Public school teacher salaries in the ACT from 4 December 2025, with what each level takes home after tax in 2026–27.
A teacher starting on $91,396 takes home about $2,755 a fortnight after tax. At Teacher Level 8 ($129,106) it's about $3,741 a fortnight.
ACT teacher pay scale after tax
Salaries from the ACT Education Directorate, 4 December 2025. Take-home is after income tax and the Medicare levy for a full year in 2026–27; "with HECS-HELP" also takes out the compulsory study loan repayment.
| Level | Salary | Take-home per fortnight | With HECS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teacher Level 1 (new educator) | $91,396 | $2,755 | $2,629 |
| Teacher Level 2 | $100,006 | $2,980 | $2,804 |
| Teacher Level 3 | $104,314 | $3,093 | $2,892 |
| Teacher Level 4 (experienced teacher) | $108,619 | $3,205 | $2,980 |
| Teacher Level 5 | $112,924 | $3,318 | $3,068 |
| Teacher Level 6 | $120,102 | $3,506 | $3,214 |
| Teacher Level 7 | $127,276 | $3,693 | $3,360 |
| Teacher Level 8 | $129,106 | $3,741 | $3,398 |
Tap a salary to open it in the pay calculator.
New educators start at Teacher Level 1 to 3 depending on their qualifications and move up one level each year on the common increment date (27 January). Levels 4 to 8 are for experienced teachers. School leaders earn more: School Leader C (executive teacher) $145,938 to $149,107, School Leader B (deputy principal) $168,900 to $173,125 and School Leader A (principal) $195,885 to $225,158 from December 2025. The agreement's last scheduled increase was on 4 December 2025.
Allowances, extra duties, salary packaging and super aren't included. Use the pay calculator with your own salary for an exact figure.
Common questions
What is a graduate teacher's salary in ACT?
$91,396 a year at Teacher Level 1, from 4 December 2025. That's about $2,755 a fortnight after tax in 2026–27, or $2,629 with a HECS-HELP debt.
How much do teachers earn in ACT after tax?
From about $71,629 a year after tax at the start of the scale to $97,272 at Teacher Level 8 ($129,106 before tax), using 2026–27 tax rates and the Medicare levy.
How do teachers move up the pay scale in ACT?
New educators start at Teacher Level 1 to 3 depending on their qualifications and move up one level each year on the common increment date (27 January). Levels 4 to 8 are for experienced teachers. School leaders earn more: School Leader C (executive teacher) $145,938 to $149,107, School Leader B (deputy principal) $168,900 to $173,125 and School Leader A (principal) $195,885 to $225,158 from December 2025. The agreement's last scheduled increase was on 4 December 2025.
Do teachers pay a different rate of tax?
No. Teacher salaries are taxed like any other wage. Work-related costs you pay yourself, such as classroom supplies or professional development, can reduce your tax when you lodge, or you can claim the $1,000 standard deduction instead.
Is super included in these salaries?
No. Employer super is paid on top of the salary.
Teacher pay in other states: NSW · VIC · QLD · WA · SA · Tasmania · NT · compare all states.
Source: ACT Public Sector Education Directorate (Teaching Staff) Enterprise Agreement 2023-2026, Annex A (AE521026). Checked 2026-10-15. Tax: ATO tax rates. General information only; your employer's payslip is the final word.