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WA teacher salary: award minimums and how they compare to the national average

Under the Educational Services (Teachers) Award 2020, a WA teacher’s minimum salary ranges from about $75,941 (Level 1) to $105,076 (Level 5) per year, below the national full-time average of $108,352.

This is the Western Australia full-time average. It sits $7,473 over the Australian full-time average, about 6.9% above the line.

Week, hour, and a tax sketch

$2,227 a week · $58.62 an hour if spread over 38 hours

About $88,241 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

WA teacher salary: award minimums and how they compare

Award rates for teachers in Western Australia

Under the Educational Services (Teachers) Award 2020, teachers in preschools and schools (which covers most WA school teachers) have minimum weekly and annual salaries. For a full-time employee working 38 ordinary hours per week, the 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 (proficient after 3 years at Level 2): $1,731.70 per week, $90,362 per year
  • Level 4 (proficient 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 are the legal minimums under the award. Teachers in long day care centres receive an additional 4% (e.g., Level 1: $1,513.60 per week, $78,979 per year). Many WA teachers are covered by enterprise agreements or state government determinations that pay above these rates. The award also specifies penalty rates for Saturday work, overtime, and early morning shifts.

How WA teacher pay compares to the national full-time average

The national full-time adult average ordinary time earnings is $2,083.70 per week, or about $108,352 per year (ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). A Level 5 teacher under the award earns $2,013.70 per week, which is $70 per week less than the national average. Lower levels are further behind. For context, the average full-time worker in Western Australia earns about $115,825 per year (ABS), which is above the national average. Teacher award rates are below both the national and WA state averages, but experienced teachers with lead accreditation may approach or exceed the national average if paid above award.

Hourly rates

For a 38-hour week, the hourly rates under the award are:

  • Level 1: $38.30
  • Level 2: $41.86
  • Level 3: $45.57
  • Level 4: $49.28
  • Level 5: $52.99

These are well above the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour (from 1 July 2026). Casual teachers engaged for less than five consecutive days are paid at a maximum of Level 3 rates, with specific half-day and short-shift rates.

What this means for your salary check

Use the Place a salary on the line tool to see how your WA teacher salary compares to the national average, state averages, and medians. The tool shows your annual, weekly, and hourly figures based on a 38-hour week. For more on state comparisons, see Western Australia.

Important notes

  • The award rates are minimums; actual WA teacher salaries may be higher due to enterprise agreements, state government pay scales, or individual arrangements.
  • The national full-time average is from the ABS Average Weekly Earnings survey for May 2026. It is an average of ordinary time earnings for full-time adults across all industries.
  • The full-time median earnings (about $90,532 per year) and all-employees median (about $74,100) are from the ABS Employee Earnings survey for August 2025. These medians give a different perspective: a Level 3 teacher ($90,362) is close to the full-time median, while a Level 1 teacher ($75,941) is above the all-employees median but below the full-time median.
  • The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, $1,004.90 per week, about $52,255 per year on 38 hours. Award minimums rose by 4.75% from the previous year.

Tax considerations

For the 2026–27 income year, resident tax rates are: nil up to $18,200; 15% 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 before any reductions. A teacher earning $90,362 (Level 3) would fall in the 30% bracket plus Medicare levy.

Further reading

Questions

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

Under the Educational Services (Teachers) Award 2020, the minimum annual salary for a full-time teacher in preschools and schools (38 hours per week) ranges from $75,941 at Level 1 (graduate) to $105,076 at Level 5 (highly accomplished/lead teacher). These rates apply from 1 July 2026. Teachers in long day care centres receive 4% more. Many WA teachers are paid above these minimums through enterprise agreements or state government determinations.

How does a WA teacher salary compare to the national average?

The national full-time adult average ordinary time earnings is $2,083.70 per week, or about $108,352 per year (ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). A Level 5 teacher under the award earns $2,013.70 per week, which is $70 below the national average. Lower levels are further behind. The average full-time worker in Western Australia earns about $115,825 per year, which is above the national average. Teacher award rates are below both averages, but experienced teachers with lead accreditation may approach or exceed the national average if paid above award.

What is the hourly rate for a WA teacher under the award?

For a 38-hour week, the hourly rates under the Educational Services (Teachers) Award 2020 are: Level 1 $38.30, Level 2 $41.86, Level 3 $45.57, Level 4 $49.28, Level 5 $52.99. These are well above the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour (from 1 July 2026). Casual teachers engaged for less than five consecutive days are paid at a maximum of Level 3 rates.

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