Am I still getting 15% under the childcare Worker Retention Payment?

It depends on your award. Early childhood teachers and Children's Services Award support workers keep the full 15% above their current award rate. For CS Award educators, the 1 March and 30 June 2026 award increases were absorbed into the WRP — so an educator hired after 1 March 2026 now sits about 4.3% above the current award (e.g. Cert III L3: award $32.47/hr, WRP minimum $33.87/hr). Your total pay didn't fall; the government-funded top-up shrank as the award caught up.

What is the minimum WRP rate for a Cert III educator in 2026?

From 1 July 2026, a Certificate III qualified educator at the new Level 3 must be paid at least $33.87 an hour at a Worker Retention Payment service ($32.47 award + $1.40 WRP). A Diploma educator at Level 5 has a minimum of $38.14; a graduate early childhood teacher in long day care $45.80. Pre-March-2026 employees keep minimums based on their old 28 February 2026 classification, which can be higher.

How did the Children's Services Award classifications change on 1 March 2026?

The FWC gender undervaluation decision restructured 36 old minimum rates into 8 new levels (L1 Introductory Educator through L8 Director) from 1 March 2026, with staged pay rises on 1 March 2026, 30 June 2026, 2027, 2028 and 2029 totalling 9.4% to 27.8% depending on the old classification ([2025] FWCFB 283). Existing staff translate via Schedule I of the award.

Does the WRP apply before or after casual loading?

Before. The WRP component is added to the base hourly rate, and the 25% casual loading is then applied to the total. A casual new-structure Level 3 educator's minimum is ($32.47 + $1.40) × 1.25 = $42.34 an hour at a WRP service.

Childcare Worker Retention Payment Checker

Check your ECEC Worker Retention Payment: minimum WRP-supported rate for your level under the Children's Services or Teachers award, and whether you're being paid it.

Last verified: 9 August 2026

Your role*

Pre-March-2026 educators: pick your OLD level as at 28 February 2026 — your WRP minimum is locked to it.

Your classification level*

I'm casual

The WRP is added to your base rate first, then the 25% loading applies.

My service is in the Worker Retention Payment program

Most long day care and OSHC services have opted in. If unsure, tick it and ask your director.

What you're actually paid per hour (optional)

Leave at 0 to just see your minimum. Enter your payslip rate to check for a shortfall.

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General information and estimates only — not legal, financial or tax advice. Always check your specific award, agreement or contract, or a qualified professional, before you rely on the result.

Childcare Worker Retention Payment Checker

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