Childcare Worker Pay Rate Australia 2026
Minimum pay rates for childcare workers under the Children's Services Award 2010, including base rates, casual rates, penalty rates, and classification levels.
Last verified: 1 July 2025Childcare Worker Pay Rate
Children's Services Award 2010 (MA000018)
Childcare workers (early childhood educators) care for and educate children in childcare centres, preschools, and family day care settings.
$25.86
Base rate/hr
$32.33
Casual rate/hr
Hourly (Full-Time)
$25.86
Hourly (Casual)
$32.33
Weekly (38hrs)
$982.68
Annual (Full-Time)
$51,099.36
What Award Covers Childcare Workers?
Childcare Workers in Australia are generally covered by the Children's Services Award 2010 (MA000018). This Modern Award sets out the minimum terms and conditions of employment including pay rates, hours of work, rosters, breaks, allowances, penalty rates, and overtime.
Some childcare workers may be covered by an enterprise agreement instead, which must provide conditions that are at least as favourable as the award overall (the Better Off Overall Test).
Childcare Worker Classification Levels & Pay Rates
| Level | Description | Base Rate/hr | Casual Rate/hr | Weekly (38hrs) | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 2.1 | Certificate III qualified | $25.86 | $32.33 | $982.68 | $51,099.36 |
| Level 3.1 | Diploma qualified educator | $27.08 | $33.85 | $1,029.04 | $53,510.08 |
| Level 3.3 | Experienced diploma educator | $28.54 | $35.68 | $1,084.52 | $56,395.04 |
| Level 4.1 | Room leader / coordinator | $29.95 | $37.44 | $1,138.10 | $59,181.20 |
| Level 5.1 | Centre director (small) | $32.07 | $40.09 | $1,218.66 | $63,370.32 |
Rates effective from 1 July 2025. Casual rate includes 25% loading.
Casual Childcare Worker Pay Rate
Casual childcare workers receive a 25% casual loading on top of the base hourly rate, increasing the minimum from $25.86/hr to $32.33/hr.
The casual loading compensates for not receiving paid annual leave, personal leave, notice of termination, or redundancy pay. Over a full year, a casual childcare worker working 38 hours per week would earn $63,884.08 (before tax and penalty rates).
From 1 July 2024, casual employees who have worked regular hours for at least 6 months can request conversion to permanent employment. Check your casual conversion eligibility →
Part-Time Childcare Worker Pay Rate
Part-time childcare workers receive the same hourly rate as full-time employees ($25.86/hr) but work fewer than 38 hours per week on a regular, agreed pattern. Part-time employees receive all the same entitlements as full-time employees (annual leave, personal leave, notice, redundancy) on a pro-rata basis.
Childcare Worker Penalty Rates
Penalty rates apply when childcare workers work on Saturdays, Sundays, or public holidays. Rates shown are for Level 1 permanent employees ($25.86/hr base).
Saturday
$38.79/hr
1.5x base
Sunday
$51.72/hr
2x base
Public Holiday
$64.65/hr
2.5x base
Casual employees may receive different penalty rate multipliers. Check the full award pay rates for detailed penalty rate tables.
Am I Being Underpaid as a Childcare Worker?
Childcare workers have historically been underpaid relative to their qualifications and responsibilities. The sector received a 15% pay increase in 2024 to address this gap.
If you earn less than $25.86/hr as a full-time or part-time childcare worker, or less than $32.33/hr as a casual, you may be underpaid. You can claim up to 6 years of back pay.
Compare with Similar Roles
| Job Title | Base Rate | Casual Rate | Annual (FT) | Award |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Childcare Worker | $25.86/hr | $32.33/hr | $51,099.36 | MA000018 |
| Retail Worker | $24.10/hr | $30.13/hr | $47,621.60 | MA000004 |
| Barista | $24.10/hr | $30.13/hr | $47,621.60 | MA000009 |
| Waiter | $24.10/hr | $30.13/hr | $47,621.60 | MA000009 |
Browse All Job Pay Rates
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a childcare worker get paid per hour?
The minimum hourly rate for a childcare worker in Australia is $25.86/hr for full-time/part-time employees and $32.33/hr for casuals (including 25% loading) under the Children's Services Award 2010. Actual rates may be higher depending on classification level, experience, and any enterprise agreement that applies.
What is the minimum wage for a childcare worker?
Under the Children's Services Award 2010 (MA000018), the minimum wage for a childcare worker starts at $25.86/hr (Level 1 adult rate). This equates to $982.68/week or $51,099.36/year for a standard 38-hour week. The national minimum wage is $24.10/hr.
What award covers childcare workers?
Childcare Workers in Australia are generally covered by the Children's Services Award 2010 (MA000018). This award sets out minimum pay rates, penalty rates, allowances, and other working conditions. Some childcare workers may be covered by an enterprise agreement instead, which must meet or exceed the award.
What is the casual rate for a childcare worker?
A casual childcare worker receives $32.33/hr, which includes the 25% casual loading on top of the $25.86/hr base rate. The casual loading compensates for not receiving paid leave and other permanent employment benefits.
What are the penalty rates for a childcare worker?
Under the Children's Services Award 2010, childcare workers receive: Saturday 1.5x ($38.79/hr), Sunday 2x ($51.72/hr), and Public Holiday 2.5x ($64.65/hr) at Level 1 rates.
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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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