teacher scale at $118,063. The AEU Victoria is actively seeking a 35% pay increase to close the gap with other states. Source: [VIC Salary Rates](https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/salary-rates/overview)

### How much does a graduate teacher earn in Australia?

Graduate starting salaries in 2026 range from $79,589 (Victoria) to $96,180 (Northern Territory). The national average graduate salary is approximately $86,000–$88,000. NSW pays $90,177 (rising to $92,882 from October 2026), the ACT pays $91,396, and WA pays $88,178.

### Do teacher salaries include superannuation?

No. All salary figures on this page are **base salary before superannuation**. Employer super contributions are paid on top of these figures. The standard national rate is **12%** (the final legislated SG rate, effective from 1 July 2025). The ACT is an outlier, contributing 12.5% from January 2026 as an employer-specific policy.

### How often do teacher salaries increase?

Teacher salaries increase through **enterprise agreements** negotiated between state governments and teacher unions, typically every 2–4 years. Within an agreement, annual pay rises are usually built in (e.g., 3% per year in NSW). Teachers also progress through increments on the salary scale based on experience and accreditation level.

### Do Catholic and independent school teachers earn the same?

Not always, but Catholic and independent school salaries are generally **benchmarked against government school rates**. Some independent schools pay above the government scale to attract and retain staff, while others may pay slightly below. Each sector has its own enterprise agreement.

### Can teachers earn more without becoming a principal?

Yes. Most states offer pathways for experienced classroom teachers to earn more without moving into formal leadership. In **NSW**, Highly Accomplished and Lead Teachers earn $137,861–$141,997. In **WA**, Level 3 classroom teachers can earn up to $147,077. In the **NT**, Senior Teachers earn $145,286–$196,907. These pathways reward teaching expertise rather than management.

### Where can I find the official salary scales for my state?

Every state education department publishes its salary scales online. Direct links are included in each state section above. You can also search "[your state] teacher salary" or visit your state teacher union website (e.g., [AEU](https://www.aeufederal.org.au/), [NSWTF](https://www.nswtf.org.au/), [QTU](https://www.qtu.asn.au/)).

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