Average teacher salary Australia vs the national line
The national full-time adult ordinary-time average, as measured by the ABS Average Weekly Earnings survey for May 2026, is $2,083.70 a week, or about $108,352 a year. This is the line that this site uses as its reference point. For teachers, the ABS reports that full-time ordinary time earnings in the Education & training industry are $2,197.90 a week, which works out to roughly $114,291 a year. That is about $5,939 above the national average, or 5.5% higher.
It is important to note that the ABS industry figure covers all employees in Education & training, including early childhood educators, school teachers, university lecturers, and administrative staff. The average for classroom teachers specifically may differ, but the ABS does not publish a separate figure for that occupation. The Fair Work Educational Services (Teachers) Award provides minimum rates, which are lower than the industry average.
Award minimums for teachers
From 1 July 2026, the minimum weekly pay for a full-time teacher under the Educational Services (Teachers) Award (MA000077) ranges from $1,455.40 for a Level 1 graduate teacher to $2,013.70 for a Level 5 highly accomplished or lead teacher. Annualised, that is $75,941 to $105,076. These are the legal minimums; most experienced teachers earn above these rates, especially in the public sector or with additional responsibilities.
The award also specifies that full-time teachers work an average of 38 ordinary hours per week, the same as the national standard used by the ABS.
A resident take-home sketch
Assuming a teacher earning the industry average of $114,291 a year, the 2026–27 resident tax rates apply: nil on the first $18,200, 15% on the next $26,800 (to $45,000), 30% on the next $90,000 (to $135,000), and so on. Plus the Medicare levy of 2% (before any reductions). A rough estimate of tax and Medicare on $114,291 is about $27,400, leaving a take-home of around $86,900 a year, or $1,671 a week. That is above the all-employees median of $74,100 (ABS Employee Earnings, August 2025) and well above the national minimum wage.
How teacher pay varies by state
The ABS publishes full-time average weekly ordinary time earnings for each state and territory. The national average is $2,083.70, but teachers’ pay can vary depending on where they work. For example, the ACT has the highest state average at $2,290.20 a week ($119,090 a year), while Tasmania has the lowest at $1,846.30 ($96,008). See the states and territories page for a full breakdown. Teacher salaries in the public sector are often set by state industrial agreements, which may differ from the federal award.
Comparing to other occupations
The Education & training industry average of $114,291 is above the national full-time average, but it sits below some other professional industries. For instance, Professional, scientific & technical services average $2,389.60 a week ($124,259 a year). However, teaching offers stable employment, defined pay scales, and generous leave provisions. You can explore job medians for more comparisons.
How the figures are set
The ABS Average Weekly Earnings survey is conducted twice a year, in May and November. The May 2026 release showed annual growth of 3.7% for full-time adult ordinary time earnings. Award rates are adjusted annually by the Fair Work Commission, most recently by 4.75% from 1 July 2026. The national minimum wage also increased to $26.44 per hour. For more on methodology, see how the figures are set.
Key takeaways
- The average teacher salary in Australia, based on the ABS Education & training industry figure, is about $114,291 a year.
- This is above the national full-time average of $108,352 and well above the full-time median of $90,532.
- Award minimums start at $75,941 for graduate teachers and go up to $105,076 for lead teachers.
- State averages vary, with the ACT highest and Tasmania lowest.
- After tax and Medicare, a teacher on the industry average takes home roughly $86,900 a year.