How much did aged care nurses' pay rise on 1 August 2026?

The final tranche of the FWC aged care work value case lifted Nurses Award aged-care minimums by 1.45% to 4.43% depending on classification, from the first full pay period on or after 1 August 2026 (determination PR812118). A supervising enrolled nurse rose from $38.86 to $40.58 an hour (about $3,400 a year full-time); RN Level 1 with more than 4 years' experience rose from $45.80 to $47.40.

Did AINs, personal care workers and home care workers get the 1 August 2026 rise?

No. The 1 August 2026 tranche applies to the Nurses Award only. Direct care and home care workers completed their work value rises on 1 October 2025 under the Aged Care Award and SCHADS Award, and their rates last rose with the 1 July 2026 Annual Wage Review (+4.75%).

How big is the total aged care pay rise across the whole case?

Cumulatively, aged care nursing classifications rose 4.2% to 25.5% across the three work value tranches (1 March 2025, 1 October 2025, 1 August 2026), on top of the 15% interim increase from 30 June 2023 and separate from Annual Wage Review rises ([2024] FWCFB 452). Around 400,000 aged care workers benefited across the case.

Which award covers my aged care job?

Registered nurses, enrolled nurses and nurse practitioners in aged care fall under the Nurses Award (MA000034). Assistants in nursing and personal care workers in residential aged care fall under the Aged Care Award (MA000018) since 1 January 2025. Home care workers fall under the SCHADS Award (MA000100) home care stream. If you're on an enterprise agreement, its rates apply instead (they can't be below the award).

Aged Care Pay Rise Calculator

Check your 1 August 2026 aged care nurses pay rise: old vs new award rate, percentage increase and annual gain for RNs, ENs, AINs and home care workers.

Last verified: 9 August 2026Jump to calculator ↓

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General information and estimates only — not legal, financial or tax advice. Always check your specific award, agreement or contract, or a qualified professional, before you rely on the result.

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