Teachers in Australia earn between $75,000 and $110,000 per year in base salary, depending on the state, level of experience, and whether they work in the public or private sector. Principal and senior leadership roles earn significantly more.
Teaching remains one of Australia’s most in-demand graduate professions, with ongoing teacher shortages — particularly in STEM subjects, rural areas, and early childhood education — driving policy discussions around pay reform.
Key Takeaways
- Graduate teacher salary: $74,000–$82,000 across most states
- Experienced classroom teacher: $90,000–$103,000
- Senior teacher / coordinator: $103,000–$120,000
- Principal (large school): $140,000–$200,000+
- Public school pay is set by state awards; private schools vary by employer but are often comparable
- School holidays do not reduce annual salary — teachers are employed on a full-year basis
Teacher Salary by State — Public Schools (2025–26)
| State | Graduate (Step 1) | Proficient Teacher | Experienced / Senior Teacher |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | $82,814 | $98,163 | $113,042 |
| VIC | $74,756 | $92,347 | $106,066 |
| QLD | $78,945 | $100,888 | $111,092 |
| WA | $79,426 | $99,769 | $111,315 |
| SA | $74,010 | $93,516 | $104,568 |
| ACT | $83,400 | $103,800 | $116,100 |
| TAS | $74,400 | $93,900 | $105,000 |
| NT | $80,960 | $101,820 | $113,476 + remote allowances |
Source: State government enterprise agreements and teaching service awards, 2025. Base salary only — allowances for remote, leadership, or subject specialisation are additional.
Salary Progression: How Teachers Move Up the Pay Scale
Teacher salaries in the public system are based on a scale with annual increments for satisfactory performance:
- Graduate → Proficient: typically 2–4 years with performance review and AITSL proficiency demonstration
- Proficient → Highly Accomplished / Lead Teacher: application-based; additional $5,000–$20,000/year
- Classroom teacher → Coordinator / Head of Department: role-based, adds $5,000–$15,000/year
- Deputy Principal / Principal: role-based, ranging from $120,000 to $200,000+
The time from graduate to maximum classroom teacher pay is typically 8–12 years across most states.
Public vs Private School Teacher Pay
Private and independent schools generally set their own pay scales, which are not directly bound by state awards but often match or slightly exceed them to attract staff.
| Sector | Typical Base Range | Key Differences |
|---|---|---|
| Government (public) | $74,000–$113,000 | Set by state award; automatic increments; strong super |
| Catholic systemic | $74,000–$110,000 | Catholic Education Award; similar increments to public |
| Independent / private | $75,000–$120,000+ | Employer-set; may include non-salary benefits (housing, vehicle) |
Elite private schools in Sydney and Melbourne sometimes pay 10–20% above state government rates, particularly for subject specialists in STEM or languages.
Superannuation for Teachers
Most public school teachers in Australia are covered by defined benefit or accumulation super funds with employer contribution rates higher than the standard SG:
| State | Super Fund | Employer Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | State Super (closed DB) / Aware Super | 11.5% (accumulation) |
| VIC | VicSuper / Aware Super | 11.5% |
| QLD | QSuper | 12.75% |
| WA | Government Employees Super Board (GESB) | 9.5–15% (scheme-dependent) |
| SA | Super SA | 9.5–11.5% |
Check your specific employment contract for exact super entitlements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for a teacher in Australia?
Graduate teachers typically start on $74,000–$83,000 per year depending on the state, with NSW and ACT offering the highest entry rates. After 2–4 years reaching Proficient Teacher status, salary moves to the $90,000–$103,000 range.
Do Australian teachers get paid during school holidays?
Yes. Teachers in Australia are employed on an annual basis and receive their salary spread across all weeks of the year, including school holiday periods. Pay is not withheld during holidays.
Is teaching a well-paid job in Australia?
Teaching is broadly middle-income in Australia — above the national median, but below many professional occupations requiring equivalent education levels. The profession scores highly on job security, leave entitlements, and defined working hours.
Are there teacher salary bonuses in Australia?
Some states offer incentive payments for rural and remote postings, hard-to-staff schools, or high-demand subjects. NSW has introduced a Highly Accomplished and Lead Teacher (HALT) accreditation that provides salary top-ups of up to $10,000/year.
Related Guides
- Salary by Occupation Australia
- Teacher Tax Deductions Australia
- Average Salary Australia 2025–26
- Income Percentile Calculator
Salary data sourced from state government enterprise agreements and teaching service awards. Figures are indicative — verify your exact classification and pay point with your employer or union. For advice on your personal finances, speak with a licensed financial adviser.