SA Teacher Salary: Gross Pay, Super, and Tax in 2026

What is an SA teacher salary?

An SA teacher salary refers to the gross pay for school teachers employed in South Australia, typically under the School Teachers Award and the South Australian School and Preschool Staff Education Staff Enterprise Agreement 2024. These rates are set by the state government and are higher than the national minimums under the Educational Services (Teachers) Award [MA000077] from the Fair Work Ombudsman. The keyword "sa teacher salary" is often searched by educators, graduates, and those comparing pay across states.

How SA teacher salaries compare on the Salary Index

The Salary Index measures gross full-time adult ordinary-time earnings against a national line of 100, which in May 2026 was $108,352 per year (based on ABS Average Weekly Earnings). South Australia’s state index is 94.6, meaning the average SA full-time worker earns about $102,450 annually. A typical SA teacher at Tier 5 ($102,509) sits almost exactly on that state average, giving an index of 94.6. More experienced teachers at Tier 9 ($123,236) reach an index of 113.7, above the national line. By contrast, the national award’s highest classification (Level 5, $104,712) gives an index of 96.6, still below 100.

Gross pay under the SA School Teachers Award

The SA Department for Education publishes pay rates effective from May 2026. Permanent teachers are classified in nine tiers:

• Tier 1: $84,971 per year
• Tier 2: $89,350
• Tier 3: $93,735
• Tier 4: $98,113
• Tier 5: $102,509
• Tier 6: $106,890
• Tier 7: $111,269
• Tier 8: $117,198
• Tier 9: $123,236

Contract teachers receive higher rates, e.g., Tier 5 contract $103,681. Special authority teachers and temporary relieving teachers have different structures. These rates are all gross, before tax and super.

Super guarantee on SA teacher pay

From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of ordinary-time earnings, paid by the employer on top of the gross salary. For a Tier 5 teacher earning $102,509, the employer contributes $12,301 annually. The maximum contribution base is $270,830 for 2026-27. Super is not included in the Salary Index calculation, but it is a significant part of total remuneration.

Tax on an SA teacher salary

Resident tax rates for 2026-27 are progressive: nil up to $18,200, 15% from $18,201 to $45,000, 30% from $45,001 to $135,000, 37% from $135,001 to $190,000, and 45% above $190,000. A 2% Medicare levy applies. For a Tier 5 teacher ($102,509), estimated tax is roughly $22,800, leaving about $79,700 take-home. This estimate ignores HELP repayments, salary sacrifice, or the Medicare levy surcharge. You can use the [pay guides](/blog] to calculate your own situation.

How SA teacher salaries compare across states

South Australia’s teacher salaries are mid-range compared to other states. The states page shows NSW index 101.2, Victoria 98.0, Queensland 97.9, SA 94.6, WA 106.9, Tasmania 88.6, NT 95.2, and ACT 109.9. A Tier 5 SA teacher (index 94.6) earns less than a comparable teacher in NSW or WA but more than in Tasmania. The national industries average for Education and Training is 105.5, meaning SA teachers at Tier 5 are slightly below that industry benchmark.

Award vs enterprise agreement

The national Educational Services (Teachers) Award [MA000077] from the Fair Work Ombudsman sets minimum rates for teachers not covered by an enterprise agreement. As of July 2026, its levels are:

• Level 1: $1,455.40/week ($75,680 annualised)
• Level 2: $1,590.70/week ($82,716)
• Level 3: $1,731.70/week ($90,048)
• Level 4: $1,872.70/week ($97,380)
• Level 5: $2,013.70/week ($104,712)

SA’s enterprise agreement pays above these minimums, especially at higher tiers. For example, SA Tier 1 ($84,971) is above award Level 2, and SA Tier 9 ($123,236) is well above award Level 5.

Casual and part-time rates

Casual teachers under the SA agreement receive a 25% loading on the permanent rate. The national award caps casuals at Level 3 for engagements under five consecutive days. Part-time teachers are paid proportionally. The Salary Index uses full-time ordinary-time earnings, so part-time or casual pay is not directly comparable.

Take-home pay example

A Tier 5 teacher earning $102,509 gross receives $12,301 in super (employer contribution). After tax and Medicare levy, take-home is about $79,700. If they salary sacrifice into super, taxable income reduces, lowering tax. The index of 94.6 shows they earn slightly below the national average full-time worker.

Conclusion

An SA teacher salary under the state enterprise agreement offers competitive gross pay, especially at higher tiers, with super at 12% and progressive tax. The keyword "sa teacher salary" reflects a specific state-based pay structure that differs from the national award. For more details, see the how the index works page or explore topics on teacher pay.