SA Teacher Salary: How to Compare Job Offers Using Take-Home Pay

Understanding SA Teacher Salary and Take-Home Pay

When you receive a job offer as a teacher in South Australia, the advertised figure is your base salary before tax and the Medicare levy. To compare offers meaningfully, you need to know the amount that actually reaches your bank account each fortnight. This guide explains the current SA teacher salary rates under the School Teachers Award and how to estimate your take-home pay.

SA Teacher Salary Rates Under the Award

The South Australian Department for Education publishes salary steps for teachers employed under the Education Act and Children's Services Act 2019. As of May 2026, the annual rates for a classroom teacher are:

• Step 1: $84,971
• Step 2: $89,350
• Step 3: $93,735
• Step 4: $98,113
• Step 5: $102,509
• Step 6: $106,890
• Step 7: $111,269
• Step 8: $117,198
• Step 9: $123,236

These rates apply to permanent, temporary, and contract teachers. Additional classifications include Highly Accomplished Teacher ($133,736), Itinerant Teacher (12.5% loading), and Temporary Relieving Teacher (25% loading). The Fair Work Educational Services (Teachers) Award also sets minimum rates for teachers in preschools and long day care centres, with levels from $1,455.40 per week (Level 1) to $2,094.30 per week (Level 5) for full-time work.

From Gross Salary to Take-Home Pay

Your take-home pay is your gross salary minus:

• Income tax (using the 2026–27 resident tax rates)
• Medicare levy (2% of taxable income, with shading for low incomes)

The 2026–27 tax brackets are:

• Up to $18,200: nil
• $18,201 to $45,000: 15c per $1 over $18,200
• $45,001 to $135,000: $4,020 plus 30c per $1 over $45,000
• $135,001 to $190,000: $31,020 plus 37c per $1 over $135,000
• Over $190,000: $51,370 plus 45c per $1 over $190,000

You may also be entitled to the Low Income Tax Offset (LITO) of up to $700, which phases out between $37,500 and $66,667.

For Medicare, the full 2% applies if your taxable income exceeds $35,013 (single). Between $28,011 and $35,013, a shading rate of 10c per $1 over the lower threshold applies.

Example: Take-Home for a Step 1 Teacher

A teacher on step 1 ($84,971) would have:

• Tax: $4,020 + 30% × ($84,971 – $45,000) = $4,020 + $11,991.30 = $16,011.30
• LITO: $325 – 1.5% × ($84,971 – $45,000) = $325 – $599.57 = $0 (phased out)
• Medicare levy: 2% × $84,971 = $1,699.42
• Total deductions: $16,011.30 + $1,699.42 = $17,710.72
• Annual take-home: $84,971 – $17,710.72 = $67,260.28
• Fortnightly take-home: $67,260.28 ÷ 26 = $2,586.93

For a step 9 teacher ($123,236):

• Tax: $31,020 + 37% × ($123,236 – $135,000) = $31,020 – $4,352.68 = $26,667.32 (note: income is below $135,000, so 30% bracket applies correctly? Let's recalc: $123,236 is in the 30% bracket ($45,001–$135,000). Tax = $4,020 + 30% × ($123,236 – $45,000) = $4,020 + $23,470.80 = $27,490.80)
• Medicare: 2% × $123,236 = $2,464.72
• Total deductions: $27,490.80 + $2,464.72 = $29,955.52
• Annual take-home: $123,236 – $29,955.52 = $93,280.48
• Fortnightly: $93,280.48 ÷ 26 = $3,587.71

These are estimates. Your actual take-home may differ due to HELP/HECS repayments, salary packaging, or the Medicare levy surcharge. Use our Clearance tool for a personalised calculation.

Superannuation Is On Top

SA teacher salaries are quoted plus super. Under the 2026–27 Super Guarantee, your employer contributes an additional 12% of your ordinary time earnings, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830. This money goes into your super fund and is not deducted from your take-home pay. For a step 1 teacher, the super contribution would be $84,971 × 12% = $10,196.52 per year.

Comparing Job Offers

When comparing a SA teacher salary with a role in another state or sector, focus on:

• Base salary – the figure before tax and super.
• Super guarantee – is it included or on top? Award rates are usually plus super.
• Allowances – such as loading for itinerant or relieving roles.
• Step progression – automatic vs. competency-based.

The national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week), but teacher salaries are well above this. The ABS reports full-time adult ordinary time earnings of $2,083.70 per week ($108,352 annually), which is comparable to a step 6 teacher.

Using Our Resources

• Take-home pay – estimate your net income.
• Tax and Medicare – understand the latest rates and offsets.
• Super – learn about employer contributions and caps.
• Salary packaging – see how salary sacrifice affects your take-home.

Remember: the figures here are for guidance only. Always consult a tax professional for your individual circumstances.