Teachers aide salary: awards versus the national minimum wage
How much do teachers aides earn in Australia? We compare award coverage, the national minimum wage, and what the salary index says about this role.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics does not publish median weekly earnings for teachers aides, but the role is predominantly part-time and female, and falls outside the Teachers Award unless the aide holds a university early childhood qualification.
What is a teachers aide?
A teachers aide (also called an education aide, integration aide, or classroom assistant) supports teachers in preparing materials and helping students in schools and preschools. According to Jobs and Skills Australia, there are about 74,800 teachers aides employed nationally. The role is overwhelmingly female (88%) and part-time (78%), with a median age of 46. Full-time hours average 39 per week, compared to 44 across all occupations.
Teachers aide salary under awards vs national minimum wage
The keyword "teachers aide salary" often leads to confusion because the most visible award – the Teachers Award (MA000077) – does not cover most teachers aides. The Fair Work Ombudsman states that the Teachers Award excludes "teachers aides or integration aides" unless they are university qualified in early childhood teaching. That means the award rates for teachers (Level 1 to Level 5, ranging from $1,455 to $2,013 per week) do not apply to the typical teachers aide.
Instead, teachers aides are usually covered by the Educational Services (Schools) General Staff Award or the Children's Services Award, depending on whether they work in a school, preschool, or long day care centre. Some state government schools have their own enterprise agreements. Without a specific award rate from our search, we can compare against the national minimum wage.
From 1 July 2026, the national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour, $1,004.90 per week, annualised to $52,255. That sits at an index of 48.2 on the Salary Index, where 100 equals full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $108,352 per year. The entry-level award floor (the lowest rate in any modern award) is $25.74 per hour, just below the minimum wage.
Because most teachers aides work part-time, their actual weekly pay is often less than the full-time weekly minimum. For example, a teachers aide working 25 hours per week at $28 per hour would earn $700 per week, or about $36,400 annually – well below the national minimum wage annualised figure, but still above the hourly minimum.
How the salary index applies
The Salary Index compares any gross annual salary to the national line of $108,352 (index 100). For teachers aides, we lack a precise median figure, but we can look at the education and training industry index, which is 105.5. That suggests the average full-time worker in education earns slightly above the national line. However, teachers aides are likely below that average due to the high part-time share and lower classification.
State indexes also give context. For instance, Western Australia has an index of 106.9 (annualised $115,825), while Tasmania is 88.6 ($96,008). A teachers aide in WA might earn more than one in TAS, but award rates and enterprise agreements vary. You can explore state-by-state comparisons for more detail.
Take-home pay considerations
If a teachers aide earns $28 per hour and works 30 hours per week (a common part-time arrangement), the gross annual salary would be about $43,680. After tax (using 2026–27 rates: nil up to $18,200, then 15% to $45,000) and the 2% Medicare levy, the take-home pay would be roughly $37,500 – or about $720 per week. That's before any salary sacrifice or HELP repayments.
Superannuation is 12% from 1 July 2026, so the employer would contribute an additional $5,242 per year, but that is not part of take-home pay.
Where to find your exact rate
Because the Teachers Award doesn't cover most aides, you need to check the correct award or agreement. The Fair Work Ombudsman's pay guides can help you identify your classification. If you work in a private school, ask for your award classification. In government schools, each state publishes salary scales for education support staff.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics does not publish median weekly earnings for teachers aides at the 6-digit ANZSCO level, so national averages are not available. Your best source is your employer or the relevant award.
Summary
A teachers aide salary in Australia is not straightforward. The role sits outside the main teaching award, is mostly part-time, and lacks published median earnings. Compared to the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour, many aides earn slightly more, but the part-time nature means annual incomes are often modest. The industries page shows education and training overall sits above the national line, but that includes higher-paid teachers. For a precise figure, you need to consult your specific award or agreement.
Questions people ask
What award covers teachers aides in Australia?
Teachers aides are not covered by the Teachers Award (MA000077) unless they hold a university qualification in early childhood teaching. Most teachers aides are covered by the Educational Services (Schools) General Staff Award (MA000076) or the Children's Services Award, depending on their workplace. Some state government schools have enterprise agreements. You should check your specific employment type and location using the Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay and Conditions Tool.
How does a teachers aide salary compare to the national minimum wage?
The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour. Many teachers aides are paid above this rate, especially if covered by an award or agreement. However, because the role is predominantly part-time (78%), the annual take-home pay is often lower than full-time benchmarks. Without published median earnings, it's difficult to give an exact comparison, but the entry-level award floor of $25.74 per hour is close to the minimum wage.
Where can I find the exact pay rate for a teachers aide?
Start by identifying the correct award or enterprise agreement that applies to your employer. The Fair Work Ombudsman website has a Pay and Conditions Tool that can calculate rates based on your classification and industry. For government school aides, each state's Department of Education publishes salary schedules. You can also check your employment contract or ask your HR department. The ABS does not publish median earnings for this specific occupation.