What is the minimum hourly rate for a teacher aide in Australia?

The minimum hourly rate for a teacher aide covered by the Educational Services (Schools) General Staff Award is $26.44 per hour (Level 1.1) as of 1 July 2026. This matches the National Minimum Wage. Higher classifications (Level 2, 3, etc.) attract higher rates. Casual employees receive a 25% loading, making the casual rate $33.05 per hour.

How do I calculate my annual teacher aide salary from an hourly rate?

Multiply your hourly rate by the number of hours you work per week, then by 52. For a full-time teacher aide working 38 hours per week at $26.44/hour: $26.44 × 38 × 52 = $52,254.80 per year. Part-time employees use their actual weekly hours. This is a gross figure before tax and super. Use [the timesheet](/) to estimate your take-home pay.

Does superannuation come out of my teacher aide salary?

No, superannuation is paid on top of your salary. Your employer must contribute 12% of your ordinary earnings into a super fund (up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830). For example, on a $52,254.80 annual salary, the super contribution would be about $6,270.58, making your total employment cost $58,525.38. This is separate from your take-home pay.

Understanding Your Teacher Aide Salary: Award Rates, Hourly Pay, and Annual Conversion

A full-time teacher aide at Level 1.1 under the Educational Services (Schools) General Staff Award earns $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week for 38 hours, equating to about $52,254.80 annually before tax and super.

Teacher Aide Salary: Award Rates and the National Minimum Wage

If you're looking up a teacher aide salary, you're likely covered by the Educational Services (Schools) General Staff Award (MA000076). This award sets minimum pay rates for support staff in schools, including teacher aides, library assistants, and administrative workers. The rates are updated each financial year by the Fair Work Commission.

As of 1 July 2026, the National Minimum Wage is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week for a 38-hour week. This is also the starting point for a Level 1.1 teacher aide under the award. More experienced aides or those in higher classifications (Level 2, 3, 4, etc.) earn more. For example, a Level 4.1 teacher aide receives $31.11 per hour, and a Level 6.1 earns $36.61 per hour.

Converting Hourly to Annual: The 38-Hour Week

To estimate your annual teacher aide salary, use the formula:

Hourly rate × hours per week × 52

We assume a full-time employee works 38 ordinary hours per week, as defined by the award. For a Level 1.1 teacher aide:

$26.44 × 38 × 52 = $52,254.80 per year

If you work part-time, use your actual weekly hours. For example, 20 hours per week at $26.44 gives $26.44 × 20 × 52 = $27,497.60 annually.

Your fortnightly pay is simply your weekly pay multiplied by two. For the full-time example above, weekly pay is $1,004.90, so fortnightly is $2,009.80 before tax.

Casual Loading and Penalty Rates

Casual teacher aides receive a 25% loading on top of the base hourly rate. That means a casual Level 1.1 teacher aide earns $33.05 per hour. This loading compensates for not receiving paid leave. The award also specifies penalty rates for Saturday, Sunday, and overtime work. For instance, Saturday work for a Level 1.1 teacher aide is paid at $39.66 per hour (150% of base), and Sunday at $52.88 per hour (200%).

Award Rates vs. National Minimum Wage

It's important to distinguish between the National Minimum Wage and award rates. The National Minimum Wage is the legal floor for all employees not covered by an award or agreement. However, most teacher aides are covered by the Schools General Staff Award, which has higher minimum rates for many classifications. Always check your specific award classification. You can find the full pay guide on the Fair Work Ombudsman website or use our pay guides page for a summary.

Tax and Superannuation on Your Teacher Aide Salary

Your annual teacher aide salary is subject to income tax and the Medicare levy. For the 2026–27 financial year, the tax-free threshold is $18,200. After that, you pay:

15% on income from $18,201 to $45,000
30% on income from $45,001 to $135,000
37% on income from $135,001 to $190,000
45% on income above $190,000

Plus a 2% Medicare levy (based on 2025–26 single reduction thresholds).

Superannuation is paid on top of your salary by your employer. From 1 July 2026, the Super Guarantee is 12% of your ordinary earnings, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. For a full-time teacher aide earning $52,254.80, the super contribution is about $6,270.58, making your total employment cost $58,525.38. This super is not deducted from your pay—it's an additional benefit.

Using the Timesheet for Your Teacher Aide Salary

Our the timesheet tool lets you enter your base hourly rate and optionally add 25% casual loading. It then calculates your weekly, fortnightly, and annual gross pay, along with estimated tax and super. Remember: the annual figure assumes you work the same hours every week with no unpaid overtime, penalty rates, or allowances. It's a useful estimate, not a binding determination.

For more detailed reference tables, see our reference tables page, which includes award classification rates and tax brackets.

Summary

A teacher aide salary under the Schools General Staff Award starts at $26.44 per hour for Level 1.1. Full-time annual gross pay is around $52,255. Casual loading adds 25%. Super is 12% on top. Tax is calculated on the annual gross using the 2026–27 resident rates. Use our tools to convert your hourly rate to annual, fortnightly, and take-home pay.

Always check your specific award classification and any applicable agreements. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides authoritative pay guides. For more information on minimum wage, visit our minimum wage page.