Minimum pay rates for social workers in South Australia under the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010. Updated 1 July 2025.
Last verified: 21 May 2026Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010 (MA000100)
$28.54
Base rate/hr
$35.68
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.
South Australia Note
South Australia workers may have state-specific entitlements. Check with SafeWork SA for occupational health requirements.
| Employment Type | Hourly Rate | Weekly (38hrs) | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time (adult) | $28.54/hr | $1,084.52 | $56,395.04 |
| Part-time (adult) | $28.54/hr | Pro-rata | Pro-rata |
| Casual (incl. 25% loading) | $35.68/hr | Varies | Varies |
Rates effective from 1 July 2025 under the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010.
Saturday
$42.81/hr
1.5x base
Sunday
$57.08/hr
2x base
Public Holiday
$71.35/hr
2.5x base
Penalty rates shown for full-time/part-time Level 1 ($28.54/hr base). Casual employees receive penalty rates calculated on their base rate (before casual loading).
| Level | Description | Base Rate/hr | Casual Rate/hr | Annual (38hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 2 | Social work graduate / entry level | $26.74 | $33.43 | $52,838.24 |
| Level 3 | Qualified social worker | $28.54 | $35.68 | $56,395.04 |
| Level 4 | Experienced social worker / team leader | $29.71 | $37.14 | $58,706.96 |
| Level 5 | Senior social worker / supervisor | $31.35 | $39.19 | $61,947.60 |
View full Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010 pay rates →
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 →| Job | Base Rate | Casual Rate | Sunday |
|---|---|---|---|
| Disability Support Worker | $26.31/hr | $32.89/hr | $52.62/hr |
| Home Care Worker | $25.68/hr | $32.10/hr | $51.36/hr |
Court decisions where this award was cited.
The minimum hourly rate for a social worker in South Australia is $28.54/hr for full-time and part-time employees, or $35.68/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 2025.
The minimum wage for a social worker is $28.54 per hour ($1,084.52 per week for a 38-hour week, or $56,395.04 per year). This is set by the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010. Higher classification levels attract higher rates.
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.
Yes. Under the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010, social workers receive 1.5x their base rate on Saturdays ($42.81/hr) and 2x on Sundays ($57.08/hr). Public holidays are paid at 2.5x ($71.35/hr).
The casual rate for a social worker is $35.68/hr, which includes a 25% casual loading on top of the base rate of $28.54/hr. The casual loading compensates for the lack of paid leave, notice of termination, and redundancy pay.
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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FairWork Mate is an independent commercial service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or associated with the Fair Work Ombudsman, the Fair Work Commission, or any Australian Government agency. Content is 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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