Primary school teacher salary in NSW
If you are looking at a primary school teacher salary in NSW, the most reliable starting point is the minimum pay set by the Fair Work Commission’s Educational Services (Teachers) Award 2020. This award covers teachers in preschools and schools across Australia, including NSW. The rates below are effective from 1 July 2026.
Award minimums for full-time teachers (preschools and schools)
| Classification | Minimum weekly rate | Approximate annual salary (× 52.18) |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 (graduate) | $1,455.40 | $75,941 |
| Level 2 (proficient) | $1,590.70 | $83,004 |
| Level 3 (proficient + 3 years) | $1,731.70 | $90,362 |
| Level 4 (proficient + 6 years) | $1,872.70 | $97,720 |
| Level 5 (highly accomplished/lead) | $2,013.70 | $105,076 |
These are minimum rates. Many NSW primary school teachers are employed under the NSW Crown Employees Award or individual enterprise agreements, which often pay above the federal minimum. The NSW Department of Education, for example, has its own salary schedule that typically exceeds the federal award.
How this compares to the national full-time average
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reports that full-time adult average weekly ordinary-time earnings were $2,083.70 in May 2026. That works out to about $108,352 a year. This is the figure used as the ‘line’ on this site.
- A graduate teacher (Level 1) earns about 70% of the national full-time average.
- A teacher at Level 3 earns about 83% of the average.
- A teacher at Level 5 earns about 97% of the average – very close to the line.
It is important to note that the national average includes all full-time workers, from entry-level to executives. The median full-time salary is lower, at about $90,532 (ABS Employee Earnings, August 2025). By that measure, a teacher at Level 3 or above is above the typical full-time worker.
State context: NSW and the national average
NSW has a higher-than-average full-time earnings figure. According to the ABS, the average weekly ordinary-time earnings for full-time adults in NSW is $2,108.80, or about $109,658 a year. This is slightly above the national average. A primary school teacher in NSW on the award minimum at Level 5 would be about $4,500 below the NSW average, while a graduate would be about $33,700 below.
For comparison, the full-time averages in other states are:
- Victoria: $106,137
- Queensland: $106,064
- Western Australia: $115,825
- Australian Capital Territory: $119,090
Place a salary on the line to see exactly where a given teacher salary sits relative to the national average.
Industry and occupation context
The ABS also publishes average earnings by industry. For the Education and Training industry, full-time adult ordinary-time earnings are $2,197.90 per week, or about $114,291 a year. This is higher than the national average, reflecting the mix of teachers, lecturers, and administrators. Primary school teachers typically earn less than the industry average because the industry includes higher-paid university staff.
For a more detailed look at how different jobs compare, see Job medians.
What about the minimum wage?
The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week for a 38-hour week. That is about $52,255 a year. A primary school teacher at the lowest award level earns about 45% more than the minimum wage.
Tax considerations
A primary school teacher earning between $75,000 and $105,000 falls into the 30% marginal tax bracket for 2026–27 (plus the 2% Medicare levy). The tax-free threshold is $18,200, then 15% up to $45,000, and 30% up to $135,000. Take-home pay will be reduced by tax and the Medicare levy, but the salary figures above are before tax.
Where to find more information
For the most up-to-date award rates, visit the Fair Work Ombudsman website. For average earnings data, the ABS publishes Average Weekly Earnings twice a year (May and November). This site uses the May 2026 release as its reference point.
States and territories provides a breakdown of average earnings by location, and How the figures are set explains the methodology behind the national average.
Summary
A primary school teacher salary in NSW starts at around $75,941 for a graduate and can reach $105,076 for a highly accomplished teacher under the federal award. Actual salaries in NSW public schools are often higher. Compared to the national full-time average of $108,352, most primary teachers are below the line, but experienced teachers at the top of the scale come very close. The median full-time salary of $90,532 is a more typical benchmark, and many teachers exceed that after a few years of experience.