Early childhood teacher pay from 1 July 2026 under the Educational Services (Teachers) Award 2020: long day care and preschool teachers at levels 1 to 5, casual daily rates, and take-home pay after tax in 2026–27.
An early childhood teacher in long day care earns at least $78,707 a year ($39.83 an hour), rising to $108,904 at Level 5.
Long day care centres
| Level | Year (52 weeks) | Hourly | Weekly | Take-home per fortnight | Saturday hourly | Casual full day |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | $78,707 | $39.83 | $1,513.60 | $2,423 | $49.79 | $378.40 |
| Level 2 | $86,029 | $43.54 | $1,654.40 | $2,615 | $54.43 | $413.60 |
| Level 3 | $93,652 | $47.39 | $1,801.00 | $2,814 | $59.24 | $450.25 |
| Level 4 | $101,280 | $51.26 | $1,947.70 | $3,013 | $64.08 | $486.93 |
| Level 5 | $108,904 | $55.11 | $2,094.30 | $3,213 | $68.89 | $523.58 |
Preschools, kindergartens and schools
| Level | Year (52 weeks) | Hourly | Weekly | Take-home per fortnight | Casual full day |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | $75,681 | $38.30 | $1,455.40 | $2,344 | $363.85 |
| Level 2 | $82,716 | $41.86 | $1,590.70 | $2,528 | $397.68 |
| Level 3 | $90,048 | $45.57 | $1,731.70 | $2,720 | $432.93 |
| Level 4 | $97,380 | $49.28 | $1,872.70 | $2,911 | $468.18 |
| Level 5 | $104,712 | $52.99 | $2,013.70 | $3,103 | $503.43 |
Full-time rates for a 38-hour week. A year is the weekly rate × 52. Take-home pay is after income tax and the Medicare levy for a full year in 2026–27.
How it works
- The Educational Services (Teachers) Award 2020 covers teachers in private and community early childhood services and non-government schools.
- Teachers move from Level 1 to Level 5 based on accreditation and experience, as set out in the award.
- Educators without a teaching degree are paid under the Children's Services Award; see early childhood educator pay.
- Many services pay above the award. Super is paid on top.
Common questions
How much does an early childhood teacher earn?
Under the Educational Services (Teachers) Award 2020, a teacher in a long day care centre earns at least $78,707 a year (Level 1, $39.83 an hour) from 1 July 2026, up to $108,904 at Level 5. Preschool and kindergarten teachers start at $75,681.
How much does a graduate early childhood teacher get paid?
A new graduate usually starts at Level 1: $1,513.60 a week in long day care, about $2,423 a fortnight after tax in 2026–27.
What is the casual rate for early childhood teachers?
$378.40 for a full day at Level 1 in long day care, or $199.16 for up to 4 hours. Casuals engaged for less than five days in a row are paid no higher than Level 3.
Do teachers in long day care earn more than in preschools?
Yes. The award sets higher rates for long day care centres, which have longer hours and work throughout the year.
Do public school or state kindergarten teachers get these rates?
No. Teachers employed by state education departments are paid under state agreements; see teacher pay by state.
See also teacher aide pay and school teacher pay by state.
Source: Fair Work Ombudsman pay guide MA000077 (published 24 June 2026), Educational Services (Teachers) Award 2020 [MA000077]. Take-home pay: ATO tax rates. Checked 2026-10-22. General information only.