Child Services Award increase 01.03.2026
The Fair Work Commission has made changes to the Children’s Services Award (Award) as part of its Gender-based undervaluation – priority awards review.
These changes took effect from 1 March 2026.
These include:
- a new classification structure
- changes to minimum pay rates
- changes to percentages used to calculate some allowances.
The first increase to minimum pay rates applies from the first full pay period starting on or after 1 March 2026.
Children’s Services Employee - New Classification Structure
Going from: To:
| Classification | Minimum weekly rate $ | Minimum hourly rate $ |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1—Introductory Educator | 995.40 | 26.19 |
| Level 2—Educator | 1025.90 | 27.00 |
| Level 3—Qualified Educator | 1121.80 | 29.52 |
| Level 4—Experienced Educator | 1197.10 | 31.50 |
| Level 5—Advanced Educator | 1263.30 | 33.24 |
| Level 6—Room Leader | 1321.50 | 34.78 |
| Level 7—Assistant Director | 1381.90 | 36.37 |
| Level 8—Director | 1593.50 | 41.93 |
These classifications have been calculated based on the below ECEC Qualification table
| ECEC qualification | CSE classification |
|---|---|
| Actively working towards qualification with less than 12 months’ experience | Level 1—Introductory Educator |
| Actively working towards qualification with more than 12 months’ experience | Level 2—Educator |
| Certificate III | Level 3—Qualified Educator |
| Certificate IV | Level 4—Experienced Educator |
| Diploma | Level 5—Advanced Educator |
There are additional changes for cooks whose employers require them to hold a qualification allowing them to assist as an educator ‘on the floor’ when needed.
An employee engaged as a cook and who meets the criteria above must be paid the CSE minimum rate for the CSE classification applicable to their early childhood education and care (ECEC) qualification.
The following minimum rates of pay apply to employees classified under clause B.2, other than employees engaged as cooks and who meet the criteria in clause 14.
| Classification | Minimum weekly rate $ | Minimum hourly rate $ | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1.1 | On commencement | 948.00 | 24.95 |
| Level 2.1 | On commencement | 977.00 | 25.71 |
| Level 2.2 | After 1 year | 1009.10 | 26.56 |
| Level 3.1 | On commencement | 1068.40 | 28.12 |
For full information on the changes to the Child Services Award, visit the Fair Work website: https://www.fairwork.gov.au/about-us/workplace-laws/award-changes/major-award-changes/gender-undervaluation-priority-awards-review/changes-to-the-childrens-services-award