Teacher Pay Rate in SA 2025-26
Minimum pay rates for teachers in South Australia under the Educational Services (Teachers) Award 2020. Updated 1 July 2025.
Last verified: 1 July 2025Teacher — Minimum Pay Rate (SA)
Educational Services (Teachers) Award 2020 (MA000023)
$33.85
Base rate/hr
$42.31
Casual rate/hr
Teachers educate students in primary schools, secondary schools, and early childhood settings. The award covers teachers in the private sector and independent schools.
South Australia Note
South Australia workers may have state-specific entitlements. Check with SafeWork SA for occupational health requirements.
Minimum Hourly Rates — Teacher
| Employment Type | Hourly Rate | Weekly (38hrs) | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time (adult) | $33.85/hr | $1,286.30 | $66,887.60 |
| Part-time (adult) | $33.85/hr | Pro-rata | Pro-rata |
| Casual (incl. 25% loading) | $42.31/hr | Varies | Varies |
Rates effective from 1 July 2025 under the Educational Services (Teachers) Award 2020.
Penalty Rates — Teacher
Saturday
$50.78/hr
1.5x base
Sunday
$67.70/hr
2x base
Public Holiday
$84.63/hr
2.5x base
Penalty rates shown for full-time/part-time Level 1 ($33.85/hr base). Casual employees receive penalty rates calculated on their base rate (before casual loading).
Classification Levels — Educational Services (Teachers) Award 2020
| Level | Description | Base Rate/hr | Casual Rate/hr | Annual (38hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Band 1 Year 1 | Graduate teacher | $33.85 | $42.31 | $66,887.60 |
| Band 1 Year 4 | Teacher (4 years) | $37.25 | $46.56 | $73,606.00 |
| Band 2 Year 1 | Experienced teacher | $40.12 | $50.15 | $79,277.12 |
| Band 2 Year 4 | Senior teacher | $43.50 | $54.38 | $85,956.00 |
View full Educational Services (Teachers) Award 2020 pay rates →
Am I Being Underpaid as a Teacher?
Most teachers in government schools are covered by state-based enterprise agreements with rates above the national award. Teachers in private or independent schools should check their award classification.
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 →Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a teacher get paid per hour in South Australia?
The minimum hourly rate for a teacher in South Australia is $33.85/hr for full-time and part-time employees, or $42.31/hr for casuals (including 25% loading). This is the Level 1 adult rate under the Educational Services (Teachers) Award 2020 (MA000023), effective from 1 July 2025.
What is the minimum wage for a teacher?
The minimum wage for a teacher is $33.85 per hour ($1,286.30 per week for a 38-hour week, or $66,887.60 per year). This is set by the Educational Services (Teachers) Award 2020. Higher classification levels attract higher rates.
What award covers teachers?
Teachers are covered by the Educational Services (Teachers) Award 2020 (MA000023). 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 teachers get penalty rates on weekends?
Yes. Under the Educational Services (Teachers) Award 2020, teachers receive 1.5x their base rate on Saturdays ($50.78/hr) and 2x on Sundays ($67.70/hr). Public holidays are paid at 2.5x ($84.63/hr).
What is the casual rate for a teacher?
The casual rate for a teacher is $42.31/hr, which includes a 25% casual loading on top of the base rate of $33.85/hr. The casual loading compensates for the lack of paid leave, notice of termination, and redundancy pay.
How much should a 17 year old teacher get paid?
Teacher pay is based on qualifications and experience, not age. The Educational Services (Teachers) Award 2020 does not have specific junior rates for this classification.
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General information and estimates only — not legal, financial, or tax advice. Always verify with the Fair Work Ombudsman (13 13 94) or a qualified professional.
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