In the Northern Territory, teaching offers a clear and rewarding career progression pathway, with competitive salaries and opportunities to grow professionally and take on leadership roles.
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Pre-service teachers: may be employed under an authority to teach registration and be paid as an Authorised Person earning $91,578 while completing their final teaching placements and transitioning into the workforce.
From there, the pathway looks like this:
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Classroom Teacher (CT): Salary ranges from $96,180 to $136,997, depending on experience and years of service.
Many teachers choose to remain in the classroom long-term, and that's not only okay, it’s essential. Classroom Teachers play a critical role in delivering high-quality education, building relationships with students, and supporting school communities. Not everyone needs or wants to step into leadership, and the system values experienced educators who stay in teaching roles. -
Certified Highly Accomplished Teacher: CT salary plus an additional $13,938 (HALT).
These nationally certified roles reward excellence in classroom teaching and peer support. -
Certified Lead Teacher: CT salary plus an additional $29,184 for taking on instructional leadership within the school (HALT).
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Senior Teacher or Assistant Principal: Salaries range from $145,286 to $196,907 as you take on broader leadership and curriculum responsibilities.
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Principal:
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Ongoing Principal: Earn between $147,068 and $214,369, depending on school size and complexity.
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Executive Contract Principal: Salaries range from $194,342 to $236,468 for high-level leadership roles under contract arrangements.
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Click here to view pay rates for teachers and principals in the Northern Territory
Alternative pathway: Department of Education and Training administrative roles
At any point along this journey, from pre-service teacher to principal, you may choose to take a break from classroom teaching or explore a different direction. Educators can transition into administrative roles within the Department of Education and Training, working in areas such as policy, program delivery, or operations.
Salaries in the Administrative Stream range from $62,069 to $181,724, offering a diverse array of career opportunities beyond the school environment.
To view job opportunities with the Department, visit the NT Government jobs website
Accelerated pay increases for eligible early career teachers
The Northern Territory’s Rapid Incremental Progression of Salary scheme gives eligible teachers the chance to apply for progression through the standard salary increment levels at an accelerated pace. Under the scheme, and if eligibility requirements are met including completing 2 or more units of post graduate tertiary qualifications teachers may be able to move to the CT4 level at the start of their third year of teaching.
To find out more contact Workforce Services at: WorkforceServices@nt.gov.au