
Benefits
Working in remote provides a range of personal, professional and financial benefits. Read below to find out more.
Great Salary
Between $87,811 and $131,349 in the NT. Between $84,078 and $111,610 in QLD.
Remote Locality Allowance
Between $1,451 and $11,836 per year in the NT. Between $270 and $5,990 per year in QLD.
Rental Concessions
Up to 100% rental expenses covered in NT and QLD. Includes utilities like power and water.
Return Flights
Up to 3 return flights per year are provided for you to fly to the nearest regional centre.
Additional Leave
Up to 5 days per year for employees to take leave from work to access services not available in the remote community where they are living.
Study Leave
When you teach in remote localities in the NT you accrue credit points towards special study leave. Once you have accrued 20 credit points you may apply to be considered for one school semester of study leave on full-pay or two semesters on half-pay.
Guaranteed Transfer
Guaranteed transfer to Darwin, Palmerston, Katherine or Alice Springs after three years of employment in a remote location in the NT.
Relocation Expenses Costs
Relocation costs such as flights, fuel costs and uplift for you and your dependents may be fully covered by the Department.
Retention Payments
Up to $4,500 annually for NT. Up to $6,000 annually for QLD.
Beginner Teacher Payments
A one-off payment up to $2,000 for graduate teachers in remote QLD schools.
Additional Holidays
Some of Queensland's state schools have a 7-week summer holiday starting 1 week before the rest of Queensland.
HELP Debt Reduction
This is a Federal Government initiative that provides teachers in very remote locations the opportunity to have their HELP debt reduced and/or their HELP debt indexation waived each year.
Deep Sense of Purpose
You’re often making a direct, visible difference in people’s lives. The impact is more tangible than in larger cities, where you can sometimes feel like just a small part of the system.
Cultural Learning & Connection
Opportunity to learn from First Nations people and other diverse groups about their culture, language, traditions, and ways of seeing the world. Builds cross-cultural understanding and empathy that enriches both your personal and professional life.
Strong Community Bonds
Smaller communities mean you form close-knit relationships more quickly. People often become like an extended family; looking out for one another. Friendships tend to be deep, long-lasting, and supportive.
Personal Growth & Resilience
Living in a remote environment builds adaptability, independence, and resilience. You develop problem-solving skills (since resources aren’t always right at your fingertips). Builds confidence in yourself and your ability to thrive in challenging or unfamiliar environments.
Lifestyle & Environment
Remote communities often offer a slower pace of life, less traffic, and less stress. Daily life can include incredible natural surroundings: deserts, rainforests, coastlines, or outback landscapes. Opportunities for camping, fishing, hiking, and unique outdoor adventures.
Unique Life Experiences
Everyday experiences are often ones that most people never have - community events, festivals, cultural ceremonies, and local traditions. Build a collection of stories and memories that last a lifetime.
Career Advancement & Leadership
Remote schools are often smaller, so teachers take on broader responsibilities across year levels and subjects. Faster pathways to leadership roles (e.g., Leading Teacher, Curriculum Coordinator, Assistant Principal) because of the need for skilled staff. Looks excellent on a resume - demonstrating adaptability, initiative, and commitment.
Skill Development
Gain experience in multi-age, multi-ability classrooms, which sharpens differentiation and curriculum planning skills. Learn to be resourceful and creative with limited resources. Build strong classroom management skills in diverse contexts. Develop experience in community-embedded learning - tailoring curriculum to local culture and environment.
