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Check if teacher salaries meet KTCA collective agreement requirements. Calculate salary steps and verify pay parity compliance.
KTCA Salary Scale 2026
The following table shows the current salary scale for qualified teachers under the Kindergarten Teachers Collective Agreement. Rates are effective from the latest settlement.
| Step | Annual Salary | Hourly Rate (based on 2000 hrs/year) |
Funding Scheme Coverage | Typical Experience |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Step 1 | $55,056 | $27.53 | All schemes | Entry level P1/P2/P3 |
| Step 2 | $59,895 | $29.95 | All schemes | Entry level P3+, or 1 year service |
| Step 3 | $64,734 | $32.37 | All schemes | 2 years service |
| Step 4 | $69,575 | $34.79 | All schemes | Entry level P4, or 3 years service |
| Step 5 | $74,855 | $37.43 | All schemes | Entry level P5, or 4 years service |
| Step 6 | $80,140 | $40.07 | Parity+ schemes | 5 years service (Parity cap) |
| Step 7 | $84,276 | $42.14 | Extended/Full Parity | 6 years service |
| Step 8 | $88,533 | $44.27 | Extended/Full Parity | 7 years service |
| Step 9 | $92,858 | $46.43 | Extended/Full Parity | 8 years service (Extended cap) |
| Step 10 | $96,043 | $48.02 | Full Parity only | 9 years service |
| Step 11 | $99,090 | $49.55 | Full Parity only | 10+ years service (maximum) |
Note: Salary figures are based on the latest KTCA settlement. Rates may be subject to annual adjustments. Always verify current rates with official sources.
Understanding Pay Parity in ECE
Pay parity is a government initiative to ensure that qualified early childhood education (ECE) teachers in education and care centres are paid at the same rates as their colleagues in kindergartens. The Kindergarten Teachers, Head Teachers and Senior Teachers Collective Agreement (KTCA) sets the benchmark salary scale.
How Salary Steps Work
Your position on the salary scale is determined by several factors that combine to give you a "step" number from 1 to 11. Each step has a corresponding annual salary amount. The calculation process works as follows:
1. Base Entry Step (Qualification Group)
Your starting step depends on your highest relevant qualification:
- P1/P2/P3 (Bachelor of Education or equivalent) - Start at Step 1
- P3+ (Bachelor with post-graduate study in education) - Start at Step 2
- P4 (Post-graduate diploma or honours degree) - Start at Step 4
- P5 (Masters degree or higher in education) - Start at Step 5
2. Service Hours Progression
You progress one step for every 2000 hours of service (approximately 1 year full-time). This is calculated based on your employment history with your current employer. Part-time service is pro-rated.
3. Previous Experience Credit
If you have relevant experience from previous ECE employers, you may be credited up to 50% of that experience when determining your step. For example, if you have 6 years of previous experience, you may receive credit for 3 years (3 additional steps).
Funding Scheme Caps
The maximum step your employer is required to pay depends on which funding scheme they participate in:
| Funding Scheme | Maximum Step | Maximum Salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Funding | No requirement | N/A | No pay parity obligations |
| Parity | Step 6 | $80,140 | Most common scheme |
| Extended Parity | Step 9 | $92,858 | For experienced teachers |
| Full Parity | Step 11 | $99,090 | Complete parity with kindergartens |
What if My Calculated Step Exceeds the Cap?
If your calculated step exceeds your employer's funding scheme cap, your employer is only required to pay the salary at the cap level. For example, if you qualify for Step 8 but your centre is on the Parity scheme (capped at Step 6), you would be paid at the Step 6 rate of $80,140.
However, employers may choose to pay above the minimum required by their funding scheme. If your centre wants to attract and retain experienced teachers, they may voluntarily pay above the cap.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is pay parity in ECE?
Pay parity means paying early childhood education teachers the same as their kindergarten counterparts under the KTCA collective agreement. The government provides funding to help centres meet these salary requirements through various pay parity funding schemes.
How do I know which qualification group I am in?
Your qualification group is based on your highest relevant teaching qualification. P1/P2/P3 covers standard bachelor degrees in teaching/education. P3+ is for those with a bachelor plus post-graduate study. P4 is for post-graduate diplomas or honours degrees. P5 is for masters degrees or higher. Check with your employer or the Teaching Council if you are unsure.
Does provisional registration affect my pay?
Provisionally registered teachers and those with "subject to confirmation" status are entitled to the same salary step calculations as fully registered teachers. However, some centres may have specific policies about progression while completing your registration. Check your employment agreement for details.
How is previous experience credited?
Previous relevant experience from other ECE employers is credited at 50% when calculating your salary step. You will need to provide evidence of your previous employment, such as reference letters or employment records, when starting a new position. Your employer will assess and apply the credit accordingly.
What if I work part-time?
Part-time teachers receive the same hourly rate as full-time teachers at the same step. Your annual salary will be pro-rated based on your hours. Service progression is also pro-rated - if you work half-time, it takes approximately 2 years to accumulate the 2000 hours needed for a step increase.
Can my employer pay less than the minimum?
If your employer participates in a pay parity funding scheme, they are required to pay at least the minimum salary for your calculated step (up to their scheme cap). Paying below the minimum may affect their funding eligibility and could be a breach of their funding agreement. If you believe you are being underpaid, discuss with your employer first, then contact the Ministry of Education if needed.
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