Social Worker Pay Rate in VIC 2025-26
Minimum pay rates for social workers in Victoria under the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010. Updated 1 July 2025.
Last verified: 1 July 2025Social Worker — Minimum Pay Rate (VIC)
Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010 (MA000013)
$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.
Victoria Note
Victoria has state-based long service leave that may differ from the NES. Check your entitlements with the Victorian Wage Inspectorate.
Minimum Hourly Rates — Social Worker
| 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.
Penalty Rates — Social Worker
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).
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 | $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 →
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 →Related Jobs Under the Same Award
| Job | Base Rate | Casual Rate | Sunday |
|---|---|---|---|
| Disability Support Worker | $26.31/hr | $32.89/hr | $52.62/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a social worker get paid per hour in Victoria?
The minimum hourly rate for a social worker in Victoria 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 (MA000013), effective from 1 July 2025.
What is the minimum wage for a social worker?
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.
What award covers social workers?
Social Workers are covered by the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010 (MA000013). 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 ($42.81/hr) and 2x on Sundays ($57.08/hr). Public holidays are paid at 2.5x ($71.35/hr).
What is the casual rate for a social worker?
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.
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 verify with the Fair Work Ombudsman (13 13 94) or a qualified professional.
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