On this page (3 sections)
The short answer
In 2026 Australian teachers' pay is rising by different amounts on different dates: NSW 3% (October 2026), VIC 1% (July 2025), QLD 3% (September 2026), WA 3% (December 2025). Several states are bargaining for new agreements. Every state's status is below.
Every state at a glance
- New South Wales: Final 3% rise paid from Oct 2026; award expires 8 Oct 2027 with no further rise scheduled. Full NSW tracker. Top of scale now $133,422 (from 9 October 2026).
- Victoria: VGSA 2026 approved by staff (93.1%), awaiting Fair Work approval; back pay to 10 Aug 2026 Full VIC tracker. Top of scale now $118,063 (from 1 July 2025).
- Queensland: In QIRC arbitration: 3% interim rise from 7 Sep 2026 (or the higher 4.75% award rate from 1 Sep 2026); final decision expected late 2026 or 2027 Full QLD tracker. Top of scale now $119,357 (from 1 September 2026).
- Western Australia: 2023 GA expires 5 Dec 2026; last rise 3% (Dec 2025); successor agreement being bargained, no offer yet Full WA tracker. Top of scale now $127,737 (from 6 December 2025).
- South Australia: EA 2024 nominally expires about March 2027; final 3% paid May 2026; AEU EA27 campaign under way, no offer yet Full SA tracker. Top of scale now $123,236 (from 8 May 2026).
- Tasmania: Teachers Agreement 2025 in force to Sep 2028; next rise 3% in March 2027 Full TAS tracker. Top of scale now $122,393 (from 1 March 2026).
- Australian Capital Territory: Agreement expired 31 Mar 2026; 9% over 3 years offer rejected 11 Sep 2026; strikes continuing Full ACT tracker. Top of scale now $129,106 (from 4 December 2025).
- Northern Territory: Agreement in force to 31 Dec 2027; final 4.3% rise due January 2027; no bargaining under way Full NT tracker. Top of scale now $136,997 (from 1 January 2026).
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16 October 2026 · WA
No offer yet as the 2023 GA nears expiry
The agreement expires on 5 Dec 2026. SSTUWA has begun its 2026 log of claims; we found no government offer for a successor agreement as at 16 Oct 2026.
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12 October 2026 · VIC
VGSA 2026 still awaiting Fair Work approval
The principals' association VASSP reported in the week of 12 Oct that FWC approval was still pending. The government says the FWC process can take up to six weeks.
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9 October 2026 · NSW
Final 3% rise under the 2024 award takes effect
From the first full pay period on or after 9 Oct 2026: graduate $92,882, top classroom $133,422, HA/Lead $141,997. Teach.NSW updated its salary page on 12 Oct 2026.
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7 October 2026 · SA
AEU SA launches the next phase of its EA27 campaign
After a year of building claims, the AEU SA is collecting petition signatures to deliver to Education Minister Lucy Hood before formal bargaining for the 2027 agreement.
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24 September 2026 · ACT
Public schools close for two hours as teachers stop work
The second stoppage of Term 3. The AEU has flagged rolling Term 4 action and a possible full-day strike later in 2026.
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23 September 2026 · SA
Catholic school staff take protected industrial action
IEU members in SA Catholic schools wore union shirts, imposed bans and stopped work, including at Rostrevor College.
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17 September 2026 · VIC
Staff ballot approves VGSA 2026 with 93.1%
80,742 employees (77.1% of those eligible) voted and 93.1% approved. New pay starts 7 days after the FWC approves the agreement, with back pay to 10 Aug 2026.
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11 September 2026 · ACT
Teachers reject 9% over three years offer
The offer included extra for top-of-scale teachers and some leaders. Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith said it would make ACT teachers the highest paid outside the NT from Feb 2027. Members endorsed escalating action into Term 4.
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7 September 2026 · QLD
QIRC 3% interim increase takes effect
The QIRC Full Bench granted a 3% interim rise on CA2022 rates operative 7 Sep 2026, paid in the fortnight ending 4 Oct 2026. The QTU's bid for backdating to 1 Feb 2026 was reportedly refused.
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4 September 2026 · QLD
State Wage Case 2026: 4.75% award rise
Award rates rose 4.75% from 1 Sep 2026, beating the interim rate for Band 1-3, Senior Teacher, EST and supply teachers. Processed in the fortnight ending 18 Oct 2026 with back pay.
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1 September 2026 · NT
ACT minister concedes NT teachers remain the highest paid
The ACT Education Minister said the ACT offer would make ACT teachers the highest paid outside the Northern Territory from Feb 2027.
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27 August 2026 · TAS
DECYP publishes updated salary scales
Version 1.15 of the Salary Scales shows the March 2026 rates: graduate Level 5 $85,313 and top Level 13 $122,393.
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17 August 2026 · VIC
AEU members accept the revised offer
83% of members took part and 79% voted yes. The planned third 24-hour strike was called off.
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10 August 2026 · VIC
28.3% to 32.4% over four years, a $2,000 lump sum, halved meeting hours and four Professional Practice Days. The first pay step moved to 10 Aug 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Are teachers getting a pay rise in 2026?
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How is back pay taxed?
Do Catholic and independent school teachers get the same rise?
About this page
Written and fact-checked by the TeacherPay AU editorial team against the enterprise agreements, awards and official pages listed in the sources. It is general information, not personal financial, tax or legal advice. Spotted something out of date? Tell us and we'll fix it, usually within a day. See our editorial policy and how we calculate.
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