Aged Care Award Pay Rates Calculator
Full pay rates, penalty rates, and break rules for the Aged Care Award 2010 (MA000018).
Last verified: 2 August 2026Quick Answer
The Aged Care Award (MA000018) Level 1 base rate is $27.77/hr for permanent employees and $34.71/hr for casuals (incl. 25% loading). Common roles: Aged care worker, Personal care assistant, Care worker, Residential care worker.
Classification Pay Rates — Aged Care Award
| Level | Classification | Base Rate | Casual Rate | Weekly (38 hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Aged Care Employee Level 1 | $27.77 | $34.71 | $1,055.26 |
| Level 2 | Aged Care Employee Level 2 | $28.87 | $36.09 | $1,097.06 |
| Level 3 | Aged Care Employee Level 3 | $29.98 | $37.48 | $1,139.24 |
| Level 4 | Aged Care Employee Level 4 | $30.34 | $37.93 | $1,152.92 |
| Level 5 | Aged Care Employee Level 5 | $31.36 | $39.20 | $1,191.68 |
| Level 6 | Aged Care Employee Level 6 | $33.05 | $41.31 | $1,255.90 |
| Level 7 | Aged Care Employee Level 7 | $33.65 | $42.06 | $1,278.70 |
Rates effective July 2025 Annual Wage Review. Casual rate includes 25% loading.
Penalty Rates — Aged Care Award
| Penalty Type | Multiplier | Level 1 Rate | Level 1 Casual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday | 150% | $41.66 | $52.07 |
| Sunday | 175% | $48.60 | $60.74 |
| Public Holiday | 250% | $69.43 | $86.78 |
| Afternoon Shift | 113% | $31.24 | $39.05 |
| Night Shift | 115% | $31.94 | $39.92 |
| Overtime (first 2 hours) | 150% | $41.66 | $52.07 |
| Overtime (after 2 hours) | 200% | $55.54 | $69.42 |
Penalty rates are calculated on the base hourly rate. Casual penalty amounts use the casual loaded rate as the base.
Break Entitlements — Aged Care Award
| Shift Length | Meal Break | Rest Break | Paid? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 5 hours | — | — | No |
| 5–7.6 hours | 30 min | — | No |
| 7.6–10 hours | 30 min | 10 min | Yes |
| 10+ hours | 60 min | 20 min | Yes |
Calculate Your Penalty Rate
Use the calculator below to find your exact penalty rate for any classification level under the Aged Care Award.
Frequently Asked Questions — Aged Care Award
What is the minimum pay rate under the Aged Care Award?
The minimum base rate under the Aged Care Award 2010 (MA000018) is $27.77 per hour for a Level 1 full-time or part-time employee. Casual employees at Level 1 receive $34.71 per hour, which includes the 25% casual loading.
What are the penalty rates under the Aged Care Award?
Penalty rates under the Aged Care Award 2010 vary by the type of work. Saturday: 150% ($41.66/hr at Level 1). Sunday: 175% ($48.60/hr at Level 1). Public Holiday: 250% ($69.43/hr at Level 1). Afternoon Shift: 113% ($31.24/hr at Level 1). Night Shift: 115% ($31.94/hr at Level 1). Overtime (first 2 hours): 150% ($41.66/hr at Level 1). Overtime (after 2 hours): 200% ($55.54/hr at Level 1). These are calculated on the base rate, not the casual loaded rate.
How many classification levels are there in the Aged Care Award?
The Aged Care Award 2010 has 7 classification levels, ranging from Level 1 at $27.77/hr to Level 7 at $33.65/hr.
What breaks am I entitled to under the Aged Care Award?
Break entitlements under the Aged Care Award 2010 depend on shift length. Up to 5 hours: no meal break. 5–7.6 hours: 30-minute meal break. 7.6–10 hours: 30-minute meal break + 10-minute rest break (paid). 10+ hours: 60-minute meal break + 20-minute rest break (paid).
What jobs are covered by the Aged Care Award?
Common job titles covered by the Aged Care Award 2010 include Aged care worker, Personal care assistant, Care worker, Residential care worker, Aged care nurse, Activities officer. The award applies to the Aged Care industry. If you're unsure whether this award covers your role, use our Award Finder tool.
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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.