Early Childhood Teacher Pathways
Exploring Your Future as an Early Childhood Teacher: Career Pathways & Salary Benchmarks
Are you considering a career as an Early Childhood Teacher (ECT)? Whether you’re a current student or thinking about making a meaningful career shift, the early childhood education sector offers rewarding opportunities that make a lasting impact on the lives of young children and their families.
Why Choose a Career in Early Childhood Education?
Working as an ECT is more than just a job, it’s a calling. If you’re passionate about supporting children’s development, creating safe and engaging learning environments, and being part of a sector that shapes future generations, then this career could be the perfect fit for you.
Career Pathways for ECTs
A degree-qualified ECT opens the door to a range of roles within the education and care sector. Here’s a look at some of the common career pathways:
- Early Childhood Teacher (Room Leader)
Work directly with children aged 0-5, leading learning programs and supporting developmental outcomes. - Educational Leader
Guide curriculum and pedagogy across the centre, supporting other educators in delivering high-quality programs. - Centre Director/Nominated Supervisor
Take on a leadership role managing the daily operations of an Early Learning Centre, including compliance, staff, and community engagement. - Area or Regional Manager
Oversee multiple centres, working with a provider to ensure quality, consistency, and performance across services. - Policy, Training, or Research Roles
Use your expertise beyond the classroom to influence broader early childhood education strategies, contribute to sector research, or develop training content for new educators.
Salary Benchmarking for ECTs
Salaries can vary based on experience, location, and type of service (community-based, for-profit, not-for-profit). Below is a general guide for ECTs working full-time in NSW, VIC, and QLD:
| Role | Entry-Level Salary | Experienced Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Early Childhood Teacher | $65,000 – $75,000 | $80,000 – $95,000 |
| Educational Leader | $80,000 – $90,000 | $95,000 – $105,000 |
| Centre Director | $90,000 – $105,000 | $110,000 – $130,000 |
| Area/Regional Manager | $110,000 – $125,000 | $130,000 – $150,000 |
Note: Salaries above include superannuation but do not include additional entitlements such as bonuses or incentives.
At Anila Recruitment, we work closely with candidates and clients to ensure roles align not only with salary expectations but with career aspirations, values, and lifestyle needs.
Visit the University of Canberra, Sydney Hills Open Day
Come along to the University of Canberra Sydney Hills Open Day to explore your study options, meet your future lecturers, and learn what it takes to thrive in the early years sector.
Anila Recruitment will be at the Open Day, and our Director, Andi Kandias, will be delivering a short talk on career pathways for Early Childhood Teaching graduates – covering practical advice, salary insights, and what employers are really looking for.
It’s a great opportunity to connect, ask questions, and kickstart your career with confidence!
📅 Date: Saturday 09 August 2025
📍 Location: University of Canberra, Sydney Hills Campus
🔗 Register here: https://www.canberra.edu.au/on-campus/events/open-day
We’ll be there on the day to answer questions, share insights, and help you map out your ECT career path.