We often get asked about salary scales and the differences around the country. Money does not seem to be as important as the passion and commitment demonstrated to gain a graduate teaching job but it is still something that is worth knowing!
Awards and Agreements
Awards and agreements differ by State. However, a graduating teacher’s salary appears to be similar across all states. If you possess the right attributes to work remotely you will also attract salary incentives.
In Western Australia, as of December 2013, a starting salary of $63,118 per annum was offered to graduating teachers. This reflects a 2.1 level. This is the same level across all States although some refer to this as a Band 2.1.Visit the Department of Education for more information.
“You are referred to as a graduate teacher for the first two years or eight school terms that you teach. If you are a four year trained teacher, you start on salary Level 2.1 and progress to Level 2.2 after 12 months of satisfactory service.”
Pay Rates Across the Country
The Australian Education Union provides handy tables covering all states and classroom teacher salaries as at May 2014, the starting salary across all averages out to about $60K per annum. Australian Independent Schools and the Catholic Education Office offer similar salary levels.