Primary Salaries Rates for Primary Teachers

[Tzatziki_Man]

I hear about people complain that teachers aren't paid well.

But 57k for a first year grad is great, it gradually increases - its not the amount of an engineer, but its decent right? Why do people complain so much about the pay? I just got into my Dip Ed course and I'm starting to think about how to manage this salary since I've only been making 20k a year working part time whilst studying.

http://www.eduweb.vic.gov.au/edulibrary/public/hr/empconditions/Teacher_salary_rates.pdf

 

[superfraser]

It's decent pay. But it'll take you like 10 years or something to get to about $88K and then you'll be capped there.

(that $88K will increase slowly as inflation goes up)

I've only recently become a teacher.

I'd STRONGLY recommend taking on extra responsibility as soon as possible. As a Leading Teacher you'd jump off the teacher scale, and onto the Leading Teacher scale. This starts at about $84K and I don't think the amount of extra work is particularly difficult.

I hear that it's quite easy for males to move into leadership at Primary Schools. I'm at a P-12 school but work in Secondary, it hasn't been easy to move into leadership, I've busted my ass. But it's recognised.

Most importantly - don't form close bonds with teachers and get involved in staffroom gossip. It will seriously hinder your chances for promotion.

 

[Tzatziki_Man]

It's decent pay. But it'll take you like 10 years or something to get to about $88K and then you'll be capped there.

(that $88K will increase slowly as inflation goes up)

I've only recently become a teacher.

I'd STRONGLY recommend taking on extra responsibility as soon as possible. As a Leading Teacher you'd jump off the teacher scale, and onto the Leading Teacher scale. This starts at about $84K and I don't think the amount of extra work is particularly difficult.

I hear that it's quite easy for males to move into leadership at Primary Schools. I'm at a P-12 school but work in Secondary, it hasn't been easy to move into leadership, I've busted my ass. But it's recognised.

Most importantly - don't form close bonds with teachers and get involved in staffroom gossip. It will seriously hinder your chances for promotion.

Cheers for the information, anything else you want to add, please do, really interesting to read that.

And congratulations, It's really great to hear your story, I want to progress similar to you, except just for primary prep-6

 

[boomering]

I have been a Primary teacher for 20 years and teach in the south- east of Melbourne. You are right when you start on 57,000 it seems good, but trust me as you work your way through you will see that teachers are indeed underpaid. I would never want to be a leading teacher, for an extra $5000 you will get smothered with extra work. One thing about teaching is that you never get on top of the work. One thing I agree with is not to make friends, especially with females and dont get involved in the staff room politics. It does go on at all schools and its shocking. You just need to find a great school with great kids and a good boss and you will be fine. But thats easier said than done. Want any advice holler back. Good luck

 

[superfraser]

I have been a Primary teacher for 20 years and teach in the south- east of Melbourne. You are right when you start on 57,000 it seems good, but trust me as you work your way through you will see that teachers are indeed underpaid. I would never want to be a leading teacher, for an extra $5000 you will get smothered with extra work. One thing about teaching is that you never get on top of the work. One thing I agree with is not to make friends, especially with females and dont get involved in the staff room politics. It does go on at all schools and its shocking. You just need to find a great school with great kids and a good boss and you will be fine. But thats easier said than done. Want any advice holler back. Good luck

e

You're obviously at a different stage of your career than us new guys.

As an expert teacher on the scale, I completely understand why you would scoff at being a leading teacher. But as a grad or as an accomplished teacher it's a HUGE leap in pay.

I know a lot of teacher's share the same attitude as you, and perhaps I'll change in time, but until then, it's an attitude that helps someone who is interested in progression up the ranks to move up as there is less competition.

 

[boomering]

You just dont want the job because of the money because its not worth it. Good luck.

 

[ChrisFooty]

I’m looking at getting my first teaching post in July once I have completed my studies. I have heard it's extremely difficult to get a position in a city area. Hopefully in a rural or remote school I can jag something.

To be honest, the pay is not something on the front of my mind. I would just be happy to secure something. 88k after 10 years is not bad coin by any stretch of the imagination. You get twelve weeks holiday. I do acknowledge there may be planning and professional development required in that, but it's still not too bad of a deal.

 

[Tzatziki_Man]

Great information here guys, I too worry about getting a position since I live relatively close to the city.

I was thinking maybe getting a position around Mill Park-Epping-Thomastown, I'd be willing to drive up the Northern Suburbs, hopefully I can get something around that area.

 

[bomberdude18 2]

The money is reasonable, but the argument is the workload and the responsibility you have is worth more than what they're getting paid. I don't think anything is ever going to change drastically though. The fact is teaching is a public service and not a money making industry. It's not like commerce or mining where the organisations are earning the money to pay employees shitloads of money.

 

[slashin_velvet]

The money is reasonable, but the argument is the workload and the responsibility you have is worth more than what they're getting paid. I don't think anything is ever going to change drastically though. The fact is teaching is a public service and not a money making industry. It's not like commerce or mining where the organisations are earning the money to pay employees shitloads of money.

My sister is a teacher, and I am an accountant. We both graduated in the same year (She did a 4 year course, where mine was only 3).

She got paid a lot more than me in year one. This gap was gone after my first payrise. Teaching has its perks in that you get a lot of holidays, and the hours aren't ridiculous. The start wage is good for a teacher, but the payrises are very slow, and probably not comparable to other industries.

 

[ChrisFooty]

A profession you enter for the love and passion in teaching the next generation. If you entered teaching for it's monetary and holiday benefits, your in the wrong profession and most likely will be left disappointed.

 

[IsthatGriffiths]

My Facebook live feed is loaded with teachers complaining about writing reports. I'm not sure what profession they think doesn't involve work.

Have they thought about forming engagement groups within schools?

 

[KillaKanga]

I've been teaching for 8 years (QLD) and the start up wage is pretty good, particularly after you've been broke studying for 4 years and working part-time. But it's capped after 10 years (senior teacher) so to get into this for the money is the wrong way to go.

As for those who don't understand why teachers complain - you've never had responsibility that comes with having a class of 25-30 kids. Sure the holidays are great and love them but mose teachers do a hell of lot of work in them too. Plus the unpaid over time (if you want to look at it that way)

Most teachers will get to school about 7:30am and start prepapring for the day (Most think we start at 9??) Most will leave between 3:30pm and 5pm (people think we're finished for the day at 3pm) However most teachers also take marking and planning to do. In front of the TV last night I marked for about 1 hour and then printed out stuff for another 30-40 minutes. Not complaining but how many jobs involve that much work out of hours?

This week alone I have had angry parents about bullying, homework and the cost of the textbooks. These parents barge into my work place before school or even better wait for the class to leave at 3pm and walk in and just let loose. I've got no preparation for their questions and sometimes they've lined up about the same topic.

Having said that I lived in London for a year teaching which I wouldn't have done in a different profession and having 2 little boys I'm able to be home early to play with them.

I love my job but just would like people to see what goes into it.

Off my soap box - sorry

 

[slashin_velvet]

Most teachers will get to school about 7:30am and start prepapring for the day (Most think we start at 9??) Most will leave between 3:30pm and 5pm (people think we're finished for the day at 3pm) However most teachers also take marking and planning to do. In front of the TV last night I marked for about 1 hour and then printed out stuff for another 30-40 minutes. Not complaining but how many jobs involve that much work out of hours?

Like, any profession that requires a university education.

I respect you guys as a job more than almost any industry - there is no way you could get me to try and control 30 kids, and also ensure they actually learn stuff. I just dont get the complaining about long hours. 7:30 - 5 isnt that big a work day (in comparative terms)

 

[slashin_velvet]

You might not think that's it a long day, but trust me when your been in front of a class for 6 hours, trying to teach the most mollycoddled generation yet it can be challenging. Worked in a few industries & nothing compares to teaching, you are performing in front of an audience all day, no switching off. There is never a boring moment in a class room. Without the annoying minority of parents who think they are your boss, I would never want to do another job. I'm sure today's generation of parents especially in primary schools who have to much influence will eventually drive a lot of teachers out of the profession. F##k they p##s me off, sorry the French. Don't get me wrong this is a very small minority. 85% of my parents are awesome.

Yeh as I said, I get all of that. Its not an easy job, but neither is investment banking, and most of them dont complain about the hours (which are generally a lot more rediculous than 7:30-5, and they dont get 12 weeks of holidays).

Im not saying teaching is easy, I just dont get the complaining. Surely after doing rounds and all that, you have an appreciation for the work you are getting yourself into?

Again, hats off to you guys (I wouldnt do it in a fit).

 

[KillaKanga]

Yeh as I said, I get all of that. Its not an easy job, but neither is investment banking, and most of them dont complain about the hours (which are generally a lot more rediculous than 7:30-5, and they dont get 12 weeks of holidays).

Im not saying teaching is easy, I just dont get the complaining. Surely after doing rounds and all that, you have an appreciation for the work you are getting yourself into?

Again, hats off to you guys (I wouldnt do it in a fit).

You're right, I don't think 7:30 to 5 (plus the hour or so of marking each night) is that long. And I don't usually complain about teaching, if you don't like it get out. But an hour in a class with the constant activity is very draining. Not to mention the 90 minutes I have to give up tonight from 6 to 7:30pm because we have a disco. Would much rather hooking into the scotch when I get home!!!

12 weeks holiday??? It's actually 10 and a half and we are expected to work about half of that. Particularly the end of the summer hols.

I guess the topic is about salaries and as far as I know (used to be true) teaching is the lowest paid 4 year uni degree profession.

But in the end I love my job I take the perks happily and try not to complain about the other stuff.

 

[slashin_velvet]

12 weeks holiday??? It's actually 10 and a half and we are expected to work about half of that. Particularly the end of the summer hols.

I guess the topic is about salaries and as far as I know (used to be true) teaching is the lowest paid 4 year uni degree profession.

Twelve weeks was calculated as 2, 2, 2 for inbetween terms and 6 at christmas (from about 15 Dec to start of Feb. I know not all schools have this long, but I can range from 10 to 14 (private schools with a 3 week between term break and an expended christmas break) so I took an average)

And yeh, teachers have low salaries for the length of their degree, dont think anyone is arguing with that

 

[KillaKanga]

Twelve weeks was calculated as 2, 2, 2 for inbetween terms and 6 at christmas (from about 15 Dec to start of Feb. I know not all schools have this long, but I can range from 10 to 14 (private schools with a 3 week between term break and an expended christmas break) so I took an average)

And yeh, teachers have low salaries for the length of their degree, dont think anyone is arguing with that

Anything more than 4 weeks is a bonus. As for the summer I got 4 weeks and 1 day before I had to go back and that wasn't counting the 3-4 days I did of getting the room ready and resources etc.

Just out of interest would an investment banker get more than 70k after working for 8 years??

 

[slashin_velvet]

Just out of interest would an investment banker get more than 70k after working for 8 years??

Significantly more, however they would work significantly more hours and work for a private company. Someone working for the government in finance will obviously earn less than someone in the private sector.

 

[Tzatziki_Man]

I don't know how you can complain about hours.

I work part time/casual in retail and have seen/have worked over night shifts with a few guys who do it all year. My sister did overnights for 6 months straight. 1am-9am. She made 35k. Even managers at the joint work 12hour days for 60k a year.

I have uni hours packed into my dip ed timetable, plus homework time, plus 15 hours a week at work and I'm bloody wrecked every week. Teaching from 8 to 5, 7.30-5, 8 to 4 all sound amazing.

Money is manageable too, with a partner on similar coin to yourself, you will get by comfortably. Some people like lots and lots and lots of money. I want a decent wage and to enjoy my family and my life.

I guess you have to take what you want out of this.

 

[KillaKanga]

I don't know how you can complain about hours.

I work part time/casual in retail and have seen/have worked over night shifts with a few guys who do it all year. My sister did overnights for 6 months straight. 1am-9am. She made 35k. Even managers at the joint work 12hour days for 60k a year.

I have uni hours packed into my dip ed timetable, plus homework time, plus 15 hours a week at work and I'm bloody wrecked every week. Teaching from 8 to 5, 7.30-5, 8 to 4 all sound amazing.

Money is manageable too, with a partner on similar coin to yourself, you will get by comfortably. Some people like lots and lots and lots of money. I want a decent wage and to enjoy my family and my life.

I guess you have to take what you want out of this.

Hey CNB,

If you're referring to me, I'm not complaining about hours or salary. I just made a comment in this thread saying how I understand why some teachers feel under valued.

About Money being managable??? My wife is on materinty leave ATM and my almost senior wage doens't cover the general costs taking into account an average rent of $400 a week. Luckily we have savings because we were prepared but it comes up short every fortnight. We don't go to the movis or drink or ever go out.

As for working at Kmart. I've worked at Coles and you can't tell me 1 hour at Kmart is even close to comparable to an hour with 30 kids.

For the record I'm pretty happy with the situation re: pay/hours etc

 

[Tzatziki_Man]

Hey CNB,

If you're referring to me, I'm not complaining about hours or salary. I just made a comment in this thread saying how I understand why some teachers feel under valued.

About Money being managable??? My wife is on materinty leave ATM and my almost senior wage doens't cover the general costs taking into account an average rent of $400 a week. Luckily we have savings because we were prepared but it comes up short every fortnight. We don't go to the movis or drink or ever go out.

As for working at Kmart. I've worked at Coles and you can't tell me 1 hour at Kmart is even close to comparable to an hour with 30 kids.

For the record I'm pretty happy with the situation re: pay/hours etc

I wasn't referring to you entirely, your perspective is very accurate and quite common, so its generally for people who share the same view.

Wouldn't say that. Working in retail has its downside, but there is no required skill set in place to deal with the job. For example, teachers need to be taught how to control a classroom. Coles/Target employees just point you to the right direction or pass you off to the manager. Teachers need to be highly skilled. Since I haven't actually done placement yet, I won't understand what you're going through until I reach that stage of my life.

What I can say however, is working overnights - even if it revolves around scratching your butt for eight hours, will deteriorate your sleeping patterns, diet, psychological well-being and social life. I saw it happen to my sister. When I did them for three weeks I was stuffed, sleeping from 3pm till 10pm and then heading to work at 12am-8am. Its officially the worst thing in the world and whether you're a teacher, accountant or banker. That's why its important getting an education, so you don't have to work obscene hours for little financial gain.

 

[tige19]

i've just started my degree at Vic Uni as a mature age after working for the previous 9 years! My passion is with the development of kids, I get a kick out of seeing them progress and I think this stems from my football ties. The money side of it is not a massive concern, I see my self coaching and working with elite juniors is an outside job/hobby/passion where I will be remunerated anyhow.

If I can jag 10-15k with footy and by the time I'm qualified 60k odd then I'm quite happy.

For what it's worth I'm at Vic Uni doing P-12 course majoring in PE and Health.

cheers

 

[KillaKanga]

i've just started my degree at Vic Uni as a mature age after working for the previous 9 years! My passion is with the development of kids, I get a kick out of seeing them progress and I think this stems from my football ties. The money side of it is not a massive concern, I see my self coaching and working with elite juniors is an outside job/hobby/passion where I will be renumerated anyhow.

If I can jag 10-15k with footy and by the time I'm qualified 60k odd then I'm quite happy.

For what it's worth I'm at Vic Uni doing P-12 course majoring in PE and Health.

cheers

Hey Tige19,

Good luck with it all, it is truely an awesome job if you care about the kids and feel that pride/happiness feeling when we are achieving something they previously couldn't.

There are way more pros to this job than negatives. I was also a slightly mature age uni student and I found the worldly knowledge I had obtained helped alot.

All the best!!
James

 

[sainter]

For what it's worth I'm at Vic Uni doing P-12 course majoring in PE and Health.

cheers

I'm at VU doing the Dip Ed in Primary Teaching and have just started my teaching placement. It's hard work but I'm happy with the decision so far.