Primary School Teaching Jobs in Australia: Salaries, Visa Sponsorship & How to Apply

Discover primary school teaching jobs in Australia for foreigners. Learn about salaries, visa sponsorship, requirements, and how to apply for primary teacher jobs in 2026. Are you passionate about teaching children and dreaming of starting a new life in Australia? The demand for primary school teachers in Australia continues to rise in 2026, especially in regional areas.

If you’re a qualified teacher, Australia offers excellent salaries, visa sponsorship options, and permanent residency pathways. This guide covers everything you need to know about primary school teaching jobs in Australia—from requirements and salaries to visas and how to apply.

Why Teach Primary School in Australia?

High Demand for Teachers – Many states face teacher shortages, particularly in rural and regional schools.
Attractive Salaries – Primary school teachers enjoy some of the best pay scales globally.
Visa Sponsorship & PR Pathways – Teachers are on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL), making immigration easier.
Work-Life Balance – Generous holidays and a family-friendly environment.
Cultural Diversity – Multicultural classrooms give foreign teachers a welcoming community.

Primary Teacher Salaries in Australia (2026)

Salaries depend on state, experience, and qualifications. On average:

State/Territory	Annual Salary (AUD)
New South Wales (NSW)	$75,000 – $122,000
Victoria	$72,000 – $115,000
Queensland	$70,000 – $112,000
Western Australia	$74,000 – $118,000
South Australia	$69,000 – $110,000
Tasmania	$68,000 – $108,000

Tip: Newly qualified teachers earn lower salaries, while experienced teachers and those in leadership roles can earn over $120,000 annually.

Requirements for Primary School Teaching Jobs in Australia

To teach in Australia, you’ll typically need:

Bachelor’s degree in Education (Primary) or equivalent
Teaching license/registration in your home country
English language proficiency test (IELTS/TOEFL) if degree not taught in English
Registration with state teacher authority, e.g.:
- NSW: NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA)
- Victoria: Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT)
- Queensland: Queensland College of Teachers (QCT)

Visa Pathways for Primary Teachers

Teaching is on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL), meaning foreign teachers can apply through:

Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) – Permanent residency, points-based.
Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) – State-nominated PR pathway.
Employer-Sponsored Visa (Subclass 482/186) – Schools sponsor teachers directly.
Regional Sponsored Visa (Subclass 491) – Work in regional/rural areas with a pathway to PR.

Benefits of Primary School Teaching Jobs in Australia

High salaries with annual increments
Generous paid holidays (10–12 weeks per year)
Employer-sponsored visas and relocation packages
Pension (superannuation) contributions
Permanent residency pathways for you and your family
Inclusive, multicultural classrooms

How to Apply for Primary School Teaching Jobs in Australia

1: Get Your Qualifications Recognised

Apply for a skills assessment through the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL).

2: Apply for Teacher Registration

3: Search for Jobs

Government Portals:
- Teach NSW (education.nsw.gov.au)
- Teach Queensland (teach.qld.gov.au)
- Department of Education WA, VIC, SA, etc.
Job Boards: Seek, Indeed Australia, Teachers.on.net
Recruitment Agencies: Smart Teachers, Randstad Education

4: Secure a Job & Visa Sponsorship

Once employed, your school may sponsor your work visa.
Alternatively, apply for PR through Skilled Migration pathways.

Best Locations for Primary Teaching Jobs in Australia

Sydney & Melbourne – High demand, better pay, competitive job market.
Brisbane & Perth – Growing cities with teaching opportunities.
Regional & Rural Areas – Higher demand and often faster visa sponsorship.

Tips for Success as a Foreign Teacher

Highlight your special skills (e.g., bilingual teaching, STEM, special needs education).
Be open to working in regional schools, where demand is highest.
Prepare a strong CV and teaching portfolio.
Stay updated with Australian curriculum standards.
Network with teacher groups on LinkedIn & Facebook.

Final Thoughts

Australia offers some of the best opportunities for primary school teachers worldwide. With excellent salaries, visa sponsorship, and permanent residency options, foreign teachers can build rewarding and stable careers while enjoying Australia’s high standard of living.

If you’re passionate about shaping young minds and ready to start a new life abroad, primary school teaching jobs in Australia could be your perfect pathway in 2026 and beyond.