Teaching in New Zealand is governed largely by collective agreements between teacher unions (NZEI for primary, PPTA for secondary) and the Ministry of Education. Salaries follow a step-based scale set in the agreements, with each teacher’s starting and top step depending on their qualification group, and progression to the next step once the appropriate standards are met.
Beginning primary and secondary teachers on the trained scale start at $62,862, and the top of the base scale is $105,686, with units and allowances paid on top. Principals' roll-based salary scale runs from $120,953 (U1) to $210,106 (U19) from 24 February 2026.
Education Salary Ranges — NZ 2026
| Role | Salary Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Teacher aide | $59,000–$74,000 | Tahatū Career Navigator, most common range |
| Early childhood teacher | $72,000–$93,000 | Tahatū Career Navigator, most common range |
| Primary Teacher (beginning) | $62,862–$68,251 | Steps 1 to 3 of the trained scale from 2 April 2026 |
| Primary Teacher (experienced) | $88,276–$100,368 | Steps 7 to 9 of the trained scale from 2 April 2026 |
| Primary Teacher (top step) | $105,686 | Step 10 of the trained scale from 2 April 2026, rising to $107,886 on 28 January 2027; units ($5,100 each from 2 April 2026) are paid on top |
| Secondary Teacher (beginning) | $62,862–$68,251 | Steps 1 to 3 of the trained scale from 28 January 2026 (PPTA collective agreement) |
| Secondary Teacher (experienced) | $82,230–$105,686 | Steps 6 to 10 of the trained scale from 28 January 2026; step 10 rises to $107,886 on 28 January 2027 |
| Secondary Teacher (management units) | Base scale plus $5,500 per unit | Units are paid on top of the base scale from 28 January 2026; each middle management allowance adds $2,400 a year |
| Deputy Principal | Base scale plus units and allowances | Secondary senior management allowance is $2,400 a year from 28 January 2026 |
| Principal (lowest U grades) | $120,953 | U1 to U3 on the roll-based scale from 24 February 2026 |
| Principal (highest U grades) | $200,106–$210,106 | U17 to U19 on the roll-based scale from 24 February 2026; these grades were added for secondary principals |
| Tertiary lecturer (includes university and senior lecturers) | $106,000–$128,000 | Tahatū Career Navigator, most common range |
How Collective Agreements Work
Primary teachers are covered by the Primary Teachers’ Collective Agreement (PTCA), negotiated between NZEI Te Riu Roa and the Ministry of Education. Secondary teachers are covered by the Secondary Teachers’ Collective Agreement (STCA), negotiated between PPTA and MoE.
Key features:
- A step-based salary scale with qualification groups (in the secondary agreement, a teacher moves up a step once the appropriate standards are met)
- Annual increases during the agreement period
- Allowances for management roles (the secondary agreement has middle management and senior management allowances, and units)
- The agreement sets the salary scale and allowances
Teacher Bonding Scheme
The Teacher Bonding Scheme pays annual lump sums to teachers appointed to roles in Priority Staffing Schools.
Overseas Teacher Recognition
The Ministry of Education offers overseas-trained teachers an Overseas Relocation Grant. The New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) evaluates overseas teaching qualifications, and the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand (Matatū Aotearoa) handles registration and practising certificates. Key facts:
- Teaching in NZ requires registration with the NZ Teaching Council
- Overseas-trained teachers on a Tōmua (provisional) practising certificate are expected to complete induction and mentoring to gain a Tūturu (full) certificate
- Processing times: Teaching Council registration applications usually take 6-12 weeks, depending on complexity
Top of the Base Scale
Step 10, the top of the trained-teacher base scale in the secondary teachers’ collective agreement, pays $105,686 from 28 January 2026, before allowances.