Early childhood educator salary: what changes your fortnight take-home pay

Early childhood educator salary: what you need to know

If you work in early childhood education in Australia, your early childhood educator salary is set by the award that covers your role. The most common awards are the Victorian Local Government (Early Childhood Education Employees) Award 2016 and the Children's Services Award 2010. Fair Work Ombudsman publishes the minimum pay rates that apply from 1 July 2026.

For an unqualified educator at Level 1.1, the minimum hourly rate is $26.44, which gives a weekly rate of $1,004.90 for a 38-hour week. Qualified educators (Certificate III) start at $29.45 per hour, and diploma-qualified educators at $34.69 per hour. Teachers under the award have annual salaries ranging from $66,854 to $92,499 depending on level.

These are minimums. Many employers, especially those receiving the Worker Retention Payment (WRP) from the Department of Education, must pay higher rates. For example, from 1 July 2026, a Level 3.1 Qualified Educator must be paid at least $33.87 per hour (including the WRP-funded increase). Always check your specific award and any applicable grant conditions.

Understanding your take-home pay

Your take-home pay is what lands in your bank account after tax and the Medicare levy are deducted. Superannuation is not deducted from your salary – it is paid on top by your employer.

Tax brackets and the Medicare levy

For the 2026–27 tax year, the resident tax rates are:

• $0 – $18,200: nil
• $18,201 – $45,000: 15c for each $1 over $18,200
• $45,001 – $135,000: $4,020 plus 30c for each $1 over $45,000
• $135,001 – $190,000: $31,020 plus 37c for each $1 over $135,000
• Over $190,000: $51,370 plus 45c for each $1 over $190,000

You may also receive the Low Income Tax Offset (LITO) – up to $700 if your taxable income is $37,500 or less, then it phases out. LITO can only reduce your tax to zero.

The Medicare levy is 2% of your taxable income for most full-time workers. The latest published single-person thresholds are $28,011 (lower) and $35,013 (upper). If your income is below $28,011 you pay no levy; between $28,011 and $35,013 you pay a reduced rate; above $35,013 you pay the full 2%.

For example, if your annual early childhood educator salary is $60,000, your tax would be approximately $4,020 + 30c on $15,000 = $8,520, minus LITO (if applicable). Medicare levy adds $1,200. Your take-home would be around $50,280 per year, or about $1,934 per fortnight (before any other deductions).

Superannuation contributions

From 1 July 2026, your employer must contribute super at 12% of your ordinary time earnings, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year. This is paid into your super fund and does not reduce your take-home pay. When you see a salary advertised as "$60,000 plus super", your take-home is calculated on the $60,000 base, and the super is additional.

How your fortnight changes

Your fortnightly pay is affected by:

• Tax brackets: As your income increases, you move into higher marginal rates, so each extra dollar is taxed more.
• Medicare levy: Full 2% for most, but low-income earners may pay less or nothing.
• Super: Not a deduction from your pay, but it reduces the amount your employer can afford to pay you as salary (though it's a separate cost to them).

Use our Take-home pay calculator to estimate your net pay, and see Tax and Medicare for more details on offsets and thresholds.

Final thoughts

Your early childhood educator salary depends on your qualification, experience, and employer. The award minimums are a floor – many employers pay above, especially with government-funded retention payments. Always check your pay slip to ensure you're receiving the correct base rate, allowances, and super. For personalised estimates, refer to the Clearance tool on this site.