Childcare Pay Calculator
Use our free childcare pay calculator to instantly work out your minimum award pay rate. Select your role, qualification and experience to see your hourly, weekly and estimated annual pay under the Children's Services Award, updated for 2026.
Childcare pay calculator
Choose a supported classification to see general award rates and estimated pay.
General rates only. Transitional rates, other awards and agreements are not calculated.
Check coverage and exclusions
General MA000120 rates only. Schedule I transitional and retained rates, including former Level 4A room leaders, are not calculated. Apprentice wage protection under clause 14.5(c), traineeships, supported wages, other awards and agreements are not calculated. Junior percentages shown apply only to CSE Levels 1 and 2 under age 19; CSE Levels 3 to 5 receive adult rates. Allowances and other entitlements may apply. Check the award before relying on a result.
Penalty & overtime rates (per hour)
Gross estimates exclude superannuation and additional entitlements. Weekly and annual estimates assume 38 hours per week and 52 weeks per year; casual hours are not guaranteed and these estimates do not include paid leave.
Children's Services Award (MA000120) — effective 1 Jul 2026. Source: Fair Work Commission. Read the official award and its conditions.
How to use the childcare pay calculator
- Choose your role — from early childhood educator through to centre director.
- Select your classification and experience — your rate rises with qualifications and years worked.
- See your pay — instantly view your hourly, weekly and estimated yearly pay, then browse jobs that pay it.
How your childcare pay is calculated
Your pay is set by three factors: your classification level, your qualification (Certificate III or Diploma), and your years of experience. Rates start at $28.12 per hour for an entry-level educator and reach $44.88 per hour for an experienced centre director. For the full level-by-level breakdown, see our complete childcare wages, salaries & pay rates guide.
Estimate your pay by role
- Early childhood educator (Cert III): from $28.12/hour
- Diploma-qualified educator: from $31.66/hour
- Room leader (with Diploma): from $33.12/hour
- Assistant director / coordinator: from $34.63/hour
- Centre director: from $39.94/hour
Working casual shifts? Casual staff earn a higher hourly rate — see our casual childcare pay rates.
Find childcare jobs that pay your rate
Know your worth? Browse childcare jobs across Australia and find a role that pays your rate. Hiring for your centre? Post a job listing to reach qualified educators.
Childcare pay calculator FAQ
How accurate is the childcare pay calculator?
It uses the current minimum rates from the Fair Work Commission's Children's Services Award for the 2025/26 financial year. Many centres pay above these minimums.
How much do childcare workers get paid per hour?
From $28.12 per hour for entry-level educators, rising to over $44 per hour for senior centre directors.
How much does a diploma-qualified childcare worker earn?
From $31.66 per hour (Level 3.4), or about $62,600 per year full-time.
Do childcare pay rates differ by state?
No — the Children's Services Award applies nationally, so minimum rates are the same in NSW, QLD, VIC and every other state and territory.
Rates updated for the 2025/26 financial year using Fair Work Commission figures. Minimums only — always confirm current rates with the Fair Work Ombudsman.
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