Public school teacher salaries in Queensland from 1 September 2026, with what each level takes home after tax in 2026–27.
A teacher starting on $90,164 takes home about $2,723 a fortnight after tax. At Lead Teacher ($147,050) it's about $4,178 a fortnight.
QLD teacher pay scale after tax
Salaries from the Queensland Department of Education, 1 September 2026. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Band 2 Step 1 (start) | $90,164 | $2,723 | $2,604 |
| Band 2 Step 2 | $94,599 | $2,839 | $2,694 |
| Band 2 Step 3 | $99,216 | $2,959 | $2,788 |
| Band 2 Step 4 | $103,782 | $3,079 | $2,881 |
| Band 3 Step 1 | $107,643 | $3,180 | $2,960 |
| Band 3 Step 2 | $111,478 | $3,280 | $3,038 |
| Band 3 Step 3 | $115,261 | $3,379 | $3,115 |
| Band 3 Step 4 | $119,357 | $3,486 | $3,199 |
| Senior Teacher | $124,601 | $3,623 | $3,306 |
| Experienced Senior Teacher | $127,549 | $3,701 | $3,366 |
| Highly Accomplished Teacher | $134,694 | $3,887 | $3,508 |
| Lead Teacher | $147,050 | $4,178 | $3,718 |
Tap a salary to open it in the pay calculator.
A beginning teacher with a 4-year degree starts on Band 2, Step 1 and moves up a step each year through Bands 2 and 3. Senior Teacher, Experienced Senior Teacher, Highly Accomplished and Lead Teacher are reached by application or certification.
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 QLD?
$90,164 a year at Band 2 Step 1, from 1 September 2026. That's about $2,723 a fortnight after tax in 2026–27, or $2,604 with a HECS-HELP debt.
How much do teachers earn in QLD after tax?
From about $70,792 a year after tax at the start of the scale to $108,630 at Lead Teacher ($147,050 before tax), using 2026–27 tax rates and the Medicare levy.
How do teachers move up the pay scale in QLD?
A beginning teacher with a 4-year degree starts on Band 2, Step 1 and moves up a step each year through Bands 2 and 3. Senior Teacher, Experienced Senior Teacher, Highly Accomplished and Lead Teacher are reached by application or certification.
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 · WA · SA · Tasmania · NT · compare all states.
Source: Department of Education Salary Schedule, Teachers (updated 1 September 2026). Checked 2026-10-15. Tax: ATO tax rates. General information only; your employer's payslip is the final word.