WA Teacher Salary 2026: Gross Pay, Super, and Tax Explained

WA Teacher Salary 2026: What You Need to Know

When searching for "wa teacher salary 2026", it's important to recognise that Western Australia has two main systems for teacher pay. Public school teachers are employed by the state government and covered by the WA industrial relations system, while teachers in private schools and many early childhood services fall under the national Fair Work system. Each has different pay structures and timelines for 2026 increases.

WA Public School Teacher Salaries (State System)

The WA Department of Education publishes salary levels for teachers in public schools. As of December 2025, the latest available figures show a clear progression:

• Level 2.1 (starting qualified teacher): $88,178 per year
• Level 2.2: $95,627
• Level 2.3: $103,568
• Level 2.4: $107,175
• Level 2.5: $110,925
• Level 2.6: $114,820
• Level 2.7: $118,868
• Level 2.8: $123,141
• Level 2.9: $127,737
• Senior Teacher 1: $132,557
• Senior Teacher 2: $134,165
• Level 3.1 Classroom Teacher: $137,567
• Level 3.2 Classroom Teacher: $141,551
• Level 3.3 Classroom Teacher: $147,077

These rates are as of December 2025. For 2026, the WA Industrial Relations Commission handed down the State Wage Case decision on 11 June 2026, which will increase award rates from the first pay period on or after 1 July 2026. However, the updated salary tables for teachers have not yet been published. The exact "wa teacher salary 2026" for public school teachers will be confirmed once the Department of Education releases its new schedule.

Teacher Salaries Under the Fair Work Award (National System)

For teachers covered by the Fair Work Ombudsman's Educational Services (Teachers) Award, the pay guide effective 1 July 2026 provides minimum rates. These are the legal floor; many teachers are paid more based on experience and qualifications.

Teachers in Preschools and Schools (Full-time & Part-time):

Classification	Weekly rate	Annualised (52 weeks)
Level 1	$1,455.40	$75,681
Level 2	$1,590.70	$82,716
Level 3	$1,731.70	$90,048
Level 4	$1,872.70	$97,380
Level 5	$2,013.70	$104,712

Teachers in Long Day Care Centres (Full-time & Part-time):

Classification	Weekly rate	Annualised (52 weeks)
Level 1	$1,513.60	$78,707
Level 2	$1,654.40	$86,029
Level 3	$1,801.00	$93,652
Level 4	$1,947.70	$101,280
Level 5	$2,094.30	$108,904

These award rates are part of the "wa teacher salary 2026" picture, but remember these are minimums. Many employers, especially in private schools, pay above the award. For a clearer comparison, see our states page for how WA compares to other states.

Gross Pay, Super, and Tax for WA Teachers in 2026

Using the Salary Index line of 100 (full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $108,352 annualised), a WA public school teacher at Level 2.1 ($88,178) sits at index 81.4. That is below the national line but above the national minimum wage (index 48.2). The industries page shows Education and Training has an index of 105.5 nationally, so WA public school starting salaries are below that industry average.

Superannuation

From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of ordinary-time earnings. For a teacher earning $88,178, that adds $10,581 in super contributions. Total remuneration (salary plus super) is $98,759. This is not included in the salary index, but it's a key part of total compensation.

Tax Estimate (2026–27 Resident Rates)

For a gross salary of $88,178, using the tax brackets (excluding Medicare levy):

• Tax-free threshold: $0–$18,200
• 15% on $18,201–$45,000: $4,020
• 30% on $45,001–$88,178: $12,953.40
• Total tax: $16,973.40
• Medicare levy (2%): $1,763.56
• Total tax and Medicare: $18,736.96
• Estimated take-home: $69,441.04

This is a rough estimate. It ignores HELP repayments, salary sacrifice, or the Medicare levy surcharge. For more on how the index works, see how the index works.

What to Watch for in 2026

The key uncertainty for "wa teacher salary 2026" is the pending update from the WA Department of Education. The State Wage Case decision will lift award rates, but the exact teacher salary levels are not yet published. Teachers in the national system already have their 2026 minimum rates from the Fair Work Ombudsman. Both groups will see a 4.75% increase to award rates from 1 July 2026, as noted in the on-site reference.

For the most current pay guides, check the pay guides page. If you're comparing salaries across Australia, the Salary Index provides a consistent benchmark using the national line.

Final Thoughts

WA teacher salaries in 2026 depend on the employer and system. Public school teachers have a clear career progression from $88,178 to over $147,000, while award-covered teachers start at lower minimums. Super at 12% and progressive tax rates affect take-home pay. As the year progresses, updated figures from the WA government will clarify the exact "wa teacher salary 2026" for state school teachers.