Public school employees across Victoria are set to receive a substantial pay rise from today, following a new agreement between the state’s teachers’ union and the Carroll Government.
The deal gives public school staff pay rises between 28.3% and 32.4% over four years, with the first increases to be paid tomorrow, including back pay to 10 August 2026.
Under the agreement, an experienced teacher’s salary will rise from $118,063 to $151,419 by 2029. That includes a $15,393 (13.04%) increase this year, putting them ahead of NSW teachers, plus a payment each May worth 1% of their salary in recognition of their experience.
First-year teachers will receive a $12,343 (16.7%) increase in 2026, bringing them level with their NSW counterparts.
All public school teachers will receive at least 13.04% this month, followed by annual increases of 4.0-4.9% through to 2029.
Education support staff, including classroom support, business managers, administrative staff and those supporting students with disability, will receive at least 28.3 per cent over four years. Principals and assistant principals will receive 28.3 per cent over the same period.
Staff will also receive an extra $2,000 lump sum payment in the next pay cycle in two weeks’ time.
The pay rise comes after sustained industrial action by the AEU, which included statewide teacher strikes in March and July of this year. AEU members cited an average of 12 unpaid hours of overtime per week, understaffed schools, and the need for meaningful workload relief rather than just percentage pay bumps
A turning point arrived in October when Victoria reached a landmark deal to fully fund the state's public schools by 2031. The agreement will see the Commonwealth commit an extra $3.5bn over the next decade, with the state adding more than $13bn above 2026 spending levels.
Responding to the announcement of the pay rise for Victorian public school staff, Australian Education Union Victorian Branch President Justin Mullaly said "increases like these are why it pays to be a union member."
"It’s about achieving together what none of us can do alone,” Mullaly said. “The outcome seen today has been won through the direct efforts of AEU members, who demanded pay and conditions that reflect the value and importance of their work in Victorian public schools.”