Shock wage gap between Victoria’s private and public teachers: See what some elite schools will pay

A $50,000 wage gap will soon separate leading teachers working in Victoria’s private and public schools. See how much some elite schools pay.

Melbourne Grammar students are taught by some of the state’s highest paid teachers.

Teachers in wealthy private schools will earn almost $180,000 a year by 2025 - about $50,000 more than the highest paid teachers in the public system, new data shows.

Analysis of the pay deals struck by dozens of independent schools in 2022 shows Carey Grammar is still the top-paying employer, along with Methodist Ladies’ College and St Michael’s Grammar.

By 2024 – the last year of the agreement - Carey Grammar leading teachers will earn $143,000, with additional higher duties payments of up to $32,000.

This compares to the top band of the state teachers’ pay scale, which by 2024 will be $129,000 plus higher duties of around $10,000.

The public/private wage gap has been slammed by veteran principal Henry Grossek from Berwick Lodge Primary who has accused independent schools with deep pockets of “hunting” for the best staff.

The stately gates of MLC, where teachers are handsomely rewarded. Picture: Wayne Taylor

He said it was “little wonder that we are struggling to keep, let alone attract teachers to the largest school sector in our state”.

“You would have to be an experienced principal in a medium sized public primary school in 2025 to earn that sort of pay too,” he said

His comments come as around 25,000 teachers in the Catholic system are still waiting for their 2022 pay deal to be finalised, meaning many will start next year without pay parity with their government peers.

Industrial action is expected to continue into 2023.

Independent Education Union Victorian general secretary Deb James said: “We’ve been able to negotiate reasonable salary increases at a number of independent schools this year, but we have been focusing on seeking improvements to workloads – a critical issue in all schools.

“While some independent schools offer significantly higher salaries than government schools, the expectations in terms of involvement in extra-curricular activities and weekend sport also tend to be much higher, creating a huge challenge particularly to staff with family responsibilities,” she said.

Carey Baptist Grammar in Kew is the state’s top-paying education employer. Picture: David Crosling

Carey Grammar principal Jonathan Walter said Carey’s staff “are our biggest asset”.

“Our recent EBA (Enterprise Bargaining Agreement) affirmed our approach to rewarding our staff and demonstrated that we continue to provide exemplary working conditions for employees.”

The three per cent Carey Grammar increase awarded to staff in 2023 is less than the 4.75 per cent increase in school fees for 2023.

What top teachers will earn by 2024

1. Carey Grammar $143,000 plus $32,000

2. Methodist Ladies’ College $139,000 plus unspecified higher duties

3. St Michael’s Grammar $134,000 plus $21,000

4. Strathcona Girls’ Grammar $126,000 plus $21,000

5. Toorak College $112,000 plus $34,000

Source: Enterprise Bargaining Agreements.