Pay and benefits

We support our staff by offering:

• opportunities to progress your career at our 93 schools
• 4 staff development days a year (student free), one at the beginning of each term
• better workloads that prioritise educational leadership, teaching and learning
• ongoing professional learning and development.

Enterprise agreements

Enterprise agreements set out the employment terms, conditions and entitlements for Education Directorate staff.

Enterprise agreements are negotiated between employees and the Education Directorate in accordance with the Fair Work Act 2009.

Current agreements

To find out more about how staff are covered under ACT Public Sector enterprise agreements, go to the ACTPS Employment Portal.

Here's a summary of the classifications covered under the different enterprise agreements.

Education Directorate (Teaching Staff) Enterprise Agreement 2023–2026

• Classroom Teachers
• School Leaders (Grade A–C)
• Director School Improvement
• School Psychologists (including Senior Psychologists, Manager and Senior Manager Clinical Practice)

The pay rates for teaching staff and school psychologists are listed under Annex A–Classifications and rates of pay. Go to the ACTPS Employment Portal.

Administrative and Related Classifications Enterprise Agreement 2023–2026

• Administrative Service Officers (1–6)
• Senior Officer (Grade A–C)
• School Assistant (2/3, 3, and 4)
• Graduate Administrative Assistant
• Indigenous Trainee.

The pay rates for administrative staff are listed under Annex A–Classifications and rates of pay. Go to the ACTPS Employment Portal

Infrastructure Services Enterprise Agreement 2023–2026

• Building Service Officer (1–4)
• Facilities Manager (GSO 10)
• General Service Officer (Level 2–10)
• Cleaning Services Officer (1–4)

The pay rates for infrastructure services are listed under Annex A–Classifications and rates of pay. Go to the ACTPS Employment Portal

Technical and Other Professionals Enterprise Agreement 2023–2026

• Infrastructure Officer (1–5)
• Infrastructure Manager/specialist (1–3)
• Professional Officer (Class 1–2)
• Senior Professional Officer (Grade A–C)
• Technical Officer (Level 1–4)
• Information Technology Officer (Class 1–2)

The pay rates for technical and other professionals are listed under Annex A–Classifications and rates of pay. Go to the ACTPS Employment Portal

Health Professional Enterprise Agreement 2023–2026

• Health Professional (Level 1–6)

The pay rates for health professionals are listed under Annex A–Classifications and rates of pay. Go to the ACTPS Employment Portal

Support Services Enterprise Agreement 2023–2026

• Allied Health Assistant (1–3)

The pay rates for support services staff are listed under Annex A–Classifications and rates of pay. Go to the ACTPS Employment Portal

Pay and benefits by role

New educators

New educators receive a range of teaching and professional development support including:

• a starting salary of between $91,396 to $104,314 from December 2025
• reduced face-to-face teaching time
• the comprehensive New Educator Support Program
• paid practicum leave for Restricted Permit to Teach teachers in their final year. Practicums help students gain practical, in-classroom experience in an ACT public school setting.

Experienced teachers

Experienced teachers enjoy a faster pathway to the highest pay increment plus ongoing professional development opportunities:

• Experienced teachers will earn a starting salary from $108,619 to $129,106 from December 2025.
• A better classification structure and new increment for experienced teachers.
• Financial support up to $10,000 for further education, training or research through the ACT Teacher Scholarship Program.
• We also offer incentives for recently retired teachers to return to work (Teacher Quality Institute and Working with Vulnerable Persons fees).
• Paid professional learning for casual teachers.

School leaders

• earn a salary of $145,938 to $149,107 as a school leader C (executive teacher) from December 2025
• earn a salary of $168,900 to $173,125 as a school leader B (deputy principal) from December 2025
• earn a salary of $195,885 to $225,158 from December 2025 for a school leader A (principal).

Casual administrative support staff

Casual administrative or support staff role are paid at a daily or hourly rate. This is under Section B14 in the Administrative and Related Classifications Enterprise Agreement 2023–2026 found on the Enterprise Agreements - ACTPS Employment Portal.

Relocation support for ACT Education Directorate employees

If you move to Canberra for a role with the ACT Education Directorate, you may be eligible for support with your relocation costs. This support is designed to help make your move easier so you can focus on settling into your new role.

Eligible employees can receive reimbursement for reasonable relocation expenses up to $12,000 (with higher amounts possible in some circumstances).

This may include costs related to:

• moving your household items
• travelling to Canberra
• short-term accommodation when you arrive.

Relocation support is subject to eligibility criteria and conditions, including repayment requirements if you leave your role within a specified period. For more information what’s included and how to apply contact EDUHR@act.gov.au.

Additional benefits for all ACT Government employees

ACT Government employees also receive:

• higher superannuation, 12.5% from 1 January 2026
• improved leave provisions, including:
  • increased birth leave
  • assisted reproductive leave
  • enhanced bonding and primary caregiver leave.

Contact us