Child care worker salary: award rates, state differences and industry context
Understand the child care worker salary in Australia: award rates from July 2026, state-by-state comparisons, and how the industry sits against the national index.
The child care worker salary is set by the Children's Services Award, with full-time adult rates ranging from $28.81/hr (Level 1 educator) to $46.12/hr (Level 8 director), placing most roles below the national index of 100.
What is a child care worker salary in Australia?
A child care worker salary in Australia is primarily set by the Children's Services Award 2010 (MA000120), which covers employees in long day care, occasional care, and other children's services. The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes updated pay guides each year after the Annual Wage Review. From 1 July 2026, award rates rose by 4.75%, reflecting the national minimum wage increase.
The award divides workers into two main streams: children's services employees (educators and directors) and support workers (cooks, cleaners, etc.). Each stream has multiple classification levels based on qualifications and responsibilities. For example, a Level 1 educator (introductory) earns $28.81 per hour, while a Level 8 director earns $46.12 per hour. Support workers start at $26.44 per hour, the same as the national minimum wage.
Because child care is a female-dominated industry (97% of workers are women, with a median age of 34), pay has historically been lower than the national average. The Salary Index helps put these figures into context: the national line of 100 equals $108,352 per year. A full-time Level 1 educator on $28.81/hr works out to an index of 52.5, well below the national line. Even a director at the top of the award reaches only 84.1. This shows that child care worker salary levels are generally lower than the average full-time adult earnings.
State and industry differences
Child care workers are concentrated in two main industries: Health Care and Social Assistance and Education and Training. The health care and social assistance industry has an overall index of 97.8, close to the national average. However, child care roles within that industry often pay less than the industry average because many workers are in lower classifications or work part-time. Only 46% of child care workers are employed full-time, compared to 64% across all occupations. Part-time and casual work reduces annual earnings even if the hourly rate is the same.
State distribution also matters. New South Wales employs 31.2% of child care workers, Victoria 27.4%, and Queensland 16.8%. While the award applies nationally, local labour markets can push wages above the minimum. For example, the ACT has the highest state index (109.9), and some child care centres in Canberra may offer above-award rates to attract staff. Western Australia (index 106.9) also has a strong economy. In contrast, Tasmania (index 88.6) has lower overall earnings, and child care workers there may find fewer opportunities for above-award pay.
To see how your state compares, visit our states page. For a broader view of how different industries stack up, check industries.
Award classifications and examples
The Children's Services Award has eight levels for educators and directors, plus three levels for support workers. Below are some key full-time adult weekly rates from 1 July 2026:
- Level 1 – Introductory educator: $1,094.80/week ($28.81/hr)
- Level 3 – Qualified educator: $1,233.90/week ($32.47/hr)
- Level 6 – Room leader: $1,453.50/week ($38.25/hr)
- Level 8 – Director: $1,752.70/week ($46.12/hr)
- Support worker Level 1.1: $1,004.90/week ($26.44/hr)
These are minimums. Casual employees get a 25% loading, so a casual Level 1 educator earns $36.01/hr. Junior rates apply for workers under 21, based on percentages of the adult rate. For example, a 17-year-old at Level 1 would earn a reduced rate as per the award.
Superannuation guarantee is 12% from 1 July 2026, paid on top of gross wages. Tax rates for 2026–27 are progressive: nil up to $18,200, then 15% to $45,000, 30% to $135,000, etc., plus a 2% Medicare levy. A full-time Level 1 educator earning $56,930 would have a take-home pay of roughly $45,500 after tax and Medicare, assuming no other deductions.
How to find the right rate
Because the award has many classifications and allowances, it's best to use the Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay and Conditions Tool or check the pay guides on our site. The Fair Work Commission's Modern Awards Pay Database also provides detailed classification data. Remember that the award is a minimum – some employers pay more, especially for experienced staff or in high-cost areas.
The bottom line
The child care worker salary is defined by a national award that sets a floor but often leaves workers below the national earnings index. State and industry differences affect actual pay through above-award rates and hours worked. Understanding where your role sits on the Salary Index can help you benchmark your earnings against the broader workforce.
Questions people ask
What is the minimum hourly rate for a child care worker under the award?
From 1 July 2026, the minimum hourly rate for a full-time adult child care worker under the Children's Services Award ranges from $28.81 (Level 1 educator) to $46.12 (Level 8 director). Support workers start at $26.44/hr (Level 1.1), which matches the national minimum wage. Casual employees receive a 25% loading on top of these rates.
How does the child care worker salary compare to the national average?
The national index of 100 represents full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $108,352 per year. A Level 1 educator earning $28.81/hr full-time would annualise to about $56,930, giving an index of 52.5. Even a Level 8 director at $46.12/hr ($91,140 annual) has an index of 84.1. Most child care roles sit well below the national average, reflecting the lower pay in this female-dominated industry.
Do child care worker salaries vary by state?
While the award rates are national, so the minimum pay is the same across Australia. However, actual earnings can differ because of differences in full-time hours, casual work prevalence, and above-award payments. States with higher overall earnings (e.g., ACT index 109.9, WA 106.9) may see some employers offering more to attract staff, but the award floor is uniform.