Childcare Worker Pay Rate Australia 2026-27
Childcare Workers in Australia earn at least $29.69/hr (Level 2), $37.11/hr casual — about $1,128 a week full-time — under the Children's Services Award 2010. Rates from 1 July 2026, junior rates by age below.
Childcare Worker — Minimum Pay Rate
Children's Services Award 2010 (MA000120)
$29.69
Base rate/hr
$37.11
Casual rate/hr
Childcare workers (early childhood educators) care for and educate children in childcare centres, preschools, and family day care settings.
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Minimum Hourly Rates — Childcare Worker
| Employment Type | Hourly Rate | Weekly (38hrs) | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time (adult) | $29.69/hr | $1,128.22 | $58,667.44 |
| Part-time (adult) | $29.69/hr | Pro-rata | Pro-rata |
| Casual (incl. 25% loading) | $37.11/hr | Varies | Varies |
Junior Rates by Age — Childcare Worker
Junior rates apply only to Level 1 and Level 2 employees under the Children's Services Award (cl 14.3(b)). They are paid a percentage of the Level 2 Educator rate: 70%, 80% or 90% depending on age. Qualified educators (Level 3 and above) are paid the full adult rate regardless of age.
Penalty Rates — Childcare Worker
$44.54/hr
$59.38/hr
$74.23/hr
Classification Levels — Children's Services Award 2010
| Level | Description | Base Rate/hr | Casual Rate/hr | Annual (38hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Introductory Educator | $28.81 | $36.01 | $56,928.56 |
| Level 2 | Educator | $29.69 | $37.11 | $58,667.44 |
| Level 3 | Qualified Educator (Certificate III) | $32.47 | $40.59 | $64,160.72 |
| Level 4 | Experienced Educator (Certificate IV) | $34.65 | $43.31 | $68,468.40 |
| Level 5 | Advanced Educator (Diploma) | $36.57 | $45.71 | $72,262.32 |
| Level 6 | Room Leader | $38.25 | $47.81 | $75,582.00 |
| Level 7 | Assistant Director | $40.00 | $50.00 | $79,040.00 |
| Level 8 | Director | $46.12 | $57.65 | $91,133.12 |
Am I Being Underpaid as a Childcare Worker?
Childcare workers have historically been underpaid relative to their qualifications and responsibilities. The "15% pay rise" educators received was the government-funded Worker Retention Payment (the grant currently runs to 30 June 2028), paid through participating services. It is not an award increase, so it is not included in the award rates on this page — if your service takes part, your minimum WRP-supported rate is higher than the award rate.
If you think you are being paid below the minimum rate, you can calculate your potential back pay and check your rights.
Check If You Are Underpaid →Childcare Worker Pay Rates by State
Award pay rates are set nationally, but state-specific public holidays and long service leave rules may affect your total entitlements.
More on the Children's Services Award
Children's Services Award (MA000120) overview
Coverage, penalty rates, casual overtime method and break rules.
Search enterprise agreements
An enterprise agreement replaces the award where one covers your workplace. Search by employer.
Enterprise agreements in childcare
- West Bathurst Preschool Teachers and EarlyStart Children & Family Centre Enterprise Agreement 2025
- C&K Early Childhood Education Enterprise Agreement 2026
- Queensland Kindergarten Early Childhood Education Multi-Employer Enterprise Agreement 2026
- Holland Park Kindergarten Early Childhood Collective Education Enterprise Agreement 2025
- Landsborough Kindergarten Early Childhood Education Collective Enterprise Agreement 2025
- Mermaid Waters Community Kindergarten Early Childhood Education Collective Enterprise Agreement
Children's Services Award 2010 enforcement cases
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a childcare worker get paid per hour in Australia?
The minimum hourly rate for a childcare worker in Australia is $29.69/hr for full-time and part-time employees, or $37.11/hr for casuals (including 25% loading). This is the Level 2 adult rate under the Children's Services Award 2010 (MA000120), effective from 1 July 2026.
What is the minimum wage for a childcare worker?
The minimum wage for a childcare worker is $29.69 per hour ($1,128.22 per week for a 38-hour week, or $58,667.44 per year). This is set by the Children's Services Award 2010. Higher classification levels attract higher rates.
What award covers childcare workers?
Childcare Workers are covered by the Children's Services Award 2010 (MA000120). This Modern Award sets minimum pay rates, penalty rates, allowances, and leave entitlements. Your employer may also have an enterprise agreement with different (usually higher) rates.
Do childcare workers get penalty rates on weekends?
Yes. Under the Children's Services Award 2010, childcare workers receive 1.5x their base rate on Saturdays ($44.54/hr) and 2x on Sundays ($59.38/hr). Public holidays are paid at 2.5x ($74.23/hr).
What is the casual rate for a childcare worker?
The casual rate for a childcare worker is $37.11/hr, which includes a 25% casual loading on top of the base rate of $29.69/hr. The casual loading compensates for the lack of paid leave, notice of termination, and redundancy pay.
How much should a 17 year old childcare worker get paid?
Junior rates apply only to Level 1 and Level 2 employees under the Children's Services Award (cl 14.3(b)). They are paid a percentage of the Level 2 Educator rate: 70%, 80% or 90% depending on age. Qualified educators (Level 3 and above) are paid the full adult rate regardless of age. The FWC pay database does not publish this award's junior schedule as separate rows, so check the junior rates clause of the Children's Services Award 2010 for the exact figure.
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