Disability Support Worker Pay Rate Australia 2026-27
Disability Support Workers earn at least $36.22/hr (Level 2 PP 1), $45.28/hr casual — about $1,376 a week full-time — under the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services (SCHADS) Award 2010. Every classification level, penalty rates below.
Disability Support Worker Pay Rate
Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services (SCHADS) Award 2010 (MA000100)
Disability support workers assist people with disabilities in daily living, personal care, community participation, and supported independent living under the NDIS.
$36.22
Base rate/hr
$45.28
Casual rate/hr
$36.22
$45.28
$1,376.36
$71,570.72
What Award Covers Disability Support Workers?
Disability Support Workers in Australia are generally covered by the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services (SCHADS) Award 2010 (MA000100). 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 disability support 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).
View full Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services (SCHADS) Award pay rates →
Disability Support Worker Classification Levels & Pay Rates
| Level | Description | Base Rate/hr | Casual Rate/hr | Weekly (38hrs) | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 PP 1 | Support worker (new entrant) | $27.55 | $34.44 | $1,046.90 | $54,438.80 |
| Level 2 PP 1 | Support worker (Cert III) | $36.22 | $45.28 | $1,376.36 | $71,570.72 |
| Level 2 PP 3 | Experienced support worker | $38.50 | $48.13 | $1,463.00 | $76,076.00 |
| Level 3 PP 1 | Senior support worker | $40.49 | $50.61 | $1,538.62 | $80,008.24 |
| Level 4 PP 1 | Team leader / coordinator | $46.70 | $58.38 | $1,774.60 | $92,279.20 |
Casual Disability Support Worker Pay Rate
Casual disability support workers receive a 25% casual loading on top of the base hourly rate, increasing the minimum from $36.22/hr to $45.28/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 disability support worker working 38 hours per week would earn $89,473.28 (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 Disability Support Worker Pay Rate
Part-time disability support workers receive the same hourly rate as full-time employees ($36.22/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.
Disability Support Worker Penalty Rates
Penalty rates apply when disability support workers work on Saturdays, Sundays, or public holidays. Rates shown are for Level 2 PP 1 permanent employees ($36.22/hr base).
$54.33/hr
$72.44/hr
$90.55/hr
Am I Being Underpaid as a Disability Support Worker?
NDIS support workers frequently work irregular hours including sleepovers, overnight shifts, and weekends. Ensure you are receiving correct penalty rates and sleepover allowances.
If you earn less than $36.22/hr as a full-time or part-time disability support worker, or less than $45.28/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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Disability Support Worker | $36.22/hr | $45.28/hr | $71,570.72 | MA000100 |
| Social Worker | $40.49/hr | $50.61/hr | $80,008.24 | MA000100 |
| Home Care Worker | $28.86/hr | $36.08/hr | $57,027.36 | MA000100 |
| Retail Worker | $27.81/hr | $34.76/hr | $54,952.56 | MA000004 |
Browse All Job Pay Rates
More on the SCHADS Award
SCHADS Award (MA000100) overview
Coverage, penalty rates, casual overtime method and break rules.
Search enterprise agreements
An enterprise agreement replaces the award where one covers your workplace. Search by employer.
Enterprise agreements in disability & community services
- Life Without Barriers Disability Services Enterprise Agreement Victoria 2026
- genU Disability Services Tasmania Enterprise Agreement 2025
- Guide Dogs Victoria Allied Health and Disability Services Practitioners Enterprise Agreement 2025
- MOE LIFE SKILLS COMMUNITY CENTRE HSU DISABILITY SERVICES UNION COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT 2006-2009
- DFFH Disability Services Enterprise Agreement 2022 - 2025
- Villamanta Disability Rights Legal Service Inc Enterprise Agreement 2024-2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a disability support worker get paid per hour?
The minimum hourly rate for a disability support worker in Australia is $36.22/hr for full-time/part-time employees and $45.28/hr for casuals (including 25% loading) under the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services (SCHADS) 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 disability support worker?
Under the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services (SCHADS) Award 2010 (MA000100), the minimum wage for a disability support worker starts at $36.22/hr (Level 2 PP 1 adult rate). This equates to $1,376.36/week or $71,570.72/year for a standard 38-hour week. The national minimum wage is $26.44/hr.
What award covers disability support workers?
Disability Support Workers in Australia are generally covered by the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services (SCHADS) Award 2010 (MA000100). This award sets out minimum pay rates, penalty rates, allowances, and other working conditions. Some disability support workers may be covered by an enterprise agreement instead, which must meet or exceed the award.
What is the casual rate for a disability support worker?
A casual disability support worker receives $45.28/hr, which includes the 25% casual loading on top of the $36.22/hr base rate. The casual loading compensates for not receiving paid leave and other permanent employment benefits.
What are the penalty rates for a disability support worker?
Under the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services (SCHADS) Award 2010, disability support workers receive: Saturday 1.5x ($54.33/hr), Sunday 2x ($72.44/hr), and Public Holiday 2.5x ($90.55/hr) at Level 2 PP 1 rates.
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