# SA Teacher Salary 2026: Pay Scale, Steps and Relief Rates

> SA teacher pay scale from May 2026: Steps 1 to 9 from $84,971 to $123,236, HAT and Lead Teacher, principal bands, relief rates and country incentives.

## How Much Do Teachers Earn in South Australia?

A graduate teacher in a South Australian public school or preschool starts on **$84,971** a year (Step 1). Teachers move up automatically to **$117,198** at Step 8, and can reach **$123,236** at Step 9. Highly Accomplished Teachers earn **$133,736** and Lead Teachers **$141,365**.

This page sets out the full SA teacher pay scale, how you move up the steps, principal and senior leader bands, relief teacher rates and the country incentives, with a link to the official source for each figure.

> **Note:** Figures were checked on 22 October 2026. They are the rates effective 8 May 2026 under the South Australian School and Preschool Education Staff Enterprise Agreement 2024, gross annual salaries for full-time ongoing teachers, before super.

**[Work out your own pay](/tools/teacher-salary-calculator?state=sa)** 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).

## SA Teacher Pay Scale from May 2026

| Step | From May 2025 | **From 8 May 2026 (current)** |
|------|---------------|-------------------------------|
| Special Authority (not yet fully registered) | $71,925 | $74,083 |
| Step 1 (graduate) | $82,496 | **$84,971** |
| Step 2 | $86,748 | **$89,350** |
| Step 3 | $91,005 | **$93,735** |
| Step 4 | $95,255 | **$98,113** |
| Step 5 | $99,523 | **$102,509** |
| Step 6 | $103,777 | **$106,890** |
| Step 7 | $108,028 | **$111,269** |
| Step 8 (top automatic step) | $113,784 | **$117,198** |
| Step 9 (applied for) | $119,647 | **$123,236** |

Preschool teachers are paid on the same scale.

**Source:** [Department for Education: Pay rates and enterprise agreements](https://www.education.sa.gov.au/working-us/careers-education/working-conditions/pay-rates-forms-new-employees-and-enterprise-agreements), which links to the full school teachers pay rates table.

## The SA Teachers Agreement and the Next Pay Rise

SA public school and preschool teachers are paid under the **South Australian School and Preschool Education Staff Enterprise Agreement 2024**, approved by the South Australian Employment Tribunal in March 2024. It gave a 4% rise from May 2023, then 3% from May 2024, May 2025 and **May 2026**.

The May 2026 rise was the last one in the agreement, which has a nominal life of three years from March 2024. Any further rise depends on the next agreement, negotiated with the [Australian Education Union SA Branch](https://www.aeusa.asn.au/).

## Resources Made for SA Classrooms

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

## How SA Teachers Move Up the Pay Scale

- **Everyone starts on Step 1**, whether permanent, temporary, relieving or on contract.
- **Every 207 duty days** (one school year of full-time teaching) you move up a step automatically, until you reach Step 8.
- **Reclassification:** if you have prior teaching service or extra qualifications, you can apply to be placed on a higher step (Steps 2 to 8) once you start work.
- **Step 9** is not automatic. Teachers with 207 duty days at Step 8 can apply by submitting a professional development plan. There is no quota.

The Department explains the process on its [teacher salary levels and reclassification page](https://www.education.sa.gov.au/working-us/careers-education/teachers-and-school-and-preschool-leaders/pay-salary-and-allowances/teacher-salary-levels-and-applying-reclassification).

## HAT, Lead Teacher and Principal Pay in SA

### Classroom pathways (from 8 May 2026)

| Classification | Annual salary |
|----------------|---------------|
| Step 9 | $123,236 |
| Advanced Skills Teacher (AST2) | $127,798 |
| Highly Accomplished Teacher | **$133,736** |
| Lead Teacher | **$141,365** |

### Senior leaders and principals

| Band | Typical roles | Annual salary |
|------|---------------|---------------|
| Band B (B-1 to B-6) | Deputy principals, senior leaders, coordinators | $133,736 to $172,842 |
| Band A (A-1 to A-9) | Principals, preschool directors | $146,492 to $222,484 |

The band depends on the role and the size and complexity of the site.

## SA Relief Teacher Pay Rates

Temporary Relieving Teachers in SA public schools are on the same Step scale and move up the same way. The Department's pay rates table lists Temporary Relieving Teacher day rates, which include a 25% loading, from **$407.21** a day at Step 1 to **$590.59** at Step 9 (effective 8 May 2026).

A temporary relieving position can run from half a day up to 19.5 consecutive duty days.

Heading into a relief 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.)_

## Country Teaching Incentives in SA

Teachers at country sites can receive, depending on the zone:

| Zone | Country Incentive Zone Allowance (a year) |
|------|-------------------------------------------|
| Zone 2 | $2,261 |
| Zone 3 | $3,986 |
| Zone 4 | $7,031 |
| Zone 5 | $11,391 |

Other support includes a one-off incidentals payment on a first permanent country appointment ($589 to $1,179), rent concessions on government housing (up to 100% on the APY Lands), and a guaranteed return to a metropolitan site after four to six years.

**Source:** [Department for Education: Incentives and support for country teachers and leaders](https://www.education.sa.gov.au/working-us/careers-education/opportunities-country-south-australia/teaching-opportunities-country-south-australia/incentives-and-support-country-teachers-and-leaders).

SA teachers receive the standard employer super contribution of 12% on top of their salary.

## Frequently Asked Questions

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

A graduate teacher in an SA public school or preschool starts on Step 1, **$84,971** a year from 8 May 2026. Teachers with prior service or extra qualifications can apply to be placed on a higher step.

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

Teachers move up automatically to **Step 8, $117,198**. Step 9, **$123,236**, is applied for after a year at Step 8. Highly Accomplished Teachers earn $133,736 and Lead Teachers $141,365.

### When is the next SA teacher pay rise?

The last rise under the current agreement was 3% from May 2026. Any further rise depends on the next enterprise agreement between the SA Government and the Australian Education Union SA Branch.

### How do SA teachers move up the steps?

Automatically, one step for every 207 duty days (one school year of full-time teaching) until Step 8. Step 9 is competency based: teachers with a year at Step 8 apply with a professional development plan.

### Do SA teachers get paid more in the country?

Yes. The Country Incentive Zone Allowance is **$2,261 to $11,391 a year** depending on the zone, plus rent concessions on government housing and a guaranteed return to a metropolitan site.

### 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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