How to set your pay rate as a childcare educator

Setting your pay rate as a childcare educator can feel like a balancing act – you want to ensure you’re being paid fairly for your qualifications and experience, while also staying competitive in the market.

For many educators, pay is generally guided by the Children’s Services Award, a framework that outlines minimum wages based on your level of education, experience, and specific responsibilities in the role.

Under this award, childcare educators are classified into levels, ranging from entry-level positions to senior roles. Each level has corresponding pay rates, which increase with years of service and additional qualifications.

While these rates provide a valuable benchmark, platforms like Your Staff Hub are giving educators the power to take greater control of how they work, allowing them to set their own rate.

How to determine what your pay rate should be as a childcare educator

When figuring out what your hourly rate should be, it’s important to start by understanding where you sit within the Children’s Services Award.

Your classification depends on several factors, including your level of formal qualification, such as whether you hold a Certificate III, Diploma, or an Early Childhood Teaching degree. It also takes into account your years of experience in the field and the scope of your responsibilities — for instance, whether you are working as a room leader or team leader.

According to the Pay Guide – Children’s Services Award, as of June 2025, a children’s services employee working on a casual basis at level 1.1 on commencement earns $24.95 per hour.

This rate increases significantly with experience and qualifications. A level 4A.1 educator earns $30.00 per hour, while a highly experienced professional at level 6A.1 earns $39.94 per hour.

These figures represent base casual rates, but it’s important to remember that penalty rates apply for weekend work, public holidays, early morning shifts, and rotating night shifts. These penalties can significantly boost your hourly rate, so it’s worth consulting the full award to see how your specific work schedule could affect your earnings.

Source: Pay Guide - Children's Services Award, June 2025.

Set your own rate with Your Staff Hub

In a traditional childcare role, your hourly rate is often determined by the employer, leaving little room for negotiation. However, relief educators using Your Staff Hub can take a different approach. Our platform allows you to set your own hourly rate and be matched with childcare centres offering shifts that align with your expectations.

This means you have the ability to find work that reflects your experience and expertise, not just the minimum required. Being able to choose your rate gives you greater financial control, enabling you to work at a level that appropriately rewards your qualifications and the dedication you bring to the profession. Whether you’re early in your career or a seasoned educator, this flexibility can be a game-changer.

With platforms like Your Staff Hub, you no longer have to accept a one-size-fits-all pay rate. Instead, you can search for shifts at childcare centres that respect and value your level of skill, experience, and preferred remuneration.

To make the most of this opportunity, educators need to indicate their desired hourly rate on their Your Staff Hub profile, which ensures they are matched with shifts that meet their financial goals.

Take control of your earning potential

If you’re a childcare educator ready to take charge of your work and your worth, now is the time to join Your Staff Hub and get verified. Set your hourly rate, connect directly with childcare centres, and start sourcing shifts that reflect the value of your expertise.

Your qualifications and dedication deserve to be recognised and rewarded. Sign up with Your Staff Hub today to discover a better way to work in childhood education.