Big changes are coming to educator wages and now is the time to prepare. To help you navigate what’s ahead, we’ve created a clear breakdown of the three major wage increases coming into effect between July and December 2025.
Whether you’re a centre director, managing payroll or a provider planning budgets across multiple services, this guide will help you stay compliant and make informed decisions. Download the guide here to put on your wall for easy reference.
Our guide includes:
Side-by-side pay comparisons (Award + WRP)
Updated casual and permanent rates across qualification levels
Key dates and classification changes
What's changing and when?
Pay Increase One: 1 July 2025 – 3.5% Annual Award Wage Increase
- Applies to Children’s Services Award and Educational Services (Teachers) Award
- Base salary increase means that WRP will increase also.
Note: Not all classification levels have been included, but refer here for details https://www.education.gov.au/early-childhood/providers/workforce/wages/minimum-rates
Pay Increase Two: 1 August – 5% Gender Equity Uplift
- Advice from industry experts is that the new classification levels will be introduced when the Gender Equity Uplift is implemented on 1 August 2025. However, the new rates for CSE Level 2, 3 and 4 have not yet been published.
- This only applies to Children’s Services Award. Teachers are not included.
- Base salary increase means that WRP will increase for staff employed under Children’s Services Award.
Pay Increase Three: 1 December 2025 – WRP Increases to 15%
- The Worker Retention Payment backdating deadline has moved to 30 September 2025
- Current pay classifications may change by December 2025.
Need help navigating the changes?
Talent Now partners with services of all sizes to simplify staffing and support compliance especially in times of change. We’re here to help you stay informed, act strategically, and keep putting your educators and families first. Please call us today to discuss 1800 840 889.
