Why Teach in the NT?

Teaching in the Northern Territory (NT) is different to teaching in capital cities - remote regions, language diversity, and limited services mean teachers need to be flexible and have a sense of adventure. 

Teaching in the NT comes with equal rewards - competitive salaries, relocation support, and opportunities to advance in your career. Whether you’re a new graduate or an experienced educator looking for a new challenge, here’s why you should consider teaching in the Northern Territory.

What to Know About Teaching in the NT 

The Northern Territory is home to more than 34,000 students across 188 schools, consisting of 153 government schools and 18 Catholic schools. Schools in the NT range from large campuses in Darwin to smaller learning centres in remote communities where English is often a second language. 

Urban schools are found in Darwin, Katherine, and Alice Springs. Urban schools offer facilities and structures similar to those found in capital cities, with which educators may be familiar. Remote schools, on the other hand, are located outside these hubs, in smaller towns and communities. Remote schools require teachers to work more closely with assistant teachers, community leaders, and families in unique cultural settings. 

4 Reasons To Teach in the Northern Territory

1. Competitive Salaries

Teachers in the NT earn competitive salaries under the Catholic Education NT EBA 2025. Graduate Teachers start earning a salary of $92,215 with annual increments of up to $131,349 (as of July 2026).

Catholic Education NT offers offers allowances available for educators in roles such as Highly Accomplished Lead Teacher. 

The Northern Territory’s Rapid Incremental Progression of Salary scheme also awards new teachers with faster pay increments when they meet the eligibility criteria and complete additional professional development. 

2. Career Advancement

Professional and leadership development is strongly supported by Catholic Education NT. Educators are offered a clear pathway through mentorship programs and promotional tracks. 

Remote NT Catholic schools offer educators a different type of professional development. Remote schools operate under a two-way curriculum, where teachers work alongside assistant teachers and local elders to deepen their understanding of the First Nations people and incorporate this knowledge into the students' learning experience.

The Study Incentive Program (SIP) offers a tuition fee rebate of 50-80% for one academic unit per trimester, making professional development more accessible to educators.

Catholic Education NT offers secondment opportunities up to 2 years for teachers to gain experience in different school environments.

3. Relocation Support

Educators who relocate to the Northern Territory are offered comprehensive financial support to ensure a viable and convenient living arrangement for families. Catholic Education NT offers relocation support ranging from AUD?$2,000 to $3,000, depending on whether educators are relocating alone or with family, as well as the location of relocation.

Teachers who relocate to a remote location are also eligible for rent-free housing and 2 years of guaranteed employment.

4. Lifestyle Benefits  

Teachers at Catholic Education NT are awarded a range of benefits to experience the best that the Northern Territory has to offer. Benefits for Teachers in the NT include: 

• 6 weeks Annual Leave per year (at the end of the school year)
• 6 weeks paid stand down
• Up to 10 days Personal Carers Leave per year, with an additional 10 days for Emergency, Compassionate, Family or reproductive leave.
• 14 weeks of Maternity Leave are available after 12 months of continuous service

Remote school teachers in the NT receive additional benefits, including:

• Discounted tuition for children attending Catholic Education schools
• Rent-free, fully furnished accommodation
• Subsidised power & water bills
• Four (4) Flights out of isolated locations (FOIL) each year (including family members)
• Coverage of courier costs for groceries
• Annual Special Teaching Allowance of approximately $3,201
• Family suited accommodation 

These lifestyle benefits allow educators to experience the relaxed pace of living in the Northern Territory in their own time, such as travelling to iconic natural wonders like Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Katherine Gorge.

If you are considering a teaching career in the Northern Territory, there are many opportunities waiting for you. Catholic Education Northern Territory has a network of 18 schools, located in both urban centres and remote communities, comprising primary schools, colleges, and remote schools. Get in touch with our team to find out more about teaching in the Northern Territory, or explore our career opportunities page online.

* Comparison: https://www.vu.edu.au/about-vu/news-events/vu-blog/average-teacher-salaries-across-australia-state-by-state-guide