Early childhood educator and childcare worker pay from 1 July 2026 under the new 8-level structure of the Children's Services Award 2010, with casual, Sunday and public holiday rates and take-home pay after tax in 2026–27.
A qualified early childhood educator (Level 3) earns at least $32.47 an hour, about $64,163 a year ($2,044 a fortnight after tax). Casuals get $40.59.
Educator pay rates by level
| Classification | Hourly | Casual hourly | Weekly | Year (52 weeks) | Take-home per fortnight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 - Introductory educator | $28.81 | $36.01 | $1,094.80 | $56,930 | $1,859 |
| Level 2 - Educator | $29.69 | $37.11 | $1,128.40 | $58,677 | $1,904 |
| Level 3 - Qualified educator | $32.47 | $40.59 | $1,233.90 | $64,163 | $2,044 |
| Level 4 - Experienced educator | $34.65 | $43.31 | $1,316.70 | $68,468 | $2,155 |
| Level 5 - Advanced educator | $36.57 | $45.71 | $1,389.50 | $72,254 | $2,254 |
| Level 6 - Room leader | $38.25 | $47.81 | $1,453.50 | $75,582 | $2,341 |
| Level 7 - Assistant director | $40.00 | $50.00 | $1,519.90 | $79,035 | $2,432 |
| Level 8 - Director | $46.12 | $57.65 | $1,752.70 | $91,140 | $2,748 |
Sunday and public holiday rates
| Classification | Sunday | Public holiday |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 - Introductory educator | $57.62 | $72.03 |
| Level 2 - Educator | $59.38 | $74.23 |
| Level 3 - Qualified educator | $64.94 | $81.18 |
| Level 4 - Experienced educator | $69.30 | $86.63 |
| Level 5 - Advanced educator | $73.14 | $91.43 |
| Level 6 - Room leader | $76.50 | $95.63 |
| Level 7 - Assistant director | $80.00 | $100.00 |
| Level 8 - Director | $92.24 | $115.30 |
Support workers (cooks, cleaners and other staff)
| Classification | Hourly | Weekly | Year (52 weeks) | Sunday | Public holiday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Support worker level 1.1 | $26.44 | $1,004.90 | $52,255 | $52.88 | $66.10 |
| Support worker level 2.1 | $26.93 | $1,023.40 | $53,217 | $53.86 | $67.33 |
| Support worker level 2.2 (after 1 year) | $27.82 | $1,057.00 | $54,964 | $55.64 | $69.55 |
| Support worker level 3.1 | $29.45 | $1,119.10 | $58,193 | $58.90 | $73.63 |
Adult rates for full-time and part-time employees unless marked casual. Casual rates include the 25% loading. A year is the weekly rate × 52 for a 38-hour week.
How it works
- Since 1 March 2026 educators are classified on 8 levels, from Introductory educator to Director. Employees moved from the old levels under the award's translation arrangements (Schedule I).
- Pay increases are being phased in; further increases for some levels apply from 30 June 2027, 2028 and 2029.
- Cooks who must hold or work towards an early childhood qualification and may work with children are paid the educator rate for their qualification.
- Many services pay above the award. Super is paid on top.
Common questions
How much does an early childhood educator earn?
Under the Children's Services Award 2010, a qualified educator (Level 3) earns at least $32.47 an hour, $1,233.90 a week or about $64,163 a year, from 1 July 2026. An introductory educator starts on $28.81.
How much does a childcare worker get paid per hour?
From $28.81 (Level 1) to $46.12 (Level 8, director), or $36.01 to $57.65 as a casual.
How much does a room leader earn?
$38.25 an hour, $1,453.50 a week (about $75,582 a year).
Did childcare pay go up in 2026?
Yes. A new classification structure and pay increases started on 1 March 2026 and 30 June 2026 under the Fair Work Commission's gender-based undervaluation review, then the Annual Wage Review added 4.75% from 1 July 2026. Further increases for some levels apply from 30 June 2027, 2028 and 2029.
What are Sunday and public holiday rates?
Double time on Sundays and double time and a half on public holidays: $64.94 and $81.18 an hour for a Level 3 educator.
Is super included?
No. Super is paid on top of these rates.
See also teacher pay by state, teacher aide pay and the casual loading calculator.
Sources: Fair Work Ombudsman pay guide MA000120 (published 24 June 2026), Children's Services Award 2010 [MA000120]; Fair Work Ombudsman: changes to the Children's Services Award. Take-home pay: ATO tax rates. Checked 2026-10-22. General information only.