# QLD Teacher Salary 2026: Pay Scale, Bands and Supply Rates

> Queensland teacher pay scale 2026: Band 2 and 3 steps from $90,164 to $119,357, Senior Teacher, HAT, Lead Teacher, supply rates and the QIRC arbitration.

## How Much Do Teachers Earn in Queensland?

A four-year trained graduate teacher in a Queensland state school starts on **$90,164** a year, and the top of the classroom teacher scale (Band 3, Step 4) is **$119,357**. Highly Accomplished Teachers earn **$134,694** and Lead Teachers **$147,050**.

These rates came in during September 2026, while the next teachers agreement is being decided by the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission. This page sets out the full pay scale, Senior Teacher and leadership salaries, supply teacher rates, rural incentives, and where the pay case is up to.

> **Note:** Figures were checked on 22 October 2026 against the Department of Education salary schedule updated 1 September 2026. They are gross annual salaries for full-time teachers in Queensland state schools, before super.

**[Work out your own pay](/tools/teacher-salary-calculator?state=qld)** Pick your step to see your pay a fortnight and a month, super, estimated take-home pay and every rise already in the agreement, full time or part time.

Comparing states? See [teacher salaries across Australia](/teacher-guides/teacher-salary-australia-2026).

## QLD Teacher Pay Scale 2026

Queensland classroom teachers move through Band 2 and Band 3. Band 1 is for people teaching under a Permission to Teach or as an intern.

| Classification | Annual salary (current) | Previous rate (from 1 September 2025) |
|----------------|-------------------------|----------------------------------------|
| Band 1, Step 1 (Permission to Teach / Intern) | $80,615 | $76,963 |
| Band 1, Step 2 | $83,302 | $79,519 |
| Band 2, Step 1 (four-year trained graduate) | **$90,164** | $86,068 |
| Band 2, Step 2 | $94,599 | $90,320 |
| Band 2, Step 3 | $99,216 | $94,729 |
| Band 2, Step 4 | $103,782 | $99,086 |
| Band 3, Step 1 | $107,643 | $102,765 |
| Band 3, Step 2 | $111,478 | $106,417 |
| Band 3, Step 3 | $115,261 | $110,043 |
| Band 3, Step 4 (top of classroom scale) | **$119,357** | $113,957 |

**Source:** [Teach Queensland: Pay and benefits](https://teach.qld.gov.au/teach-in-state-schools/pay-and-benefits), which links to the Department's full salary schedule.

## Why Queensland Teacher Pay Changed in September 2026

The **Department of Education State School Teachers' Certified Agreement 2022** expired on 1 July 2025. Teachers did not accept the replacement offer, so the new agreement is being settled by **arbitration in the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission (QIRC)**.

In August 2026 the QIRC Full Bench granted a **3% interim pay rise** from 7 September 2026, while the full case continues. From then, each teacher is paid the higher of two rates:

- the **interim rate**: their old salary plus 3%, or
- the **award rate**, after the 4.75% State Wage Case increase from 1 September 2026.

For classroom teachers on Bands 1 to 3, Senior Teachers and Experienced Senior Teachers, the award rate is higher, so their pay rose by 4.75%. Coaches, Highly Accomplished and Lead Teachers, and school leaders received the 3% interim rise.

No further rise is scheduled until the QIRC makes its final decision. The Queensland Teachers' Union explains the interim decision in its [25 August 2026 statement](https://www.qtu.asn.au/media-statement/25-august-2026) and its [updated salary schedule](https://www.qtu.asn.au/updated-salary-schedule).

## Resources Made for Queensland Classrooms

_(Dynamic listing feed — browse at the page URL for live results.)_

## Senior Teacher, HAT and Lead Teacher Pay in Queensland

| Classification | Annual salary (current) |
|----------------|-------------------------|
| Senior Teacher (four-year trained) | $124,601 |
| Experienced Senior Teacher | $127,549 |
| Coach | $131,519 |
| Highly Accomplished Teacher | **$134,694** |
| Lead Teacher | **$147,050** |

### School leaders

| Role | Annual salary (current) |
|------|-------------------------|
| Head of Department / Head of Program | $145,320 to $155,351 |
| Deputy Principal | $161,746 to $164,605 |
| Principal | $146,776 to $242,573 |

Principal salaries depend on the school's classification (School Leader levels 1 to 10).

## QLD Supply Teacher Pay Rates

Supply (relief) teachers in Queensland state schools are paid at the Band 3, Step 1 rate plus a 25% casual loading:

- **$103.15 an hour**
- **$515.75 a day**

**Source:** the Department's [salary schedule](https://qed.qld.gov.au/workingwithus/induction/centralandregionaloffices/Documents/salaryschedule.xls) (updated 1 September 2026), linked from [Teach Queensland: Pay and benefits](https://teach.qld.gov.au/teach-in-state-schools/pay-and-benefits).

Heading into a supply day? Our [relief teacher resources guide](/teacher-guides/relief-teacher-resources) has ready-to-run lessons.

## Relief Teacher Packs

_(Dynamic listing feed — browse at the page URL for live results.)_

## Where Queensland Graduates Start

- A **four-year trained** beginning teacher is appointed at **Band 2, Step 1** ($90,164).
- A teacher with a first or second class honours bachelor degree plus a year of teacher education starts on the second year of service rate, **Band 2, Step 2** ($94,599), if they have not yet completed 12 months of service.

The Department's [recognition of qualifications procedure](https://ppr.qed.qld.gov.au/pp/recognition-of-qualifications-teachers-procedure) sets out the rules.

## Rural and Remote Incentives in Queensland

Teachers in rural and remote Queensland state schools can receive, depending on the location:

- **Locality allowance:** up to $4,596 a year (single) or $9,193 (with family)
- **Recognition of Rural and Remote Service:** up to $3,000 a year
- **Location travel allowance:** up to $3,000 per person each year
- **Beginning teacher payment:** a one-off $1,000 to $2,000 at eligible locations

**Source:** [Teach Queensland: Beginning teacher incentives and support](https://teach.qld.gov.au/teach-in-state-schools/beginning-teacher-incentives-and-support).

Queensland teachers receive employer super on top of their salary.

## Frequently Asked Questions

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

A four-year trained graduate in a Queensland state school starts at Band 2, Step 1: **$90,164** a year at current rates. Graduates at rural and remote schools can also receive locality and incentive payments.

### What is the top of the QLD teacher pay scale?

The top classroom step is **Band 3, Step 4, $119,357** a year. Senior Teachers earn $124,601, Experienced Senior Teachers $127,549, Highly Accomplished Teachers $134,694 and Lead Teachers $147,050.

### Did Queensland teachers get a pay rise in 2026?

Yes. In August 2026 the QIRC granted a 3% interim rise from 7 September 2026. Each teacher now gets the higher of that rate or the award rate after the 4.75% State Wage Case increase, so classroom teachers on Bands 1 to 3 received 4.75%.

### Is there a new Queensland teachers agreement?

Not yet. The State School Teachers Certified Agreement 2022 expired on 1 July 2025 and the replacement is being decided by arbitration in the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission. Rates on this page will change once the final decision is made.

### How much do supply teachers get paid in Queensland?

Queensland supply teachers are paid **$515.75 a day** ($103.15 an hour), which is the Band 3, Step 1 rate plus a 25% casual loading.

### Where can I find free teaching resources?

TeachBuySell has free resources made by Australian teachers. [Browse free resources](/s?price=0%2C0) or see our [relief teacher resources guide](/teacher-guides/relief-teacher-resources) for ready-to-run lessons.

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