Aged Care Pay Rates 2026: PCAs, AINs & Enrolled Nurses

Aged care workers can fall under two main awards:

• Aged Care Award (MA000076) — covers personal care workers (PCAs), assistants in nursing (AINs), recreational activities officers, food services, laundry, and general care workers
• Nurses Award (MA000034) — covers enrolled nurses (ENs) and registered nurses (RNs) working in aged care facilities

Which one applies to you depends on your qualifications and role. If you hold a Certificate III in Individual Support and provide direct personal care, you're likely under the Aged Care Award. If you're an EN or RN, you're under the Nurses Award.

Some aged care facilities also have enterprise agreements. As always, the award is the minimum floor.

The Fair Work Commission handed down a historic 15% pay increase for aged care workers in 2023, with further increases phased in. This was the result of the work value case that found aged care workers had been significantly underpaid for the skill and responsibility their work involves.

From 1 July 2025, minimum rates under the Aged Care Award include:

• Care worker Level 1 (entry, no qualification): $25.41/hr
• Care worker Level 2 (Cert III qualified): $26.58/hr
• Care worker Level 3 (experienced, Cert III + experience): $27.34/hr
• Care worker Level 4 (senior, Cert IV or above): $28.12/hr

These rates reflect the work value increases already applied. Further increases may be phased in through 2026 as the FWC completes its aged care work value review.

Nurses working in aged care are covered by the Nurses Award (MA000034). Minimum rates from 1 July 2025:

• Enrolled Nurse Level 1: $28.72/hr
• Enrolled Nurse Level 2: $29.34/hr
• Registered Nurse Level 1.1 (graduate): $32.57/hr
• Registered Nurse Level 1.4 (4+ years): $35.19/hr
• Registered Nurse Level 2 (clinical nurse): $37.43/hr
• Registered Nurse Level 3 (nurse manager): $39.86/hr

These are the award minimums. Many aged care facilities pay above these rates, especially for RNs, given the difficulty of recruiting and retaining nurses in aged care.

Aged care facilities run 24/7, so penalty rates are a major part of your total pay. Under the Aged Care Award (permanent workers):

• Saturday: 150% of base rate
• Sunday: 175% of base rate
• Public holidays: 225% of base rate
• Afternoon shift (after 3pm or 4pm): 112.5% of base rate
• Night shift: 115% of base rate

If you're casual, you get the 25% loading plus applicable penalties. Weekend and night work is common in aged care — make sure every shift is paying the right rate.

Under the Nurses Award, shift penalties are slightly different but equally significant. Check which award applies to you.

The Fair Work Commission's work value case for aged care isn't finished. The 15% increase in 2023 was stage one. The FWC is still considering:

• Further classification changes for direct care workers
• Additional increases to align aged care pay with the skill and responsibility of the work
• Head chef and food services classifications — these workers were included in later stages of the case
• Lifestyle and activities officers — also under review

The government has committed to funding these increases, which means your employer can't use "we can't afford it" as an excuse. The increases are funded through the aged care funding model.

If you're an aged care worker and your pay hasn't gone up to reflect the work value increases:

• Check your classification: Make sure your employer has you at the right level for your qualifications and experience
• Check the rates: Compare your payslip to the current award rates above
• Ask in writing: Email your employer or HR asking when the increases will be applied
• Contact your union: The HSU (Health Services Union) and ANMF (Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation) are actively involved in this case and can help
• Contact Fair Work: Call 13 13 94 or lodge an online complaint at fairwork.gov.au

These increases are legally binding. Your employer must pay them from the date they take effect.