Teacher salary in Western Australia: award minimums and the state average
When you Place a salary on the line tool, it shows how a given salary compares to the national full-time adult average of $2,083.70 per week (about $108,352 per year) from the ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026. For a teacher salary in Western Australia, the figure can vary widely depending on whether you look at the legal minimum under the award or the typical earnings across all full-time workers in the state.
The award minimum for teachers in WA
The Educational Services (Teachers) Award 2020 covers teachers in preschools, schools, and long day care centres across Australia, including Western Australia. The award sets minimum weekly and annual salaries based on classification levels. For a full-time teacher in a preschool or school in WA, the minimum rates from 1 July 2026 are:
- Level 1 (graduate teacher): $1,455.40 per week, $75,941 per year
- Level 2 (proficient accreditation): $1,590.70 per week, $83,004 per year
- Level 3 (after 3 years at Level 2): $1,731.70 per week, $90,362 per year
- Level 4 (after 3 years at Level 3): $1,872.70 per week, $97,720 per year
- Level 5 (Highly Accomplished/Lead Teacher): $2,013.70 per week, $105,076 per year
These rates are from the Fair Work Ombudsman's award summary. Note that for long day care centres, the rates are slightly higher (e.g., Level 1 is $78,979 per year). The award also specifies that a full-time employee works an average of 38 ordinary hours per week, so the hourly rate for a Level 1 teacher is $38.30.
How the WA state average compares
Western Australia has a higher full-time average than the national figure. According to the ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026, the full-time adult average weekly ordinary time earnings for WA is $2,227.40, which annualises to about $115,825 (using 52 weeks). This is above the national average of $108,352. The WA average is influenced by the mining and resources sector, which pushes up overall earnings. A teacher on the award minimum at Level 1 ($75,941) is about $39,884 below the WA state average. Even a Level 5 teacher ($105,076) is about $10,749 below the WA average.
Why actual teacher salaries in WA can be higher
The award is a safety net. In Western Australia, most teachers in public schools are employed under the School Education Act Employees' (Teachers and Administrators) Enterprise Agreement, which typically provides higher salaries than the award. For example, a graduate teacher in the WA public system may start above $77,000, and experienced teachers can earn over $110,000. Private schools also often pay above award rates. Additionally, teachers may receive allowances for leadership roles, remote work, or additional duties. Therefore, the salary you see on the Western Australia page may reflect these higher figures rather than the award minimum.
The role of the national line
The national full-time average of $108,352 is a broad measure across all industries and occupations. It includes high-earning sectors like mining, finance, and professional services. Teaching, while a skilled profession, typically sits below this average at the award level, but above the all-employees median of about $74,100 (ABS Employee Earnings, August 2025). The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, $1,004.90 per week, or about $52,255 per year on 38 hours – well below any teacher classification.
Using the salary tool
When you enter a teacher salary in WA into the Place a salary on the line tool, it will show the weekly and hourly equivalents based on a 38-hour week, and the distance from the national full-time average. For example, a $90,000 salary (roughly Level 3 award) would be about $1,730.77 per week, which is $352.93 below the national average. The tool uses the ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026 as its reference line. It does not adjust for state differences, so a salary that is below the national average might still be above the WA state average for teachers, but the tool only compares to the national figure.
Understanding the data sources
- National full-time average: $2,083.70 per week, $108,352 per year (ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026, multiplied by 52).
- State full-time averages: WA $2,227.40 per week, about $115,825 per year.
- Full-time median: about $90,532 per year (ABS Employee Earnings, August 2025).
- All-employees median: about $74,100 per year.
- National minimum wage: $26.44 per hour, $1,004.90 per week, $52,255 per year (from 1 July 2026).
These figures are distinct and should not be confused. The award minimums for teachers are set by Fair Work and are separate from the national minimum wage.
Tax considerations
For the 2026–27 financial year, resident tax rates are: nil on the first $18,200; 15% on income from $18,201 to $45,000; 30% from $45,001 to $135,000; 37% from $135,001 to $190,000; and 45% above $190,000. The Medicare levy of 2% applies. A teacher earning $90,000 would pay about $20,467 in tax plus $1,800 Medicare levy, leaving about $67,733 after tax. The Guides section has more on take-home pay.
Conclusion
A teacher salary in Western Australia can be anywhere from the award minimum of $75,941 to over $110,000 depending on experience, sector, and agreements. The state's full-time average of $115,825 is higher than the national average, but many teachers earn below that. The How the figures are set page explains the methodology behind the averages and medians used on this site.