What is the minimum hourly rate for an NDIS support coordinator under the SCHADS Award?

The minimum hourly rate depends on the classification level. For an entry-level support coordinator at Level 3 pay point 1, the award rate is $40.49 per hour as of the first full pay period on or after 1 December 2026. More experienced coordinators at Level 4 or 5 receive higher minimum rates, up to $71.19 per hour at Level 8 pay point 3.

Do NDIS support coordinators receive superannuation on top of their salary?

Yes. Superannuation is an employer payment on top of the base salary. From 1 July 2025, the superannuation guarantee is 12% of ordinary time earnings. When comparing salary offers, check whether the quoted figure includes or excludes super.

Can an employer pay an NDIS support coordinator less than the SCHADS Award rate?

No. The SCHADS Award sets the legal minimum pay for most NDIS support coordinators. An employer cannot pay below the award rate. Enterprise agreements or individual contracts can set higher rates, but not lower. If no award applies, the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour (from 1 July 2026) is the floor, but most support coordinators are covered by the award.

NDIS support coordinator salary: award rates, minimum pay and what to expect

The minimum award rate for an entry-level NDIS support coordinator (SCHADS Level 3.1) is $40.49 per hour, well above the national minimum wage of $26.44.

Understanding the NDIS support coordinator salary floor

The term NDIS support coordinator salary covers a range of pay levels depending on experience, qualifications, and employer. The legal minimum is set by the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010 (the SCHADS Award), which applies to most NDIS support coordination roles in Australia. This guide explains the award minimums, how they compare with the national minimum wage, and what typical salaries look like in the market.

The SCHADS Award is the key instrument

The Fair Work Commission publishes the SCHADS Award (MA000100) with detailed pay tables. For support coordination, the relevant classification levels are Schedule B – Social and community services employee. The award sets minimum hourly and weekly rates for each level and pay point, plus penalty rates for weekends, public holidays, and shift work. The rates shown in the Fair Work Commission’s pay guide apply from the first full pay period on or after 1 December 2026, following the Annual Wage Review 2026.

For example, a support coordinator classified at Level 3 pay point 1 must receive at least $40.49 per hour, or $1,538.59 per week for a 38-hour week. At Level 4 pay point 1, the minimum rises to $46.70 per hour. These rates already include the Equal Remuneration Order loadings that phase in for social and community services classifications.

How award rates compare to the national minimum

The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour for adults not covered by an award or agreement. The SCHADS Award rates for support coordinators are significantly higher – even the entry-level rate is more than 50% above the national minimum. This reflects the specialised nature of support coordination and the historical recognition of the value of community services work.

It is important to note that the national minimum wage acts as a backstop. If an award classification rate ever fell below $26.44 per hour (which does not happen for support coordinator levels), the national minimum would apply instead. Also, junior employees, apprentices, and trainees may receive lower percentages under the award or the Miscellaneous Award if award-free.

Typical salaries vs award minima

While the award sets the floor, many employers pay above the minimum. The recruitment firm Patterson Recruitment, drawing on the SCHADS Award pay guide and market observations, reports that employed support coordinators typically earn between $80,000 and $95,000 per year. Experienced coordinators at Level 4 or 5 can earn $88,000 to $105,000, and specialist support coordinators or team leaders may reach $100,000 to $115,000. These figures are annualised from hourly rates and assume a 38-hour week.

It is crucial to separate the legal minimum from a survey average or a negotiated salary. The award minimum is a legal entitlement; anything above that is a matter for the employer and employee. Enterprise agreements can also set higher rates, and some not-for-profit employers offer salary packaging that effectively boosts take-home pay.

Superannuation and salary packaging

All figures discussed here are base salaries. Superannuation is an employer payment on top – currently 12% of ordinary time earnings from 1 July 2025. When comparing job offers, always check whether the advertised salary includes or excludes super. Additionally, many NDIS support coordinators work for not-for-profit organisations that offer salary packaging. Under ATO concessional caps, employees can package up to $15,900 per year in general living expenses tax-free, which can add thousands of dollars to net income.

For more detail on how minimum wages apply across different industries, see Which minimum wage applies and Rate tables.

Key takeaways

The SCHADS Award sets minimum hourly rates for NDIS support coordinators, starting at $40.49 for Level 3.1.
The national minimum wage of $26.44 is the absolute floor for award-free workers, but most support coordinators are covered by the award.
Typical market salaries range from $80,000 to $115,000 depending on experience and classification.
Superannuation of 12% is paid on top of base salary.
Salary packaging can further increase net pay for not-for-profit employees.

For the published floors, see the rate tables and how the figures work.