On this page (7 sections)
The short answer
Northern Territory pays the most at the top of the classroom scale ($136,997), while Northern Territory has the highest graduate salary ($96,180). Victoria is lowest at the top ($118,063). These are rates actually paid on 16 October 2026; VIC has a bigger deal awaiting approval.
Teacher pay is set separately in every state and territory, by different agreements that rise on different dates. That makes "which state pays most" a moving target, and it's why most salary sites get it wrong. This ranking uses the pay tables in force today in government schools, straight from each agreement, and it changes the day a new rate takes effect.
Ranked: top of the classroom scale
This is the most useful comparison for most teachers: the salary you reach after normal yearly progression, without applying for HALT or a promotion.
Ranked: graduate teacher pay
Ranked: highest classroom step (HALT or senior teacher)
Most states pay more to classroom teachers who become Highly Accomplished or Lead Teachers, or reach an equivalent senior classification, without moving into leadership.
Pay plus employer super
Employer super rates differ (the ACT pays 12.5%, and Queensland is reported at 12.75%), so the total package ranks slightly differently from salary alone.
Deals in the pipeline
The ranking above uses rates actually paid today. These states have a change coming or under negotiation:
- New South Wales: Final 3% rise paid from Oct 2026; award expires 8 Oct 2027 with no further rise scheduled.
- Victoria: VGSA 2026 approved by staff (93.1%), awaiting Fair Work approval; back pay to 10 Aug 2026
- 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
- Western Australia: 2023 GA expires 5 Dec 2026; last rise 3% (Dec 2025); successor agreement being bargained, no offer yet
- South Australia: EA 2024 nominally expires about March 2027; final 3% paid May 2026; AEU EA27 campaign under way, no offer yet
- Tasmania: Teachers Agreement 2025 in force to Sep 2028; next rise 3% in March 2027
- Australian Capital Territory: Agreement expired 31 Mar 2026; 9% over 3 years offer rejected 11 Sep 2026; strikes continuing
- Northern Territory: Agreement in force to 31 Dec 2027; final 4.3% rise due January 2027; no bargaining under way
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Frequently asked questions
Which state pays teachers the most in Australia?
Which state pays teachers the least?
Is it worth moving states for teacher pay?
Do private and Catholic schools pay more?
Why do salary websites show different numbers?
How often does this ranking change?
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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