Minimum pay rates for childcare workers in Western Australia under the Children's Services Award 2010. Updated 1 July 2025.
Last verified: 21 May 2026Children's Services Award 2010 (MA000120)
$27.00
Base rate/hr
$33.75
Casual rate/hr
Childcare workers (early childhood educators) care for and educate children in childcare centres, preschools, and family day care settings.
Western Australia Note
Western Australia has a state industrial relations system that covers some private sector employees not in the national system.
| Employment Type | Hourly Rate | Weekly (38hrs) | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time (adult) | $27.00/hr | $1,026.00 | $53,352.00 |
| Part-time (adult) | $27.00/hr | Pro-rata | Pro-rata |
| Casual (incl. 25% loading) | $33.75/hr | Varies | Varies |
Rates effective from 1 July 2025 under the Children's Services Award 2010.
Saturday
$40.50/hr
1.5x base
Sunday
$54.00/hr
2x base
Public Holiday
$67.50/hr
2.5x base
Penalty rates shown for full-time/part-time Level 1 ($27.00/hr base). Casual employees receive penalty rates calculated on their base rate (before casual loading).
| Level | Description | Base Rate/hr | Casual Rate/hr | Annual (38hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 2.1 | Certificate III qualified | $25.86 | $32.33 | $51,099.36 |
| Level 3.1 | Diploma qualified educator | $27.08 | $33.85 | $53,510.08 |
| Level 3.3 | Experienced diploma educator | $28.54 | $35.68 | $56,395.04 |
| Level 4.1 | Room leader / coordinator | $29.95 | $37.44 | $59,181.20 |
| Level 5.1 | Centre director (small) | $32.07 | $40.09 | $63,370.32 |
Childcare workers have historically been underpaid relative to their qualifications and responsibilities. The sector received a 15% pay increase in 2024 to address this gap.
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 →Court decisions where this award was cited.
The minimum hourly rate for a childcare worker in Western Australia is $27.00/hr for full-time and part-time employees, or $33.75/hr for casuals (including 25% loading). This is the Level 1 adult rate under the Children's Services Award 2010 (MA000120), effective from 1 July 2025.
The minimum wage for a childcare worker is $27.00 per hour ($1,026.00 per week for a 38-hour week, or $53,352.00 per year). This is set by the Children's Services Award 2010. Higher classification levels attract higher rates.
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.
Yes. Under the Children's Services Award 2010, childcare workers receive 1.5x their base rate on Saturdays ($40.50/hr) and 2x on Sundays ($54.00/hr). Public holidays are paid at 2.5x ($67.50/hr).
The casual rate for a childcare worker is $33.75/hr, which includes a 25% casual loading on top of the base rate of $27.00/hr. The casual loading compensates for the lack of paid leave, notice of termination, and redundancy pay.
The Children's Services Award does not have junior rates as qualifications are typically required. The Children's Services Award 2010 does not have specific junior rates for this classification.
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