Graduate Teacher Salary Victoria: What You Can Expect in 2026

What does ‘graduate teacher salary Victoria’ mean?

When you search for graduate teacher salary victoria, you are looking at the starting pay for a teacher who has completed a four-year teaching degree and is eligible for provisional or conditional registration. In Victoria, this salary depends on whether you work in a government school, a non-government school, or a long day care centre. The figure also varies by the industrial instrument that applies—either the national award or a state-based enterprise agreement.

This article explains the current rates, how they compare to the national average, and what the salary index tells you about buying power.

Graduate teacher salary under the national award

The Fair Work Ombudsman administers the Educational Services (Teachers) Award 2020. For a full-time graduate teacher classified at Level 1, the minimum weekly rate from 1 July 2026 is $1,455.40 in preschools and schools, which annualises to $75,941. In long day care centres, the rate is higher—$1,513.60 per week, or $78,979 per year—because those centres operate longer hours and the award adds a 4% loading.

These are legal minimums. Most Victorian teachers are paid above award, especially in the government school system.

Victorian government school graduate teacher salary

The Victorian Department of Education publishes salary tables for government school teachers. As of 1 July 2025, a classroom teacher at Range 1-5 (the graduate step) earns $91,056 per year. This is the starting point for a four-year qualified teacher with provisional registration. After one year of satisfactory service, you move to Range 1-4 ($87,814 as at 1 July 2025) – note the numbering: Range 1-5 is the highest step within Range 1, so graduates start at the top of Range 1. Progression continues through Range 2 up to Range 2-6 ($118,063) and then to Range 3 leading teacher roles.

The Graduate Teacher Recruitment Initiative (GTRI) offers an additional $5,650 pre-tax incentive for eligible graduates who take designated positions. The same page mentions a starting salary of $79,589, but this appears to be from an earlier year and is lower than the current published table. Always check the latest salary scales on the Department of Education website.

How the salary index works

The Salary Index compares a gross annual salary to the national line of 100, which is set at full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $108,352 (ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). To find the index for a graduate teacher salary in Victoria, divide the annual figure by $108,352 and multiply by 100.

• Award minimum ($75,941): index 70.1
• GTRI figure ($79,589): index 73.5
• Government school graduate ($91,056): index 84.0

All three are below the national line. However, the Education and Training industry index is 105.5, meaning the average teacher (including experienced ones) earns above the national average. Graduates start lower but progress quickly.

State and industry differences

Victoria’s state index is 98 (annualised $106,137), slightly below the national line. Other states vary: New South Wales has an index of 101.2, Queensland 97.9, and Western Australia 106.9. A graduate teacher in WA might earn a different amount under that state’s award or agreement.

Within Victoria, the industry matters. Teachers in long day care centres are covered by the same award but with a 4% loading. Private schools may have their own enterprise agreements that pay above the award but often below the government scale. The pay guides section of Salary Index breaks down these differences.

Superannuation and tax considerations

From 1 July 2026, the superannuation guarantee is 12% of ordinary time earnings, with a maximum contribution base of $270,830. For a graduate teacher on $91,056, the employer contributes $10,927 per year to super. This is on top of the salary.

For take-home pay, a resident earning $91,056 in 2026–27 pays no tax on the first $18,200, then 15% up to $45,000, 30% up to $135,000, plus a 2% Medicare levy. The estimated annual tax is about $18,500, leaving around $72,500 after tax and before super. This is a rough estimate and ignores HELP repayments, salary sacrifice, or the Medicare levy surcharge.

What the figures mean for you

If you are a graduate teacher looking at jobs in Victoria, the salary you see will likely be between $75,941 (award minimum) and $91,056 (government school). The GTRI incentive can add $5,650 in the first year. Over time, you can expect to reach $118,063 as an experienced classroom teacher, which gives an index of 109—above the national line.

For a broader view of how teaching salaries compare across Australia, see the states page or the industries page. The topics section also covers related pay questions.

Summary

A graduate teacher salary in Victoria is well above the national minimum wage ($52,255, index 48.2) but below the national average for all workers. The government school rate of $91,056 (index 84) is a solid starting point, and with progression you can exceed the national line within a few years. Always verify current rates from official sources like the Fair Work Ombudsman or the Victorian Department of Education.