Does the Aged Care Award cover all aged care workers?

The award covers most employees in the aged care industry, including those working in residential aged care, home care, and community care. However, some employees may be covered by an enterprise agreement or a different modern award. If you are unsure, check your classification with your employer or the Fair Work Ombudsman.

What is the casual loading for aged care workers under the award?

Casual employees under the Aged Care Award receive a 25% loading on top of the ordinary hourly rate instead of paid leave entitlements. For example, a general Level 1 casual earns $34.71 per hour (base $27.77 + 25% loading).

How do I know which classification level applies to my role?

The award defines classifications based on duties, qualifications, and experience. General employees are classified from Level 1 (entry) to Level 7 (senior). Direct care employees have separate levels from Introductory to Team Leader. Refer to the award’s classification definitions or use the Fair Work Ombudsman’s Pay and Conditions Tool for guidance.

Age care worker salary: award rates vs national minimum wage in Australia

Under the Aged Care Award 2010, an age care worker salary starts at $27.77 per hour for a general Level 1 employee, rising to $40.58 per hour for a direct care Level 6 specialist, plus 12% superannuation; award-free workers receive the national minimum of $26.44 per hour.

Age care worker salary: award coverage versus award-free rates

When researching the age care worker salary in Australia, it is essential to distinguish between the legal minimum set by the national wage and the higher minimum rates prescribed by the Aged Care Award 2010. Most employees in the aged care industry are covered by this award, which means their pay floor is significantly above the national minimum wage.

National minimum wage for award-free workers

For the small number of aged care workers who are not covered by any award or enterprise agreement, the Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage. From the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026, the adult national minimum is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week for a 38‑hour week. Casual employees receive a 25% loading, bringing the casual rate to $33.05 per hour. These rates apply only if no other industrial instrument covers the worker.

Aged Care Award 2010 minimum rates

The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes the current pay guide for the Aged Care Award, which applies to employers throughout Australia in the aged care industry. The award contains two main classification streams: general employees and direct care employees. The rates below are effective from the first full pay period on or after 1 September 2026.

General employee classifications

Classification	Weekly rate	Hourly rate
Level 1	$1,055.40	$27.77
Level 2	$1,097.20	$28.87
Level 3	$1,139.40	$29.98
Level 4	$1,152.80	$30.34
Level 5	$1,191.80	$31.36
Level 6	$1,256.00	$33.05
Level 7	$1,278.60	$33.65

Direct care employee classifications

Classification	Weekly rate	Hourly rate
Level 1 – Introductory	$1,239.00	$32.61
Level 2 – Direct Carer	$1,307.80	$34.42
Level 3 – Qualified	$1,376.70	$36.23
Level 4 – Senior	$1,431.80	$37.68
Level 5 – Specialist	$1,486.80	$39.13
Level 6 – Team Leader	$1,541.90	$40.58

These are minimum rates; an enterprise agreement or individual contract may provide higher pay. All rates are before tax and do not include the compulsory superannuation guarantee of 12% that employers must pay on top of ordinary time earnings.

Casual and penalty rates

Casual employees under the award receive a 25% loading on the ordinary hourly rate. For example, a direct care Level 2 casual earns $43.03 per hour ($34.42 + 25%). Penalty rates apply for work on weekends, public holidays, and overtime. The Fair Work Ombudsman’s pay guide provides full tables for these additional payments.

How the age care worker salary compares to broader earnings

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) for May 2026, full‑time adult average ordinary‑time earnings were $2,083.70 per week. The award minimum for a direct care Level 2 ($1,307.80 per week) is about 63% of that average. This comparison highlights that award rates are a floor, not a reflection of typical earnings in the industry.

What if an enterprise agreement applies?

Some aged care employers have enterprise agreements that set pay rates above the award. Always check your employment contract or agreement first. The award acts as a safety net; if your agreement provides less than the award, the award prevails.

Internal resources

For more guidance on which pay floor applies to your situation, see Which minimum wage applies and Rate tables. You can also explore How the figures work to understand the methodology behind the national minimum and award calculations.

Important notes

The national minimum wage applies only to award‑free, agreement‑free employees. Most aged care workers are covered by the Aged Care Award.
Junior employees, apprentices, and trainees may receive lower rates under the award or the Miscellaneous Award.
The rates in this article are minimums. They do not represent median or average salaries for aged care workers.
Superannuation of 12% is paid on top of ordinary time earnings, not included in the hourly rates shown.

Conclusion

The age care worker salary in Australia is primarily governed by the Aged Care Award 2010, which sets minimum rates well above the national minimum wage. Understanding your classification and whether you are award‑covered is the first step to ensuring you receive the correct pay. For personalised calculations, use the Fair Work Ombudsman’s Pay and Conditions Tool or consult your employer.