Teachers across the world are tasked with one of the most important jobs in society: educate the next generations and prepare them to be self-sufficient, intelligent, confident, and positive members of society.
In Australia, teachers face many challenges in the field including frustrating administration and management from the government and individual schools, too many hurdles and demands, and lack of support. For these reasons, many teachers are choosing to leave their teaching jobs, or at least find a different way to teach outside of the traditional school setting.
So, is becoming a maths teacher in Australia worth the effort? How much are maths teachers paid in Australian schools? What other options are there for being a teacher? Read on to find out!
What Is the Average Teacher’s Pay Scale at the Foundational Level?
Maths teachers are offered the same pay scale as other types of teachers in public schools. Qualified new teachers with a 4-year education are offered a specific amount according to the pay schedule in the state or territory. As each year passes, teachers can expect a scheduled raise. Teachers with lots of experience and/or specialty training will earn more, up to the maximum allowed salary.
Here are the average salaries for maths teachers in public schools in 2024.
| Region | Average Starting Salary | Average Experienced Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Victoria | $77,248 | $125,735 |
| Western Australia | $78,397 | $125,850 |
| South Australia | $80,093 | $144,636 |
| Tasmania | $80,824 | $118,200 |
| Queensland | $81,628 | $139,400 |
| Northern Territory | $84,191 | $120,742 |
| Australian Capital Territory | $84,978 | $129,106 |
| New South Wales | $95,490 | $145,985 |
Some schools offer incentives to attract teachers to an area with teacher shortages and help them cover the costs of moving to the new area. These incentives can range from a few thousand dollars to over $10,000.
In many areas, private and charter schools may pay more than what a public school teacher of the same calibre earns, but it depends heavily on the state, region, and individual school.
Additionally, principals earn more than the “experienced” salary listed above; their pay was not included in the chart because they don’t actually teach.
In each case, your educational background, seniority, and type of class taught will influence your maths teacher salary.
Teachers who conduct classes for students with disabilities may earn more because they must have specialised education to teach such classes, not to mention the added responsibilities and challenges of such a position.
What Is the Average Professor’s Pay Scale at the University Level?
Depending on the University, professors typically earn between $88,425 and $155,767 per year, with the average salary being $125,403.
Of course, which type of maths you teach, how many classes you teach, your education qualifications, your seniority, and other factors all contribute to the salary figure.
Overall, the average maths teachers’ salary for all positions in Australia is $95,000 per year.
Depending on the type of school, the school’s location, your educational qualifications, and many other factors, your salary may be higher or lower than average. The average salary across all maths teacher positions in Australia is $95,000.
How To Become A Math Teacher
Embarking on the career path as a maths teacher in Australia requires a solid foundation of formal education in addition to a well-rounded skill set. It’s not enough to just have a degree; effective teachers also need to be able to teach and meet the needs of their students, while balancing the administrative side of teaching.
To become a maths teacher in Australia, candidates must possess a tertiary qualification, typically a bachelor's degree in education or a combined degree in mathematics and education. Many teachers also pursue further education, especially for teaching specific subjects or in more challenging situations, such as Special Education.
For those who have already obtained a bachelor’s degree in a different field, the option to pursue a master's degree in teaching is available. These programs are designed to align candidates with the Australian teaching curriculum and provide hands-on practice in teaching methodologies specific to mathematics instruction.
Additionally, all aspiring maths teachers must complete the necessary teacher registration requirements within their respective state or territory, ensuring compliance with local educational regulations and standards.
What Qualities Do Maths Teachers Need?
In addition to a solid understanding of many different branches of maths and pedagogy, teachers need many different leadership and soft skills.
Patience and a genuine concern for student well-being are essential traits for any effective maths teacher. Recognising that learners have varying abilities and learning styles, these educators must employ diverse teaching strategies and exhibit unwavering patience, ensuring that no student is left behind, remembering that maths is often the subject students have the most trouble learning.
Effective communication skills are also crucial, as maths teachers must possess the ability to articulate complex ideas in a clear and accessible manner. Active listening is equally necessary, enabling educators to identify areas where students may be struggling and tailor their approach accordingly.
What Other Teaching Opportunities Are There for Maths Teachers?
Due to the challenges facing many teachers in all traditional school settings, many teachers are looking to leave their positions, even though the pay is typically comfortable.
But, what can you do that still allows you to follow your passion of teaching, while offering competitive pay, but without many of the struggles that lead you to want to quit in the first place?
Find a New Location
In some instances, simply changing your place of work can provide the breath of fresh air you need. Whether it’s because your colleagues and you don’t totally mesh, or you and the administrative staff or principal butt heads, entering into a different work environment may be the answer to your problems.
Work in a Private or Charter School
Private schools and charter schools may offer more interesting opportunities for maths teachers versus public or state schools.
You may be able to delve deeper into topics you’re more passionate about and teach in more creative and interesting ways than what is allowed at a public institution.
Become a Teacher in Remote Areas
Being a teacher on a military base or in a remote area of Australia can offer interesting and unique experiences that add more intrigue to your typical teaching job. It’s just as important for the youths in these areas to get a proper education as those who live in more populated areas!
Become a Private Maths Tutor
For more flexibility and control over your schedule and your students, you can opt to become a private maths tutor. This route allows you to decide which subject(s) you want to teach specifically, so you can avoid the ones you don’t have an interest in.
Discover exciting tutoring jobs here on Superprof!
What is the Average Pay for a Private Maths Tutor?
Private maths tutors have a few different options for teaching avenues. Typically, they either work for a tutoring company or as a freelance educator.
The average rate of pay for private maths tutors in all positions is $30 per hour, although the range of pay is typically between $25 and $50 per hour.
Tutors may work a different amount of hours than a traditional school teacher or professor, so the annual salary often depends on what kind of schedule the tutor takes on.
The typical pay range for private maths tutors is $25 to $50 per hour, with the average being $30 per hour.
How To Become A Maths Tutor
Typically, if you plan to work with a tutoring company, you will need similar requirements to teachers in the school system, like a bachelor’s degree or master's degree in teaching and/or a maths subject.
If you want to strike out on your own and become a freelance private maths tutor, you have a lot more wiggle room. Of course, your students will want you to have knowledge in the subject and in teaching, but if you’re an effective self-taught mathematics whiz, you may be able to pass your knowledge on without a specific degree.
The easiest way to become a maths tutor? Superprof!
With Superprof, you can set your rates and schedule as you see fit while placing ads for any and all subjects you want to teach (so you’re not limited to just teaching maths!).
And the best part is that you can choose which type of class you are open to conducting: in-person, online, or both! Online classes are great for being able to take on students from all over, rather than being limited to your locale. Additionally, online classes allow you to teach at odd times, like early in the morning or late at night, if that suits you and your student.
Tutoring can be a great full-time position or a part-time/supplemental job.
Teachers are in high demand across Australia, so there is a good chance that you will be able to snag a teaching job if you desire! But remember, you also have other choices if you aren’t satisfied with the schoolteacher schtick.
No matter which avenue you pursue, teaching can be a lucrative career, so find your teaching niche today and enjoy helping people learn valuable maths skills!
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I am interested in early childhood education
Hi Jane. Child education is a rewarding specialisation in Australia. The Certificate III or Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care provide excellent entry pathways, with bachelor’s degrees available for more comprehensive training. Each state has specific requirements worth checking for your situation.