What Is the Primary School Teacher Salary in Victoria?

Primary School Teacher Salary Victoria: What to Expect in Job Ads

When you search for a primary school teacher salary in Victoria, you will see a wide range of figures. That is because pay depends on the type of school (government, Catholic, independent), your experience level, and the applicable award or enterprise agreement. This guide helps you read job ads and compare offers against the national Salary Index benchmark.

The Award Minimum

The Educational Services (Teachers) Award 2020, set by the Fair Work Ombudsman, provides the legal minimum pay for teachers in preschools and schools. From 1 July 2026, the weekly rates for full-time teachers are:

• Level 1 (graduate): $1,455.40 per week ($75,941 per year)
• Level 2 (proficient): $1,590.70 ($83,004)
• Level 3 (proficient after 3 years): $1,731.70 ($90,362)
• Level 4 (proficient after 6 years): $1,872.70 ($97,720)
• Level 5 (highly accomplished/lead): $2,013.70 ($105,076)

These are the floor. Most Victorian government schools pay above these rates through enterprise agreements. Private schools may also offer more.

Victorian Government School Salaries

The Victorian Department of Education publishes salary tables for classroom teachers. The most recent available data (effective July 2025) shows three ranges with multiple steps:

• Range 1: from $79,589 (1-1) to $91,056 (1-5)
• Range 2: from $94,415 (2-1) to $118,063 (2-6)
• Range 3: from $123,966 (3-1) to $129,544 (3-2)

A typical primary school teacher with a few years of experience would be at Range 2, earning around $95,000 to $118,000. Lead teachers or those with advanced accreditation reach Range 3.

How the Salary Index Helps

The how the index works page explains that index 100 equals full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $108,352 per year (ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). To compare a job offer:

• Award minimum (Level 1): $75,941 → index 70
• Government school Range 2-1: $94,415 → index 87
• Government school Range 3-2: $129,544 → index 120

A salary below index 100 means it is below the national average for all full-time workers. Above 100 means above average. For context, the Education and Training industry index is 105.5, so many teachers earn slightly above the national line.

Reading Job Ads

When you see a job ad for a primary school teacher in Victoria, look for:

• Classification: Government ads often say "Range 2-3" or "Classroom Teacher Range 2". Check the Victorian salary table for the exact dollar figure.
• Above award: Private schools may say "above award" or "based on experience". Ask for the specific salary range.
• Superannuation: The super guarantee is 12% from July 2026. Some employers offer more. The salary quoted is usually gross before super.
• Location: Schools in rural or remote areas may offer additional allowances or higher pay.

State Comparison

Victoria's state index is 98, slightly below the national average of 100. However, teacher salaries in Victoria are competitive with other states. For more on how Victoria compares, see our states page.

Tax and Take-Home Pay

For a teacher earning $95,000 per year, the estimated take-home pay (2026–27 rates, including Medicare levy) is about $72,500. This assumes no HELP debt or salary sacrifice. The tax-free threshold is $18,200, then 15% up to $45,000, 30% up to $135,000, plus 2% Medicare.

Final Tips

• Always confirm the salary in writing before accepting an offer.
• If the ad says "based on the Educational Services (Teachers) Award", ask which level they will place you at.
• Use the pay guides on our site to check award rates for other education roles.

Understanding the primary school teacher salary in Victoria means knowing both the award floor and the actual pay scales used by government and independent schools. With the Salary Index, you can see where any offer sits against the national line.