2025 Average Teacher Salaries in Australia

As of 2025, graduate teachers in Australia earn between $80,000 and $95,000 annually. Senior teachers average between $110,000 and $180,000 annually, while principals can earn up to and more than $240,000 annually. Primary school teachers and secondary school teachers typically have similar remuneration levels.

These figures provide a broad overview, but specific salaries can differ based on state and territory regulations, as well as factors such as remoteness of the school's location, incentive packages, and type of school (government vs. non-government).

So how much does a teacher earn in Australia? If you account the salaries of both graduates and experienced seniors, it is about $110,000 per year annum in 2025.

Position	Average Salary Range
Graduate	$80,000 - $95,000
Teacher	$110,000 - $180,000
Principal	$150,000 - $240,000+

1. State-by-State Breakdown

State	Salary Range
New South Wales	$85,000 - $129,948
Victoria	$79,589 - $129,544
Queensland	$84,078 - $142,766
Western Australia	$82,317 - $132,143
South Australia	$80,093 - $133,250
Tasmania	$80,824 - $111,500
Northern Territory	$92,215 - $188,789
Australian Capital Territory	$88,615 - $125,582

1.1. Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

Despite its size, the ACT offers the second highest starting salaries in Australia. As of January 2025, first year graduates will earn $88,615 per year, and by the start of 2026, will earn $100,006 - the first 6 figure salary for junior teachers. Experienced teachers then earn between $105,498 to $125,582. More information can be found on ACT Education's website.

1.2 New South Wales (NSW)

New South Wales offers the third highest starting teacher salaries in Australia. The NSW Department of Education divides salaries into 6 bands, which dictate how a teacher may be renumerated in relation to their career progression. On average, new graduates can expect a start of $85,000, while experienced teachers can expect up to $129,948 and more. Principals start at $140,502 and can achieve up to $231,868 or more. Learn more about teaching salaries in New South Wales in our guide to teacher salaries in NSW

Explore the largest database of NSW teaching jobs on Campus Jobs ->

1.3 Victoria (VIC)

A VIC teaching salary is competitive through slightly lower than NSW. Teachers can expect between $79,589 as new graduates, to $129,544 as experienced seniors, and up to $238,676 or more as school principals. The Victorian State Government also operates on multiple salary bands that are outlined in detail on the Victorian Education and Training website: Teacher Salary Victoria

Explore the largest database of Victorian teaching jobs on Campus Jobs ->

1.4 Queensland (QLD)

In Queensland, a similar salary band system is employed by the Queensland Department of Education. Despite trailing NSW and VIC as the third largest employer of educators, QLD teaching salary range is competitive, reflecting the high demand for teaching staff in the state. The salary of a starting graduate after a 4 year university degree begins at $84,078 and can grow to $142,766 as an experienced senior. Principal salaries can rise to $235,508 and beyond depending on experience, location, and responsibilities.

More information about the image below, including salary bands can be found on the Teach Queensland website.

Explore the largest database of Queensland teaching jobs on Campus Jobs ->

1.5 Western Australia (WA)

Western Australia is the fourth largest employer of educators, with 55,000 teachers reported in 2020. A starting salary of $82,317 can be expected to grow to $132,143 in senior years. Visit Education in WA for more details about the salary band system.

1.6 South Australia (SA)

In South Australia, teachers typically start at $80,093 per year and grow to $133,250 as an experienced lead. Salary rates will vary depending on job type status and location (eg. a temporary relieving skilled teachers can earn up to $145,203 per annum pro rated). Principals earn up to $207,696 per year or more. Learn more about public, private, and catholic salaries in our guide here.

1.7 Tasmania (TAS)

Tasmanian teachers can expect starting salaries of $80,824 per year to $111,500 for experienced teachers. Principals can expect up to $184,200 or more. Salary scale lists and more details can be found here.

1.8 Northern Territory (NT)

The Northern Territory offers some of the highest salaries in Australia due to its remoteness and recent government incentives. Salaries start at $92,215 and can increase to $188,789 for senior teachers. However, principal salaries are on par with the Australian average, where experienced principals can expect up to $205,531 or more. The Northern Territory Government has released its latest salary bands on their website..

The NT also offers access to many other benefits such as 100% of rent coverage, relocation and retention allowances, and other annual study and expense budgets for personal use. More details can be found on Join The Territory Government website.

2. Factors Influencing Teacher Salaries

1. Experience: Entry-level positions typically for young people (such as students, graduate, or early career roles) have a lower starting salary as they require guidance and learning from leadership. Those with many years of experience can earn at the top end due to increased skill level, responsibility, and life experience.

2. Education Level: Teachers with advanced degrees or specializations often earn a higher base salary. These include principal positions and heads of department positions.

3. Location: Salaries vary between urban and rural areas, with urban areas generally offering higher pay due to the higher cost of living.

4. Demand: High-demand subjects or roles, such as special education, may offer higher salaries to attract qualified teachers.

3. Special Roles and Additional Pay

Lead teachers often earn more due to their additional responsibilities. The average salary can range significantly depending on the school's location and the specific duties assigned. Additionally, casual teachers and those with highly accomplished status may see variations in their pay. Casual teachers typically earn on a daily or hourly basis, which can be beneficial for flexibility but may result in less overall stability compared to full-time positions.

Further information about teacher's aides, read the page on the ultimate guide to being a teacher's aides.

4. Primary Teacher Salary Australia

In most states, the award scale is the same between primary and secondary teachers. However, primary school teachers may have less leadership opportunities to grow into compared to secondary schools. Read more about the discussion in this forum about primary and secondary teacher experiences.

5. Conclusion

Understanding the average teaching salary in Australia involves considering multiple factors, including location, experience, and specific roles within the school system. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, consulting specific state education department websites or professional teaching associations is advisable.

If you seek employment in Australia's education sector, search Australia's largest teaching board here: search Campus Jobs.

6. References

• Australian Government Department of Education

• New South Wales Department of Education

• Victoria State Government - Education and Training

• Queensland Department of Education

• Western Australia Department of Education

• South Australia Department for Education

• Tasmanian Department of Education

• Northern Territory Department of Education

• Australian Capital Territory Education Directorate