Victorian teacher salary 2026: how government school pay compares to the national line

What does "vic teacher salary 2026" mean?

When you search for "vic teacher salary 2026", you are likely looking for the pay rates that apply to teachers employed by the Victorian government in 2026. These rates are set by the Victorian Government Schools Agreement 2026, which was approved by the Fair Work Commission and runs until August 2030. The agreement covers classroom teachers, leading teachers, and principals in state schools. It replaces the previous agreement and includes scheduled pay rises over the next few years.

How the salary index applies

The Salary Index measures where a pay figure sits against the national line. An index of 100 equals full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $108,352 per year (based on ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). For a Victorian government teacher, the index varies by classification:

• T1-1 (first year teacher): $79,589 → index 73.5
• T2-1 (experienced classroom teacher): $94,415 → index 87.1
• T3-2 (top of the teacher range): $129,544 → index 119.6

So a starting teacher earns about 26% below the national average, while a top-range teacher earns about 20% above it.

State and industry context

Victoria's overall state index is 98, meaning the average Victorian full-time worker earns slightly below the national line states. But the education and training industry index is 105.5 industries, which is above the national average. Victorian government school teachers at the top of the scale sit well above both the state and industry averages. Entry-level teachers, however, are below both.

Award vs enterprise agreement

It is important to distinguish between the modern award and the enterprise agreement. The Educational Services (Teachers) Award sets minimum rates for teachers not covered by an agreement. For example, a Level 1 teacher in a preschool or school under the award earns $1,455.40 per week, or about $75,680 annually. That is lower than the Victorian government school T1-1 rate of $79,589. The award also has separate rates for teachers in long day care centres, where Level 1 is $1,513.60 per week ($78,707 annualised).

Most Victorian government school teachers are covered by the enterprise agreement, which pays above the award. Non-government schools may have their own agreements or rely on the award.

Concrete examples from the 2026 agreement

The AEUVic teacher class salary schedule shows current and future rates. Here are the annual salaries as of August 2026:

• Range 1: T1-1 $79,589, T1-2 $81,676, T1-3 $84,690, T1-4 $87,814, T1-5 $91,056
• Range 2: T2-1 $94,415, T2-2 $97,899, T2-3 $101,512, T2-4 $105,258, T2-5 $109,142, T2-6 $118,063
• Range 3: T3-1 $123,966, T3-2 $129,544

These are gross figures. To estimate take-home pay, subtract tax and Medicare levy. For a T1-1 teacher earning $79,589 in 2026–27, the tax (using the 30% bracket above $45,000) plus 2% Medicare would leave roughly $60,000–$62,000 after tax, depending on deductions.

Future increases

The agreement provides for further increases:

• 4% from 1 October 2026 (already included in the August schedule? The schedule shows a column "01-Oct-26" with higher figures)
• 4% from 1 November 2027
• 4% from 1 November 2028
• 4.9% from 1 November 2029

For example, a T1-1 teacher currently at $79,589 will move to $84,631 on 1 October 2026, then to $92,882 on 1 November 2027, and so on. By November 2029, the same teacher would earn $105,384, which is very close to the national average line.

How vic teacher salary 2026 fits into the bigger picture

Victorian government school teachers are paid above the award minimum but below some other states. For comparison, the state index for New South Wales is 101.2, while Victoria is 98. However, the education industry index of 105.5 suggests that teachers nationally earn above the average worker. The Victorian government agreement ensures that experienced teachers can exceed the national line, while early-career teachers are below it until they progress.

If you are considering a teaching career in Victoria, the 2026 agreement provides a clear path of increases over the next few years. The index helps you see where you stand relative to the average Australian full-time worker. For more on how the index works, see how the index works. To explore other state comparisons, visit states. For industry breakdowns, see industries.