Social Worker Pay Rate 2026-27
Minimum pay rates for social workers in Australia under the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010. Updated 1 July 2026.
Last verified: 19 July 2026Social Worker — Minimum Pay Rate
Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010 (MA000100)
$40.49
Base rate/hr
$50.61
Casual rate/hr
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.
Minimum Hourly Rates — Social Worker
| Employment Type | Hourly Rate | Weekly (38hrs) | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time (adult) | $40.49/hr | $1,538.62 | $80,008.24 |
| Part-time (adult) | $40.49/hr | Pro-rata | Pro-rata |
| Casual (incl. 25% loading) | $50.61/hr | Varies | Varies |
Rates effective from 1 July 2026 under the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010.
Penalty Rates — Social Worker
Saturday
$60.74/hr
1.5x base
Sunday
$80.98/hr
2x base
Public Holiday
$101.23/hr
2.5x base
Penalty rates shown for full-time/part-time Level 1 ($40.49/hr base). Casual employees receive penalty rates calculated on their base rate (before casual loading).
Classification Levels — Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010
| Level | Description | Base Rate/hr | Casual Rate/hr | Annual (38hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 2 | Social work graduate / entry level | $36.22 | $45.28 | $71,570.72 |
| Level 3 | Qualified social worker | $40.49 | $50.61 | $80,008.24 |
| Level 4 | Experienced social worker / team leader | $46.70 | $58.38 | $92,279.20 |
| Level 5 | Senior social worker / supervisor | $53.43 | $66.79 | $105,577.68 |
View full Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010 pay rates →
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 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 →Social Worker Pay Rates by State
Award pay rates are set nationally, but state-specific public holidays and long service leave rules may affect your total entitlements.
Related Jobs Under the Same Award
| Job | Base Rate | Casual Rate | Sunday |
|---|---|---|---|
| Disability Support Worker | $36.22/hr | $45.28/hr | $72.44/hr |
| Home Care Worker | $28.86/hr | $36.08/hr | $57.72/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a social worker get paid per hour in Australia?
The minimum hourly rate for a social worker in Australia is $40.49/hr for full-time and part-time employees, or $50.61/hr for casuals (including 25% loading). This is the Level 1 adult rate under the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010 (MA000100), effective from 1 July 2026.
What is the minimum wage for a social worker?
The minimum wage for a social worker is $40.49 per hour ($1,538.62 per week for a 38-hour week, or $80,008.24 per year). This is set by the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010. Higher classification levels attract higher rates.
What award covers social workers?
Social Workers are covered by the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010 (MA000100). 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 social workers get penalty rates on weekends?
Yes. Under the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010, social workers receive 1.5x their base rate on Saturdays ($60.74/hr) and 2x on Sundays ($80.98/hr). Public holidays are paid at 2.5x ($101.23/hr).
What is the casual rate for a social worker?
The casual rate for a social worker is $50.61/hr, which includes a 25% casual loading on top of the base rate of $40.49/hr. The casual loading compensates for the lack of paid leave, notice of termination, and redundancy pay.
How much should a 17 year old social worker get paid?
Social workers hold professional qualifications and are not subject to junior rates. The Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry 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 check your specific award, agreement or contract, or a qualified professional, before you rely on the result.