Social Worker Pay Rate Australia 2026-27
Social Workers earn at least $40.49/hr (Level 3), $50.61/hr casual — about $1,539 a week full-time — under the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010. Every classification level, penalty rates below.
Social Worker Pay Rate
Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010 (MA000100)
Social workers support individuals and communities facing challenges including mental health, family violence, child protection, and disability. They assess needs, develop care plans, and connect clients with services.
$40.49
Base rate/hr
$50.61
Casual rate/hr
$40.49
$50.61
$1,538.62
$80,008.24
What Award Covers Social Workers?
Social Workers in Australia are generally covered by the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry 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 social 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 Industry Award pay rates →
Social Worker Classification Levels & Pay Rates
| Level | Description | Base Rate/hr | Casual Rate/hr | Weekly (38hrs) | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 2 | Social work graduate / entry level | $36.22 | $45.28 | $1,376.36 | $71,570.72 |
| Level 3 | Qualified social worker | $40.49 | $50.61 | $1,538.62 | $80,008.24 |
| Level 4 | Experienced social worker / team leader | $46.70 | $58.38 | $1,774.60 | $92,279.20 |
| Level 5 | Senior social worker / supervisor | $53.43 | $66.79 | $2,030.34 | $105,577.68 |
Casual Social Worker Pay Rate
Casual social workers receive a 25% casual loading on top of the base hourly rate, increasing the minimum from $40.49/hr to $50.61/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 social worker working 38 hours per week would earn $100,005.36 (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 Social Worker Pay Rate
Part-time social workers receive the same hourly rate as full-time employees ($40.49/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.
Social Worker Penalty Rates
Penalty rates apply when social workers work on Saturdays, Sundays, or public holidays. Rates shown are for Level 3 permanent employees ($40.49/hr base).
$60.74/hr
$80.98/hr
$101.23/hr
Am I Being Underpaid as a Social Worker?
Social workers in the community sector are frequently underpaid relative to their qualifications. Common issues include unpaid travel time between clients and not receiving proper penalty rates for after-hours crisis work.
If you earn less than $40.49/hr as a full-time or part-time social worker, or less than $50.61/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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Social Worker | $40.49/hr | $50.61/hr | $80,008.24 | MA000100 |
| Disability Support Worker | $36.22/hr | $45.28/hr | $71,570.72 | 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 social worker get paid per hour?
The minimum hourly rate for a social worker in Australia is $40.49/hr for full-time/part-time employees and $50.61/hr for casuals (including 25% loading) under the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry 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 social worker?
Under the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010 (MA000100), the minimum wage for a social worker starts at $40.49/hr (Level 3 adult rate). This equates to $1,538.62/week or $80,008.24/year for a standard 38-hour week. The national minimum wage is $26.44/hr.
What award covers social workers?
Social Workers in Australia are generally covered by the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010 (MA000100). This award sets out minimum pay rates, penalty rates, allowances, and other working conditions. Some social workers may be covered by an enterprise agreement instead, which must meet or exceed the award.
What is the casual rate for a social worker?
A casual social worker receives $50.61/hr, which includes the 25% casual loading on top of the $40.49/hr base rate. The casual loading compensates for not receiving paid leave and other permanent employment benefits.
What are the penalty rates for a social worker?
Under the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010, social workers receive: Saturday 1.5x ($60.74/hr), Sunday 2x ($80.98/hr), and Public Holiday 2.5x ($101.23/hr) at Level 3 rates.
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