Teacher salary Melbourne: where it sits on the Australian salary index

What does a teacher salary in Melbourne look like on the index?

When you search for "teacher salary melbourne", you are likely asking how much a teacher earns in Melbourne and whether that pay stacks up against the national average. The Australian salary index, published by Salary Index, provides a clear benchmark: 100 equals full-time adult ordinary-time earnings, which from May 2026 is $108,352 per year (or $2,083.70 per week). Any figure above 100 means the pay is above the national line; below 100 means it is below.

Melbourne sits in Victoria, which has a state index of 98, meaning average full-time earnings in Victoria are about 2% below the national line. But teacher salaries are not uniform—they depend on classification, sector, and experience.

Award minimums for teachers

The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes the Educational Services (Teachers) Award 2020, which sets minimum pay for teachers in preschools, schools, and long day care centres. For a full-time teacher in a preschool or school, the weekly rates from 1 July 2026 are:

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

These annual figures are calculated by multiplying the weekly rate by 52.18, as per the award. On the salary index, Level 1 sits at 70.1, Level 3 at 83.4, and Level 5 at 97.0—all below the national line of 100. For long day care centres, rates are 4% higher, so Level 5 reaches $109,279, index 100.9, just above the line.

Median earnings for primary teachers

Jobs and Skills Australia reports that the median full-time weekly earnings for Primary School Teachers (ANZSCO 2412) is $2,226, with median hourly earnings of $60. Annualising that weekly figure gives roughly $116,152, which corresponds to an index of 107.2—well above the national line. This median includes teachers across all sectors and experience levels, so many teachers earn more than the award minimum.

What this means for Melbourne

Melbourne teachers are covered by the same award and often by enterprise agreements that pay above award. The Victorian state index of 98 suggests that the average full-time worker in Victoria earns slightly less than the national average, but teachers—especially those with experience—tend to earn above that average. The median primary teacher nationally earns about 7% above the national line, and given Victoria’s strong education sector, Melbourne teachers likely match or exceed that.

Factors that affect take-home pay

When considering a teacher salary in Melbourne, remember that the figures above are before tax and super. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12%, paid on top of the salary. For a teacher on $90,362, that adds $10,843 in super contributions. Tax depends on residency and other income. For 2026–27, a resident earning $90,362 pays about $19,467 in tax plus $1,807 Medicare levy, leaving a take-home of about $69,088. The salary index uses gross ordinary-time earnings, not take-home.

How the index helps

The salary index lets you compare any pay figure to the national line. For example, a teacher on the Level 3 award minimum of $90,362 has an index of 83.4, while a teacher on the median of $116,152 has an index of 107.2. You can use the how the index works page to calculate your own index. For state comparisons, see the states page. For more on pay guides, visit pay guides.

Summary

A teacher salary in Melbourne can range from the award minimum of about $76,000 for a graduate to over $105,000 for a lead teacher, with many earning above award. The median primary teacher nationally earns around $116,000, which is above the national line. Victoria’s state index of 98 means average earnings are slightly below the national line, but teachers in Melbourne tend to earn above that average. Use the salary index to see where any pay figure sits.

FAQs

What is the minimum salary for a teacher in Melbourne under the award?

Under the Educational Services (Teachers) Award 2020, the minimum annual salary for a full-time teacher in preschools and schools ranges from $75,941 at Level 1 (graduate) to $105,076 at Level 5 (highly accomplished/lead). For long day care centres, rates are 4% higher. These rates apply nationally, including Melbourne.

How does a teacher salary in Melbourne compare to the national average?

The national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings index is 100, equal to $108,352 annualised. Victoria’s index is 98, meaning average earnings in Victoria are slightly below the national line. The median primary teacher nationally earns about $116,200 annualised, above the line. However, award minimums for teachers are below the national average.

Does the teacher salary in Melbourne include superannuation?

No, the salary figures from the award and median earnings are before super. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of ordinary-time earnings, paid on top of the salary. For example, a teacher on the Level 3 award salary of $90,362 would receive an additional $10,843 in super contributions.