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VIC · Principal

Principal salary in Victoria (2026)

Victorian government principals earn $156,335 to $238,676 today, rising to $269,805 under VGSA 2026, plus a new Principal Level 2 for large schools from 2027.

✓ Fact-checked against official sources Updated 16 October 2026 3 min read

From

$156,335

Up to

$238,676

Take-home / fortnight

$4,396

Effective

July 2025

On this page (6 sections)
  1. Principal pay in VIC
  2. Principal ranges now and under VGSA 2026
  3. Principal take-home pay
  4. Super for principals
  5. What else changes for principals
  6. FAQs

The short answer

Victorian government school principals are paid $156,335 (Range 2, 2-1) to $238,676 (Range 6, 6-4) under the VGSA 2022. Once VGSA 2026 is approved, the range rises to $176,725 to $269,805 from 1 October 2026 and $200,512 to $306,121 by November 2029. A new Principal Level 2 for very large schools starts in April 2027.

Principal pay in Victoria is set by range, which reflects the size and complexity of the school. VGSA 2026 lifts every range by about 13% in 2026 and adds a new top classification for the largest schools.

Principal pay in Victoria

ClassificationAnnual salaryTake-home / fortnight
Principal Range 2, 2-1 (lowest principal step)$156,335$4,396
Principal Range 6, 6-4 (highest principal step under VGSA 2022)$238,676$6,178

Principals are paid $156,335 to $238,676 under VGSA 2022. Proposed VGSA 2026 rates are $176,725 to $269,805 from 1 Oct 2026, and a new Principal Level 2 (Range 7) for very large schools starts on 1 Apr 2027. Effective 1 July 2025.

Principal ranges now and under VGSA 2026

Today (VGSA 2022)From 1 Oct 2026 (proposed)From 1 Nov 2029 (proposed)
Lowest step (2-1)$156,335$176,725$200,512
Highest step (6-4)$238,676$269,805$306,121
Principal Level 2 (Range 7, new)n/a$275,201 to $292,046 (from 1 Apr 2027)$312,243 to $331,355

Proposed VGSA 2026 Schedule 1. The 10 Aug 2026 Level 1 range is $161,025 to $245,836. Principal Level 2 applies to schools with a 2027 budget of at least $27,895,792.

Principal take-home pay

Worked example

Principal at 2-1, proposed 1 Oct 2026 rate

Salary
$176,725
Income tax (after LITO)
$46,458
Medicare levy
$3,535
Take-home pay $126,732 a year ($4,874 a fortnight)

Today's $156,335 takes home $114,294 ($4,396 a fortnight). 2026-27 tax rules.

Worked example

Principal at 6-4, proposed 1 Oct 2026 rate

Salary
$269,805
Income tax (after LITO)
$87,282
Medicare levy
$5,396
Take-home pay $177,127 a year ($6,813 a fortnight)

Today's $238,676 takes home $160,628 ($6,178 a fortnight). Income above $190,000 is taxed at 45%.

Super for principals

Principals who are members of a defined-benefit scheme get total remuneration of salary x 112/100 under the agreement. Others receive the 12% Super Guarantee. At these salaries, check the $32,500 concessional cap and the Division 293 threshold of $250,000 before salary sacrificing. More on teacher super in Victoria.

What else changes for principals

  • Principal Level 2 (Range 7) from 1 April 2027 for very large schools.
  • 2% top-of-range allowance each May from 2027 for principals at 6-4 after 12 months at the step.
  • $2,000 lump sum and back pay to 10 August 2026 when the agreement starts.

Read how to become a principal and see the step before it on assistant principal salary in Victoria.

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Career earnings calculator

Model a Victorian career from graduate to principal on the VGSA 2026 rates.

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Frequently asked questions

How much does a principal earn in Victoria?
$156,335 to $238,676 under the VGSA 2022 rates still paid today. Once VGSA 2026 is approved, the range is $176,725 to $269,805 from 1 October 2026, back-paid.
What is Principal Level 2 in Victoria?
A new top principal classification (Range 7) under VGSA 2026, starting 1 April 2027 for schools with a 2027 budget of at least $27,895,792. It pays $275,201 to $292,046 on the October 2026 column rates.
What will Victorian principals earn by 2029?
Principal Level 1 will pay $200,512 to $306,121 from 1 November 2029, and Principal Level 2 $312,243 to $331,355, under the proposed VGSA 2026.
How is a principal's range decided?
By the school's classification, which reflects its size and complexity. Larger, more complex schools sit in higher ranges.
Do principals get the VGSA 2026 back pay and lump sum?
Yes. Principal-class employees are covered by VGSA 2026 and get the back pay to 10 August 2026 and the $2,000 lump sum once it starts.

Sources we checked · last verified 16 October 2026

  1. 1.Proposed Victorian Government Schools Agreement 2026 (PDF, Department of Education)
  2. 2.Proposed VGSA 2026: Agreement Explanation (PDF)
  3. 3.Proposed VGSA 2026: Approval Process and FAQs (PDF)
  4. 4.Victorian Government Schools Agreement 2022 (PDF)
  5. 5.Enterprise Bargaining: Overview (Department PAL)
  6. 6.Casual Relief Teacher Employment Handbook
  7. 7.Relocation incentives: Targeted Financial Incentives and Regional Relocation Incentive
  8. 8.Workforce support and initiatives: Attraction (Department PAL)

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.