On this page (5 sections)
The short answer
The NT's head teacher equivalent is the Senior Teacher, paid from $145,286 at ST1 to $196,907 at ST8 from January 2026. The level is set by job evaluation of each position, not by your years of service. Senior Teachers teach up to 0.75 of a classroom load. Salaries rise 4.3% in January 2027.
Senior Teacher positions cover the NT's middle-leadership jobs, the roles other states call head teacher, head of department or leading teacher. Each position is classified ST1 to ST8 under the NTPS Job Evaluation System, so two Senior Teacher jobs at different schools can pay very differently.
Senior Teacher pay in Northern Territory
Senior Teacher positions are the NT's middle-leader roles, paid from ST1 $145,286 to ST8 $196,907 (January 2026). The level depends on the job, not on years of service. Effective 1 January 2026.
What each ST level is worth
After income tax (after LITO) and Medicare; no HECS-HELP or salary sacrifice. ST8 crosses the $190,000 threshold, so its marginal rate is 47%.
ST1 is $8,289 a year more than CT9 before tax and about $5,056 more after tax. The full scale (ST1 $145,286, ST2 $151,040, ST3 $160,531, ST4 $165,076, ST5 $176,487, ST6 $182,064, ST7 $188,515, ST8 $196,907) appears above.
How Senior Teacher roles work
- Promotion positions: you apply for an advertised role. There is no automatic progression from CT9.
- Job-evaluated: the ST level reflects the size and responsibility of the role, such as a learning area across a large secondary school or a year-level team in a primary school.
- Teaching load: up to 0.75 of a classroom teacher's load (cl. 95), which leaves time for leading staff and programs.
- Remote allowances still apply: Remote Incentive Allowance and housing benefits are paid on top in remote localities.
Winning a Senior Teacher job
- 1
Read the job description and ST level
The ad lists the classification, so you know the salary before you apply.
- 2
Address the selection criteria
NT applications are merit-based. Use specific examples of leading colleagues and improving student results. Try our selection criteria coach.
- 3
Prepare for the panel
Expect questions on leading change, data and staff development. Practise with the interview coach.
Free calculator
Promotion pay calculator
See what moving from CT9 to an ST level adds to your take-home pay.
Open the calculatorFrequently asked questions
What is a Senior Teacher paid in the NT?
Is there a head teacher role in NT schools?
How is a Senior Teacher's level decided?
How much do NT Senior Teachers teach?
How much more is ST1 than CT9?
Sources we checked · last verified 16 October 2026
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