Aged Care Worker Pay Rate in QLD 2025-26
Minimum pay rates for aged care workers in Queensland under the Aged Care Award 2010. Updated 1 July 2025.
Last verified: 1 July 2025Aged Care Worker — Minimum Pay Rate (QLD)
Aged Care Award 2010 (MA000076)
$25.41
Base rate/hr
$31.76
Casual rate/hr
Aged care workers provide personal care, support, and assistance to elderly residents in nursing homes, aged care facilities, and in-home care settings.
Queensland Note
Queensland workers are entitled to state-specific public holidays including Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) in Brisbane.
Minimum Hourly Rates — Aged Care Worker
| Employment Type | Hourly Rate | Weekly (38hrs) | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time (adult) | $25.41/hr | $965.58 | $50,210.16 |
| Part-time (adult) | $25.41/hr | Pro-rata | Pro-rata |
| Casual (incl. 25% loading) | $31.76/hr | Varies | Varies |
Rates effective from 1 July 2025 under the Aged Care Award 2010.
Penalty Rates — Aged Care Worker
Saturday
$38.12/hr
1.5x base
Sunday
$44.47/hr
1.75x base
Public Holiday
$63.53/hr
2.5x base
Penalty rates shown for full-time/part-time Level 1 ($25.41/hr base). Casual employees receive penalty rates calculated on their base rate (before casual loading).
Classification Levels — Aged Care Award 2010
| Level | Description | Base Rate/hr | Casual Rate/hr | Annual (38hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Personal care worker (entry) | $25.41 | $31.76 | $50,210.16 |
| Level 2 | Cert III qualified carer | $26.31 | $32.89 | $51,988.56 |
| Level 3 | Experienced / senior carer | $27.32 | $34.15 | $53,984.32 |
| Level 4 | Team leader / supervisor | $28.41 | $35.51 | $56,138.16 |
Am I Being Underpaid as a Aged Care Worker?
The aged care sector received a historic 15% pay increase in 2023 following the Work Value Case. If your rates have not been updated since then, you may be underpaid.
If you think you are being paid below the minimum rate, you can calculate your potential back pay and check your rights.
Check If You Are Underpaid →Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a aged care worker get paid per hour in Queensland?
The minimum hourly rate for a aged care worker in Queensland is $25.41/hr for full-time and part-time employees, or $31.76/hr for casuals (including 25% loading). This is the Level 1 adult rate under the Aged Care Award 2010 (MA000076), effective from 1 July 2025.
What is the minimum wage for a aged care worker?
The minimum wage for a aged care worker is $25.41 per hour ($965.58 per week for a 38-hour week, or $50,210.16 per year). This is set by the Aged Care Award 2010. Higher classification levels attract higher rates.
What award covers aged care workers?
Aged Care Workers are covered by the Aged Care Award 2010 (MA000076). This Modern Award sets minimum pay rates, penalty rates, allowances, and leave entitlements. Your employer may also have an enterprise agreement with different (usually higher) rates.
Do aged care workers get penalty rates on weekends?
Yes. Under the Aged Care Award 2010, aged care workers receive 1.5x their base rate on Saturdays ($38.12/hr) and 1.75x on Sundays ($44.47/hr). Public holidays are paid at 2.5x ($63.53/hr).
What is the casual rate for a aged care worker?
The casual rate for a aged care worker is $31.76/hr, which includes a 25% casual loading on top of the base rate of $25.41/hr. The casual loading compensates for the lack of paid leave, notice of termination, and redundancy pay.
How much should a 17 year old aged care worker get paid?
The Aged Care Award does not have specific junior rates. The Aged Care Award 2010 does not have specific junior rates for this classification.
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General information and estimates only — not legal, financial, or tax advice. Always verify with the Fair Work Ombudsman (13 13 94) or a qualified professional.
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