Inside the proposed teacher pay rise in Victoria

Victoria’s 52,000 public school teachers will be offered a 28% pay rise, in what could become one of the most significant education pay deals in recent years. It comes after Victorian teachers walked off the job last month for the first time in 13 years, highlighting growing frustration across the sector. While the offer has not yet been presented to the union, it is hoped it can help avoid further strikes planned for May and June.

So, what is the issue and does this proposal go far enough?

What is the issue?

Victorian teachers are currently the lowest paid in the nation. A graduate teacher in Victoria currently earns $78,801 compared to $90, 177 in New South Wales. Experienced teachers in Victoria are paid $118,000, compared to $133,400 in New South Wales. However, it’s hoped the new deal would address that.

Government sources say their proposal would be to offer the 28 per cent increase over four years. This would be less than the 35 per cent over 3 years requested by teachers. However, it would be more than the 17 per cent over four years the government initially offered. It would also make Victorian teachers the highest paid in the country.

It is hoped that improving pay could help Victoria attract and retain more teachers to the state.

If no deal is reached, rolling strikes will begin in May after the state government presents its election-year budget. This will include protests outside the offices of MPS. Teachers will also refuse to write comments on school reports, attend official meetings or respond to emails from the Department of Education.

So far the government and the education union have not publicly commented on the offer as they are still in active negotiations. However, a government spokesperson said the government recognises the state’s teachers need a pay rise.
The latest offer would also have implications for teachers working in the state’s independent and catholic schools, who are also fighting for better pay. Last year, Catholic employers said they would match any agreement reached by the government and public school teachers.

Does the proposal go far enough?

Teachers are still waiting to hear the finer details of the offer. In addition to better pay, they have also demanded smaller class sizes, flexible working arrangements and reduced workloads. At present the average school staff member does 12 hours of unpaid overtime each week. It is unclear how these will be addressed in the offer.

There are also concerns that teaching assistants have also only been offered a 13 per cent pay rise. This is less than half of that offered to teachers.

While negotiations are still ongoing, the proposed changes highlight how the teaching profession is evolving. Higher salaries and improved conditions are likely to attract more applicants, particularly for public school roles. As competition increases, it will become even more important for candidates to clearly demonstrate their classroom experience, teaching philosophy and ability to meet teaching selection criteria. A strong application that uses clear, relevant examples can make a significant difference when applying for teaching positions.

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Article References

Borg, R (29 April 2026) ‘Victorian teacher pay war: Inside the 28 per cent potential offer to stop a statewide walkout’, Herald Sun, accessed 30 April 2026.

Ilanbey, S (28 April 2026) ‘28pc pay rise: Victorian Labor’s massive offer for teachers’, Financial Review, accessed 30 April 2026.

Towell, N (20 April 2026) ‘Term 2 teachers’ strikes to close Victorian schools through May and June’, The Age, accessed 30 April 2026.

Towell, N, Rooney, K & Smith, B (28 April 2026) ‘Teachers to be offered 28 per cent pay rise in bid to avoid more strikes’, The Age, accessed 30 April 2026.