Childcare Salary Guide Regional NSW 2025: What Centre Directors Need to Know

Getting educator remuneration right is one of the most important decisions a NSW centre director makes. Underpaying drives turnover. Overpaying without a clear framework creates compression. And the right package in Dubbo looks different from the right package in Coffs Harbour.

2025 APPROXIMATE RATES WITH WORKER RETENTION PAYMENT

The Worker Retention Payment adds 10% above the Children's Services Award rate from December 2024, rising to 15% from December 2025:

Certificate III Educator: approximately $25–$28 per hour effective rate Diploma Educator / Room Leader: approximately $29–$34 per hour effective rate Early Childhood Teacher: approximately $35–$45+ per hour depending on experience Centre Director (small centre, under 40 places): approximately $75,000–$90,000 per annum Centre Director (medium centre, 40–80 places): approximately $85,000–$100,000 per annum Centre Director (large centre, 80+ places): approximately $95,000–$115,000+ per annum

All rates are approximate and inclusive of WRP. Always verify current award rates through the Children's Services Award or your peak body. Excludes superannuation.

THE REAL INCOME ADVANTAGE OF REGIONAL NSW

Regional NSW educators earning these rates often pay much less in rent than they would in equivalent Sydney roles. The real income advantage of regional employment is material and should be communicated explicitly in every recruitment conversation.

Contact Vhire at info@vhire.com.au or visit vhire.com.au/employers.