Teacher Aide Salary in Australia: How Much Do Teacher Aides Get Paid?

Have you ever wondered what it's like to work as a teacher aide? Maybe you're considering a career change or looking for a rewarding way to make a difference in children's lives. One of the first questions that comes to mind is, "How much do teacher aides actually earn?"

As the go-to and largest provider for teacher aide courses in Australia, we get asked about teacher aide pay nearly every day. And for good reason – if you're going to invest your time and energy into this meaningful profession, you deserve to know what you can expect financially.

So, let's dive in and explore the world of teacher aide salaries! We'll break it down step-by-step, looking at:

• Average hourly rates and annual salaries
• Key factors that influence pay, like experience and qualifications
• The incredible benefit of getting paid for school holidays
• Differences between states and territories
• Part-time and casual work arrangements
• And much more!

By the end, you'll have a crystal clear picture of teacher aide pay in Australia.

The Exciting Truth About Teacher Aide Salaries

Here's the great news: Teacher aides in Australia can expect to earn an average of $36.50 per hour. That's right, $36.50 per hour! This means if you work five days per week (32.5 hours), your annual salary would be around $62,000. Pretty impressive, right?

Compare that to a certificate-qualified childcare educator who can expect to start on about $24-25. Even a diploma-qualified educator might expect to reach $30 per hour.

Now, your precise salary will depend on factors like your experience, qualifications, and location. But here's a little secret: About 80-90% of teacher aides work with children who have disabilities or disorders. These roles are a bit more challenging, so they often come with higher starting pay and higher pay tiers as your progress year-to-year.

The Incredible Perk of Paid School Holidays

One of the most amazing things about being a teacher aide is that you get paid during school holidays. For most, that's a whopping 12 weeks of paid leave every year! Most other jobs only offer 4 weeks, so this is a massive benefit, especially if you have kids.

In fact, when you factor in those extra 8 weeks of paid leave, your effective hourly rate is even higher. For example, $62,000 per year spread over 40 working weeks equals about $48 per hour. And for those at the top end of the scale, it can be as high as $52 per hour!

Working Hours and Casual Positions

It's important to note that almost all teacher aides work part-time, often around 32.5 hours per week or 6.5 hours per day. This flexibility is ideal for those with family commitments or other responsibilities. However, it means adjusting stated annual salary ranges for the shorter work week.

Casual teacher aides, on the other hand, can earn 25% more per hour to make up for not receiving paid leave entitlements. So there are great options no matter what type of arrangement suits your lifestyle.

Your Complete Guide to Teacher Aide Salaries

We've just scratched the surface so far, but don't worry – we've put together detailed information to answer all your burning questions, like:

Table of Contents

• How Much Do Teacher Aides Get Paid on Average in Australia?
• Teacher Aide Salaries by State
• How much do teacher aides earn in Western Australia (WA)?
• What is the pay rate for teacher aides in Queensland (QLD)?
• What salary can teacher aides expect in Victoria (VIC)?
• How much do teacher aides make in New South Wales (NSW)?
• What do teacher aides earn in South Australia (SA)?
• What is the average teacher aide pay in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT)?
• What is the average teacher aide pay in Tasmania?
• What Hours do Teacher Aides Typically Work?
• Do Teacher Aides Get Paid During School Holidays?
• What Factors Affect the Pay Rates for Teacher Aides?
• What is the Difference Between the Levels of Pay for Teacher Aides in Australia?
• Do I Get Paid More if I Hold a Higher Qualification?
• Understanding Employment Types for Teacher Aides
• Do You Need Qualifications to Work as a Teacher Aide?
• What's the Best and Most Efficient Way to Become a Teacher Aide?

By the end of this guide, you'll have a crystal-clear picture of what you can earn as a teacher aide in different settings across Australia. We'll explore the factors that impact your pay, the perks of the job (like school holidays!), and how investing in your qualifications can boost your earning potential.

How Much Do Teacher Aides Get Paid on Average in Australia?

Teacher Aides (also known as Education Assistants, School Learning Support Officers, or Education Support Staff depending on the state/territory) in Australia typically earn between $28 to $42 per hour. The national average sits at approximately $36.5 per hour, based on our calculations. *

These rates can vary slightly depending on factors such as location (metropolitan vs regional areas), specific role requirements, qualifications, and years of experience. Additionally, many positions include benefits such as paid school holidays and professional development opportunities.

*Hourly average based on our analysis of each jurisdiction’s public sector pay scale ($31.70-$37.70) and the typical experience distribution of teacher aides, with most having several years of service. As each jurisdiction have very different pay systems, some assumptions and estimates have been made. May not apply to you. Annual full-time estimated average rate of $62,000 is based on working 32.5 hours per week which is typical for many support workers.

Teacher Aide Salaries by State

How much do teacher aides earn in Western Australia (WA)?

Source: Education Assistants' (Government) General Agreement 2025

What is the pay rate for teacher aides in Queensland (QLD)?

Teacher Aides in Queensland receive competitive hourly rates ranging from $30 to $40. Class 2 positions, which primarily involve mainstream classroom support, typically earn between $30 and $33 per hour. Teacher Aides working with students with special needs can expect higher compensation, usually between $33 and $40 per hour. Currently, the average Teacher Aide in Queensland earns approximately $38 per hour.

Mainstream teacher aides in QLD can expect to be placed on Class 002 Paypoint 1 in their first year. Interestingly, the award specifies that to move to the third or fourth class (003 and 004), staff need to hold a Certificate III as a minimum.

Source: Department of Education Teacher Aides' Certified Agreement 2022.

What salary can teacher aides expect in Victoria (VIC)?

Education Support (ES) staff in Victoria receive competitive hourly rates ranging from $28 to $36. Currently, the average Education Support staff member in Victoria earns approximately $34 per hour.

Source: Victorian Government Schools Agreement 2022

How much do teacher aides make in New South Wales (NSW)?

School Learning Support Officers (SLSOs) in New South Wales receive competitive hourly rates ranging from $36 to $42. Currently, the average SLSO in New South Wales earns approximately $40 per hour.

Source: Crown Employees (School Administrative and Support Staff) Award 2022

What do teacher aides earn in South Australia (SA)?

School Services Officers (SSOs) in South Australia receive competitive hourly rates ranging from $28 to $33. Currently, the average SSO in South Australia earns approximately $32 per hour.

Source: South Australian School and Preschool Education Staff Enterprise Agreement 2024

What is the average teacher aide pay in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT)?

Learning Support Assistants (LSAs) in the Australian Capital Territory receive competitive hourly rates ranging from $29 to $35. Currently, the average LSA in the Australian Capital Territory earns approximately $33 per hour.

Source: Act Public Sector Administrative And Related Classifications Enterprise Agreement 2023-2026

What is the average teacher aide pay in Tasmania?

Teacher Assistants in Tasmania receive competitive hourly rates ranging from $34 to $37. Currently, the average Teacher Assistant in Tasmania earns approximately $36 per hour.

Source: DECYP Salary Scales as at 5 December 2024

What Hours do Teacher Aides Typically Work?

The work hours for teacher aides are generally structured around the schedule of the students they support. While exact schedules can vary, a typical day for teacher aides might look like:

• Start time: 8:15am (students arrive from 8:30 starting at 8:50)
• Morning tea: 10:30-10:50am (this is ‘recess’ time – official break is 10 minutes)
• Lunch break (unpaid): 30 minutes around 1:00pm
• Finish time: 3:15pm (students finish at 3:00)

This represents a 6.5 hour work day, which is the standard for most teacher aides. In a full-time role, a 7.6 hour work day (38 hour week) would be considered 1.0 FTE (full-time equivalent). However, most teacher aides are employed at a fractional 0.8 FTE which means 80% of a full-time load. For a full-time staff member, this equates to 32.5 hours per week.

Some schools may have slightly different hours for their teacher aides, such as an 8:30am start and 3:30pm finish. Many schools also have ‘early-close’ once a week (such as a Thursday) which is used for staff meetings and other tasks. TAs often do not attend staff meetings and instead complete other tasks for their classroom teachers.

A full 1.0 FTE teacher aide role is very uncommon in public schools but may be required in some private schools, such as boarding schools, to provide student support outside standard hours. Schools will not permit staff to adjust their start and end times – all teacher aides start and finish at the same time without exception.

Like registered classroom teachers, teacher aides can work anywhere from 1 to 5 days per week. This is specified in their contract or appointment. Some are also employed on a casual basis to provide support as needed. Casual staff may often work at the same school, in different rooms covering different teacher aides, on a full-time basis. They may be called in for one or two days for planned absences, early in the morning when staff call in sick, or as cover for resignations and short-term leave requests.

It’s often unclear as to what is expected when you first start a new position. To ensure clarity around your work schedule and expectations, discuss the following key points with your school:

• Start time and finish time: Be clear on exactly when your paid work hours begin and end each day. Arrive early enough to be ready by your start time, and stay fully engaged in work tasks until your finish time.
• Breaks and other duties: Confirm the timing and length of your breaks, and whether they are paid. Also check on any meetings or tasks outside class time, like playground supervision.

In summary, a teacher aide's schedule is built around supporting students, with most working a 0.8 fractional load aligning with the school day. To ensure you understand exactly what your role entails, always clarify your specific start and finish times as well as any additional duties with your school.

Do Teacher Aides Get Paid During School Holidays?

Yes, teacher aides who are employed on a part-time or full-time basis are paid during the school holidays that fall within their employment contract period. For instance, if you have a 12-month contract or a permanent position, you will receive payment for any holidays that occur within those 12 months. There are about 12 weeks of holidays in most states (3x2 weeks during the year and just short of 6 weeks over the Christmas break).

During school holidays, teacher aides must take their annual leave, which is automatically taken and reflected on their payslips. Teacher aides generally cannot take annual leave during school terms.

Keep in mind that the calculation of holiday pay varies depending on your specific sector (public vs. private) and the state or territory you work in. If you have any doubts or questions about how your particular holiday pay is determined, it's always a wise idea to consult with your school's administration or the HR department of your employer for clarification.

The bottom line is that teacher aide roles, whether part-time or full-time, generally include paid holidays as part of the overall employment package. This arrangement allows you to enjoy the school breaks without facing any disruption to your income stream, which is one of the reasons why many individuals find a career as a teacher aide so appealing.

What Factors Affect the Pay Rates for Teacher Aides?

The pay rate for an individual teacher aide can vary based on several key factors:

• Location: Most teacher aides work for state or territory government schools, each of which has its own unique agreements and pay scales that determine salaries.
• School sector: In addition to government schools, faith-based, independent, and alternative schools also hire teacher aides. These schools have different pay scales and agreements to the government sector.
• Student support needs: Teacher aides employed to work closely with students who have high special needs or disabilities typically earn a higher wage compared to those in more generalist classroom support roles. This pay differential recognises the additional skills, training, and responsibilities required to effectively support these students.
• Years of experience: As a teacher aide gains more on-the-job experience over time, calculated in terms of full-time equivalent (FTE) years, their pay rate increases incrementally. This means that more experienced aides generally earn a higher salary than those just starting out, up to a certain ceiling level.
• Location-based allowances: Some schools, particularly those in rural or remote areas, offer extra allowances on top of base salaries to attract and retain quality teacher aides. These incentives aim to compensate for the unique challenges associated with living and working in these locations.
• Specialised roles: Certain positions that require specific skill sets, may command a higher pay rate. This acknowledges the important contributions these specialists make to the school community and the additional expertise they bring to their roles.

While these are some of the main variables that influence teacher aide salaries, it's important to recognise that pay structures can be complex and may involve other factors or nuances. Prospective teacher aides should research the specific employment conditions and salary scales relevant to their location and school sector to gain a more accurate understanding of what they can expect to earn in the role.

What is the Difference Between the Levels of Pay for Teacher Aides in Australia?

Teacher aide salaries in Australia are typically structured using a tiered system based on factors like experience, qualifications, and the specific role or setting they work in. This levelled pay scale applies to both government and non-government schools across the country, although the exact details may vary somewhat between states, territories, and individual school sectors.

When you begin working as a teacher aide, you'll usually be placed at a starting pay level that reflects your prior experience and the specifics of your position. For each year of full-time equivalent (FTE) experience you gain, you'll generally progress to the next pay level, with each step up the scale corresponding to a modest salary increase. This incremental pay structure helps reward your growing expertise and aims to retain more experienced teacher aides in the profession.

While the terminology and specifics may differ slightly across jurisdictions and sectors, teacher aide pay levels in Australia tend to follow this broad three-tiered structure:

• Level 1: This entry level is for teacher aides working in mainstream classrooms who provide basic general support, particularly in the lowest grades like prep and Year 1. They are not directly assigned to support students with complex disabilities or disorders (but they ultimately will assist all children in their classes). They assist with basic classroom tasks and general supervision at a very basic level. Roles at this level involve duties like setting up equipment, light cleaning, assisting with toileting, escorting children around the school, preparing snacks, and providing general instructional support such as reading with students.
• Level 2: Teacher aides at this intermediate level are often directly assigned to support one or more students with additional needs in a mainstream class, such as those with autism, physical disabilities, or other conditions requiring more intensive one-on-one assistance to participate fully in their learning. They often follow the student’s schedule but will also support other students from time to time.
• Level 3: The highest pay level is for those who support students with more complex needs in specialist settings like dedicated special schools (also known as special schools, special education programs, education support centres, schools for specific purposes, etc.). This includes aides working closely with students who have significant physical disabilities, neurological conditions, learning disorders, or challenging behavioural presentations. At this level, multiple teacher aides may work together with a single teacher in classes with high ratios of adults to students to provide more concentrated support. They may work in behavioural support, autism or other specialised ‘units.’

The majority of teacher aide positions across Australia are classified around Level 2 or 3, as most roles involve supporting students with additional needs in some capacity.

Do I Get Paid More if I Hold a Higher Qualification?

In most cases, simply earning a higher qualification does not automatically lead to a pay raise for teacher aides. Your specific pay rate is determined by the role you are employed in and the duties you perform, rather than your qualifications.

However, having a relevant qualification, especially the CHC40221 Certificate IV in School Based Education Support, is becoming increasingly crucial for landing the higher-paid teacher aide positions. The majority of roles that involve supporting students with additional needs (often classified as Level 2 or 3 positions or similar depending on state or territory) now list the Certificate IV as a minimum requirement.

Investing in the Certificate IV qualification can benefit your career and earnings potential in several important ways:

• Broader job opportunities: It makes you eligible for a wider range of positions, including higher-paying roles focused on specialised student support.
• Enhanced skills and knowledge: You gain a deeper understanding of inclusive education, learning disorders, and effective teaching strategies, enabling you to provide better classroom support.
• Competitive edge: It boosts your professional credibility and can set you apart from less qualified candidates when applying for jobs.
• Career advancement potential: It shows your dedication to professional growth and can open pathways to more exciting opportunities and roles with increased responsibilities and pay.
• Increased job security: Schools may prioritise retaining staff with higher qualifications between school years.

While entry-level teacher aide jobs focused on general classroom support (usually Level 1 positions) may only require a Certificate III, you'll still likely be competing against candidates with the higher Certificate IV qualification.

Although obtaining a qualification demands time and effort upfront, it can yield significant returns in terms of your long-term career prospects and earning capacity as a teacher aide. The Certificate IV is quickly becoming a standard expectation in the field – if not already.

Understanding Employment Types for Teacher Aides

Starting your career as a teacher aide means understanding the different types of positions available in Australian schools. Let's explore the three main employment arrangements and what they mean for your work life:

Casual/Relief Positions

• Perfect for gaining initial experience across different schools
• Paid at a higher rate (usually 25% loading) to offset lack of leave benefits
• Called different names depending on your state:
• Relief staff in Queensland and Western Australia
• Casual teacher aides in New South Wales
• CRT (Casual Relief Teacher aide) in Victoria
• Supply staff in South Australia
• Relief teacher assistant in Tasmania

Many teacher aides begin with casual work, building valuable experience across various year levels and learning environments. This flexibility lets you explore different schools while developing your skills and professional network.

Contract Positions

• Fixed-term arrangements ranging from one term to a full school year
• Often cover staff on maternity leave, long service leave or extended illness
• Include standard benefits like annual leave and sick leave
• May lead to contract extensions or permanent opportunities
• Provide stability while maintaining flexibility

Permanent Positions

• Ongoing employment with full benefits – no reapplying each year
• Most secure form of employment
• Often achieved after gaining experience through casual and contract work
• Highly sought after in the education sector
• Available in both part-time and full-time arrangements
• It can take many years to be offered a permanent position

Making the Transition

Many teacher aides follow a natural progression from casual to contract to permanent roles.

By understanding these employment types, you can better plan your career path and make informed decisions about which opportunities to pursue in your local schools.

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Do You Need Qualifications to Work as a Teacher Aide?

While technically there's no legal requirement for qualifications in Australia, the reality is that schools now expect teacher aides to hold a recognised qualification like the CHC40221 Certificate IV in School Based Education Support or the CHC30221 Certificate III in School Based Education Support.

Here's what you need to know:

• Schools increasingly prioritise qualified candidates for duty of care reasons
• Higher pay rates in many states for qualified staff
• Better job security and career advancement opportunities
• More options beyond casual relief work
• Greater confidence in supporting student learning

Gone are the days when schools regularly hired teacher aides based solely on parenting experience. Today's education environment demands skilled professionals who can effectively support diverse student needs and work collaboratively with teachers. Schools and the communities they serve, require staff who have knowledge of modern instructional and behavioural strategies, for instance – something that cannot be gained through parenting alone.

The CHC30221 Certificate III in School Based Education Support or CHC40221 Certificate IV in School Based Education Support provide the practical skills and knowledge that modern schools value, setting you up for long-term success in this rewarding career.

What's the Best and Most Efficient Way to Become a Teacher Aide?

Starting a career as a teacher aide requires completing a nationally recognised qualification like the CHC30221 Certificate III or CHC40221 Certificate IV in School Based Education Support. While many training providers offer these courses, the path you choose can significantly impact how quickly you enter the workforce and the opportunities that are available to you once you graduate.

ITAC has become Australia's largest provider of education support qualifications for good reason. While other providers can take 12-18 months or longer with traditional unit-by-unit delivery, our unique integrated approach means most students graduate in just 6 months, without compromising on quality. We also boast the largest network of schools in every state and territory.

Here's why ITAC offers the smartest pathway to becoming a teacher aide:

• Get qualified faster through our streamlined learning modules
• Learn from experienced trainers based in your local area
• Gain practical experience through our extensive school networks
• Benefit from 24/7 access to engaging online learning materials
• Receive the same qualification in half the usual time
• Study at your own pace with up to 18 months to complete if needed

What this means for you:

• Start your new career and begin earning months sooner – earn up to $90,000 more.
• Save thousands on study-related costs like childcare – not to mention the stress.
• Access job opportunities through our strong industry connections
• Learn with Australia's most trusted provider – we train around 60% of graduates in some regions
• Graduate with the practical skills schools actually want – ITAC’s courses are well-regarded by schools
• Enjoy dedicated support from local trainers who understand your area's education system

This is why schools actively seek out ITAC graduates – they know our practical integrated approach produces confident, job-ready professionals. Many of our students secure employment directly through their placement schools, as principals recognise the real-world capabilities our graduates bring to the classroom.

When you choose ITAC, you're choosing the proven pathway to a rewarding education support career. With expert trainers across all major areas of Australia and strong relationships with schools nationwide, we'll help you achieve your goals sooner.