Child care worker salary: what you take home after tax and Medicare

Child care worker salary: what you can expect to take home

If you work in early childhood education and care, your pay is governed by the Children's Services Award or an enterprise agreement. Unlike some occupations where a single average salary is widely quoted, child care worker salary varies significantly by qualification, experience, and the type of centre. The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes pay guides that list minimum hourly rates for each classification – from a trainee to a diploma-qualified educator. You can download the latest guide from .

How child care worker salary compares to the national minimum wage

Every employee in Australia is entitled to at least the national minimum wage, which from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week (about $52,255 a year). Most child care workers earn above this floor because award rates are higher, especially for qualified staff. However, entry-level or trainee positions may start close to the minimum. The Fair Work Commission maintains the Modern Awards Pay Database, which contains the exact minimum rates for each classification – you can explore the data at .

Where child care worker salary sits against full-time ordinary earnings

The ABS reports that full-time adult ordinary time earnings average $2,083.70 per week (about $108,352 a year). A typical child care worker salary is well below this national average. Even a senior educator or lead teacher in long day care is unlikely to reach that level. This means your take-home pay will be taxed at lower marginal rates, and you may qualify for the Low Income Tax Offset (LITO).

Understanding your take-home pay

Your take-home pay is what lands in your bank account after income tax and the Medicare levy. For 2026–27, the tax brackets are:

• $0 – $18,200: Nil tax
• $18,201 – $45,000: 15c for each dollar over $18,200
• $45,001 – $135,000: $4,020 plus 30c for each dollar over $45,000

You also pay the Medicare levy of 2% of your taxable income. If you earn below $28,011 (single), you pay no Medicare levy. Between $28,011 and $35,013, a shading rate applies (10c per dollar over the lower threshold). Full-time workers on award rates will almost always pay the full 2%.

For example, if your annual child care worker salary is $55,000, your tax would be roughly $4,020 + 30c on $10,000 = $7,020, plus Medicare of $1,100, leaving about $46,880 take-home. But this is a rough guide – use our Take-home pay tool for a precise calculation.

Super is on top, not deducted

From 1 July 2026, your employer must contribute 12% superannuation on your ordinary time earnings, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830. This is paid in addition to your salary. If a job ad says “$55,000 plus super”, your total remuneration is $55,000 + $6,600 super = $61,600. Super does not reduce your weekly pay; it goes into a fund you can access at retirement.

Key points to remember

• Child care worker salary is not a single figure – check your award classification or agreement.
• The national minimum wage is the floor: $26.44/hour.
• Full-time ordinary earnings are much higher, so your tax rate is likely lower.
• Use the Minimum wage and Tax and Medicare guides to understand your obligations.
• Super is 12% from 1 July 2026 and is not deducted from your take-home.

For a personalised estimate of your after-tax income, try our Clearance tool. It uses the latest ATO thresholds and Medicare rates for 2026–27.