Kindergarten teacher salary: What you can expect to earn in 2026

What is a typical kindergarten teacher salary?

When you're reading job ads for kindergarten teaching roles, the salary figure can vary depending on the type of service, your experience level, and the award that applies. In Australia, most kindergarten teachers are covered by the Educational Services (Teachers) Award 2020, which sets minimum pay rates for teachers in preschools, kindergartens, and long day care centres. The Fair Work Ombudsman and Fair Work Commission provide the official rates, which were updated from 1 July 2026.

Award classifications and pay rates

The award has five classification levels based on accreditation and experience. For a typical kindergarten teacher, you're likely to be at Level 1 (graduate or provisional registration) or Level 2 (proficient accreditation). Here are the full-time annual rates from the award:

• Level 1 (preschools/schools): $75,941 per year (index 70.1)
• Level 1 (long day care): $78,979 per year (index 72.9)
• Level 2 (preschools/schools): $83,004 per year (index 76.6)
• Level 2 (long day care): $86,324 per year (index 79.7)

The long day care rates include a 4% loading because these centres operate year-round, unlike preschools that follow school terms. .au

How does this compare to the national average?

The Salary Index uses full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $108,352 as the baseline (index 100). A kindergarten teacher at Level 1 in a preschool earns about 70% of that average, while a Level 2 teacher in long day care earns nearly 80%. For context, the national minimum wage sits at index 48.2, and the education and training industry average is index 105.5. So kindergarten teaching pays above the minimum but below the industry average, reflecting the award structure.

What to look for in job ads

When comparing offers, check two things: the type of service (preschool or long day care) and the classification level required. Some ads may ask for 'proficient' or 'graduate' status, which directly affects the pay. Also, some employers pay above award, especially in areas with teacher shortages. Use the how the index works page to convert any salary into an index number and compare it to the national line.

Superannuation and take-home pay

Remember that the salary figures are base wages. From 1 July 2026, the superannuation guarantee is 12%, so your total package is higher. For example, an $80,000 salary attracts $9,600 in super, making total remuneration $89,600. After tax (using 2026–27 rates) and the 2% Medicare levy, a single resident earning $80,000 would take home roughly $62,000. That's before any salary sacrifice or HELP repayments.

State and industry comparisons

Kindergarten teacher salaries are set by a national award, so the base rates are the same across Australia. However, actual pay can vary by state due to different employer agreements or cost-of-living adjustments. The states page shows how each state's average earnings compare to the national line. For example, NSW is index 101.2 and Victoria is 98, so a kindergarten teacher in Sydney might find higher-paying roles than in Hobart (index 88.6).

Using the index to compare offers

If you're deciding between two job offers, convert each salary to an index number. For instance, a $78,000 offer in a long day care centre gives an index of 72.0, while an $82,000 offer in a preschool gives 75.7. The higher index means a better position relative to the national average. You can also compare to other industries like retail (index 75.9) or health care (97.8) to see where teaching sits. industries

Caveats

The award rates are minimums. Some employers, especially in high-demand areas or private centres, may offer more. Always check the specific classification and whether the role is permanent or casual. Casual rates include a loading (25% for most awards) but don't include paid leave. The pay guides section has more details on award summaries.

In summary, a kindergarten teacher salary in Australia typically falls between $75,000 and $86,000 per year, depending on experience and setting. That's an index of 70 to 80, below the national average but well above the minimum wage. Use the Salary Index to make sense of any offer and see where it stands.