Early Childhood Teacher Shortage in Australia: Career, Salary & PR Pathway
Australia is facing a critical shortage of early childhood teachers, making it one of the most in-demand professions across the country. With thousands of educators needed, government investments and skilled migration pathways are opening significant opportunities for both local and international professionals.
Why Australia Needs More Early Childhood Teachers?
The demand for early childhood teachers is at an all-time high. The ECEC Workforce Capacity Study Summary Report (2024) highlights a current shortfall of approximately 21,000 qualified Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) professionals needed to meet existing demand and improve working conditions.
In Victoria alone, projections indicate that over 900 new kindergartens will be required by 2036 to accommodate increasing enrollment needs. Melbourne, home to more than 1,700 preschools, is already experiencing a shortage of qualified educators, making it challenging for families to secure placements for their children.
This workforce gap is reflected across various skilled migration pathways. Early childhood teachers remain on Australia’s Skilled Occupation Lists, allowing foreign professionals to apply for employer-sponsored visas such as the Skills in Demand (SID) Visa (Subclass 482) and the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186). These pathways also provide strong routes to permanent residency (PR), making early childhood education a highly attractive career choice for migrants.
Government Investments to Support Early Childhood Teachers
To combat this ongoing workforce shortage, both the Federal and State Governments have made large-scale investments in the early childhood education sector. One of the most notable initiatives is the $72.4 million Early Childhood Education Workforce package, designed to:
Retain skilled early learning professionals
Provide additional training and support for future teachers
Strengthen workforce stability across the sector
Additionally, the Federal Government has allocated $3.6 billion to support 15% wage increases for early childhood teachers. This funding ensures that childcare centers can limit fee hikes while improving salaries to attract and retain educators. As a result, current early childhood teachers have already received a 10% pay increase, with an additional 5% increase scheduled for December 2025.
Competitive Salaries and Career Growth as Early Childhood Teacher
A career in early childhood education offers strong financial incentives. The average salary for early childhood teachers in Australia ranges from $65,000 to $95,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and level of responsibility. Those in leadership roles or with extensive experience can earn even higher salaries, making it a stable and lucrative career choice.
With ongoing demand, government-backed wage increases, and extensive visa pathways, the field of early childhood education presents a rare combination of job security, career growth, and long-term professional stability.
Book a Free Course Consultation with RACC
Given the increasing workforce shortages, government initiatives, and strong career progression opportunities, now is the ideal time to pursue a career as an early childhood teacher. Whether you are an aspiring local educator or an international professional seeking migration opportunities, this sector offers a clear and rewarding path.
If you’re interested in enrolling in an Early Childhood Education course or exploring your PR pathway, RACC offers FREE assistance in selecting the right course and institution for you.
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