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Victorian teacher salary: how it compares with the national full-time average

A Victorian teacher's salary depends on classification and employer; the national award minimum ranges from $75,941 to $105,076 a year, while the Victorian full-time average is about $106,137.

This sits $30,352 under the Australian full-time average, about 28.0% below the line. The closest full-time state average is Tasmania. It is off the left edge of the ruler. This close-up only covers full-time state averages.

Week, hour, and a tax sketch

$1,500 a week · $39.47 an hour if spread over 38 hours

About $62,520 after resident income tax and a 2% Medicare levy.

2026–27 resident rates and a 2% Medicare levy. Not a tax assessment.Open the full line

Victorian teacher salary and the national full-time average

The national full-time adult average ordinary time earnings in Australia is $2,083.70 a week, or about $108,352 a year, according to the ABS Average Weekly Earnings for May 2026. For a Victorian teacher, where your pay sits relative to that line depends on your classification, your employer, and whether you are covered by an award or an enterprise agreement.

Award minimums for teachers

Fair Work's Educational Services (Teachers) Award 2020 sets minimum weekly rates for full-time teachers (38 ordinary hours a week). The rates vary by classification:

  • Level 1 (graduate teacher): $1,455.40 a week ($75,941 a year)
  • Level 2 (proficient accreditation): $1,590.70 a week ($83,004 a year)
  • Level 3 (proficient after 3 years at Level 2): $1,731.70 a week ($90,362 a year)
  • Level 4 (proficient after 3 years at Level 3): $1,872.70 a week ($97,720 a year)
  • Level 5 (highly accomplished/lead teacher): $2,013.70 a week ($105,076 a year)

For teachers in long day care centres, the rates are about 4% higher. These are the legal minimums. A graduate teacher on the award floor is well below the national average of $108,939 a year. Only at Level 5 does the award minimum approach the national line.

How the Victorian state average compares

The ABS also publishes state-level full-time averages. For Victoria, the full-time adult average ordinary time earnings is about $106,137 a year. That is slightly below the national average of $108,352. A Victorian teacher on the top award step is close to the state average, while a graduate on Level 1 is far below both averages.

What moves pay above or below the average

Above the line: To earn more than the national full-time average, a Victorian teacher typically needs to be on a higher classification under an enterprise agreement. In Victoria, many government school teachers are covered by the Victorian Government Schools Agreement, which often pays above the award. Additional allowances for leadership roles, leadership roles, or working in a hard-to-staff school can also lift pay above the line.

Below the line: Early-career teachers on the award minimums will sit below the national average. Even the Level 5 award rate is about $105,076, which is still below the national average of $108,352. Part-time teachers, who are paid pro rata, will also be below the line.

How the site shows your pay

The on-site tool accepts a yearly salary before tax. It shows a week and an hour on a 38-hour week, plus distance from the full-time average. For a Victorian teacher on the award minimum, the distance will be negative for most levels except Level 5. The chart draws the line at $108,352.

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Questions

What is the minimum salary for a Victorian teacher under the award?

Under the Educational Services (Teachers) Award 2020, the minimum weekly rate for a full-time teacher in a preschool or school ranges from $1,455.40 (Level 1, graduate) to $2,013.70 (Level 5, highly accomplished/lead teacher). That works out to $75,941 to $105,076 a year. For long day care centres, rates are about 4% higher. These are minimums; many Victorian teachers are covered by enterprise agreements that pay more.

How does the Victorian state average compare with the national full-time average?

The ABS Average Weekly Earnings for May 2026 show Victoria's full-time adult average ordinary time earnings at about $106,137 a year. That is slightly below the national full-time average of $108,352. A Victorian teacher on the award's top step (Level 5) earns about $105,076 is close to the state average, while a graduate on Level 1 ($75,941) is well below both averages.

What factors could move a Victorian teacher salary above the national average?

Moving above the national full-time average of $108,352 typically requires progression to a higher classification level under an enterprise agreement, additional allowances, or a leadership role. In Victoria, many government school teachers are covered by the Victorian Government Schools Agreement, which often pays above the award. Experience, postgraduate qualifications, and working in a hard-to-staff school can also lift pay above the average. Conversely, early-career teachers on award minimums will sit below it.

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