Decent Work and Economic Growth
Employment Practice: Living Wage
The University of Newcastle's 2023 Enterprise Agreements set published minimum salary and hourly rates for academic, teaching and professional staff. These agreements remained in force throughout 2025 and provided a 4% salary increase from the first pay period commencing on or after 1 March 2025.
The 2025 pay scales are set out in the Academic Staff and Teachers Enterprise Agreement 2023 and the Professional Staff Enterprise Agreement 2023.
- Under Schedule 3 of the University of Newcastle Academic Staff and Teachers Enterprise Agreement, the lowest full-time Level A academic salary from March 2025 was AUD $82,061 per year, equivalent to approximately $41.94 per hour based on the Agreement's 37.5-hour working week.
- Under Schedule 3 of the University of Newcastle Professional Staff Enterprise Agreement, the lowest HEW 1 Step 1 salary from March 2025 was AUD $57,002 per year, equivalent to approximately $31.21 per hour based on a 35-hour working week.
Australia does not have a government-defined living wage. For comparison, the National Minimum Wage increased to $24.95 per hour, or $948 per week, from 1 July 2025. The University's published adult Level A academic and HEW 1 professional rates were above this statutory minimum.
Enterprise agreements
The University's Enterprise Agreements set out minimum pay rates, salary progression and employment conditions for academic, teaching and professional staff.
View the University's Enterprise Agreements page for current and historical agreements.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.