Queensland teacher salary compared to the national full-time average
Understanding how a Queensland teacher salary compares to the national full-time average helps put earnings in perspective. This article uses the most recent data from the ABS, Fair Work Ombudsman, and Teach Queensland to show where teacher pay sits relative to the Australian average.
The national full-time average
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Average Weekly Earnings survey for May 2026 reports that full-time adult ordinary-time earnings averaged $2,083.70 per week. Over a standard 52-week year, that works out to about $108,352 before tax. This figure is the benchmark used on this site to measure where individual salaries fall on the line.
For context, the national full-time median (the middle point of all full-time earnings) is lower, at about $90,532 per year (ABS Employee Earnings, August 2025). The all-employees median, which includes part-time and casual workers, is about $74,100. The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week for a 38-hour week, equating to about $52,255 per year.
Queensland's state average
The ABS also provides state-level averages. For Queensland, full-time adult ordinary-time earnings are about $2,039.70 per week, or roughly $106,064 per year. This is slightly below the national average of $108,352. However, this figure covers all industries and occupations in Queensland, not just teachers.
Teacher salaries under the award
Teacher pay in Queensland is governed by the Educational Services (Teachers) Award (MA000077), which sets minimum rates for different classifications. The award covers teachers in preschools, schools, and long day care centres. Rates effective from 1 July 2026 are as follows.
Teachers in preschools and schools
| Classification | Weekly rate | Hourly rate | Yearly (×52) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | $1,455.40 | $38.30 | $75,680.80 |
| Level 2 | $1,590.70 | $41.86 | $82,716.40 |
| Level 3 | $1,731.70 | $45.57 | $90,048.40 |
| Level 4 | $1,872.70 | $49.28 | $97,380.40 |
| Level 5 | $2,013.70 | $52.99 | $104,712.40 |
Teachers in long day care centres
| Classification | Weekly rate | Hourly rate | Yearly (×52) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | $1,513.60 | $39.83 | $78,707.20 |
| Level 2 | $1,654.40 | $43.54 | $86,028.80 |
| Level 3 | $1,801.00 | $47.39 | $93,652.00 |
| Level 4 | $1,947.70 | $51.26 | $101,280.40 |
| Level 5 | $2,094.30 | $55.11 | $108,903.60 |
These are minimum rates. Many Queensland state school teachers are covered by enterprise agreements that pay above the award. Teach Queensland, the state government's recruitment body, reports that a beginning teacher with a four-year degree earns approximately $86,601 per year (as at September 2026). This is above the award Level 1 rate but below Level 3.
Where teacher pay sits against the national average
A beginning Queensland teacher earning $86,601 is about 80% of the national full-time average of $108,352. That places the salary below the line but above the national minimum wage and the all-employees median.
As teachers gain experience and move up classification levels, pay approaches or exceeds the national average. A school teacher at Level 5 earns $104,712 per year, which is about 97% of the national average. A long day care teacher at Level 5 earns $108,904, slightly above the national average.
It is important to note that the award rates are minimums. Actual salaries for experienced teachers in Queensland state schools can be higher, especially for those with additional responsibilities or in leadership roles. The Queensland state average for all full-time workers is $106,064, which is close to the national average. Teacher salaries at higher levels are comparable to this state average.
Other considerations
Teacher salaries are also influenced by location. Queensland has a large geographic spread, and some remote or regional schools offer additional allowances or incentives. The award includes provisions for casual teachers, who are paid a higher hourly rate but do not receive leave entitlements. For school teachers, casual rates start at $38.30 per hour (Level 1) and can go up to $52.99 per hour (Level 5), with a full-day rate of $363.85 for Level 1.
When comparing salaries, remember that the national average includes all full-time workers across all industries. Teachers' pay is determined by awards and agreements that reflect the value of the profession. The ABS data shows that the education and training industry has a full-time adult ordinary-time average of $2,197.90 per week (about $114,291 per year), which is above the national average. However, this industry average includes university lecturers and other education professionals, not just school teachers.
For a personalised comparison, you can place a salary on the line to see how it measures up against the national average, state averages, and industry medians. The Queensland page provides more detail on state-specific earnings. For more on how these figures are calculated, see About this site.
Summary
Queensland teacher salaries, whether at the award minimum or the typical starting point, are below the national full-time average of $108,352. However, experienced teachers at higher classification levels can earn close to or above that figure. The award provides a clear progression path, and actual pay in state schools often exceeds the minimum. Understanding where your salary sits on the line helps with career planning and financial decisions.