SCHADS Level 6 Salary: Award Minimum Rates from July 2026

What is the SCHADS Level 6 salary?

The term "SCHADS Level 6 salary" refers to the minimum pay rate for employees classified at Level 6 under the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award (the SCHADS Award). This award covers workers in community services, crisis accommodation, home care, and disability support. The Fair Work Commission sets the award rates each year after the Annual Wage Review.

From the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026, the full-time minimum rate for a Level 6 employee at pay point 1 is $58.37 per hour or $2,218.02 per week. There are three pay points within Level 6:

• Pay point 1: $58.37/h, $2,218.02/week
• Pay point 2: $59.66/h, $2,267.02/week
• Pay point 3: $60.95/h, $2,316.16/week

These rates are published in the official pay guide from the Fair Work Ombudsman. The award also specifies penalty rates for Saturday, Sunday, public holiday, afternoon shift, and night shift work.

Legal minimum versus actual pay

The SCHADS Award rates are the legal minimum. Your employer must pay at least these amounts. However, an enterprise agreement or individual contract can set a higher rate. The award also includes a casual loading of 25% on the base rate, so a casual Level 6 employee receives $72.96 per hour for pay point 1.

Employers must also pay superannuation guarantee of 12% on top of ordinary time earnings. This is a separate payment to a super fund, not part of the hourly wage.

How the SCHADS Level 6 rate compares

The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour. A SCHADS Level 6 rate is more than double that, reflecting the skilled nature of the work. The ABS reports that full-time adult average weekly ordinary-time earnings were $2,083.70 in May 2026. A Level 6 weekly rate of $2,218.02 is above that average, but actual salaries may be higher depending on experience and responsibilities.

Important notes

• The SCHADS Award also covers home care and disability support workers. From 1 December 2026, home care disability employees will receive an initial increase of up to 15% to their minimum award rates, as announced by the Fair Work Ombudsman.
• The rates in this guide apply to national-system employees. Some state public sector workers may be covered by different instruments.
• For more details on which minimum wage applies to you, see our Which minimum wage applies page. You can also browse Rate tables for other award classifications.

Superannuation and other entitlements

Super guarantee is 12% on top of ordinary time earnings. This is not included in the hourly rates above. Employees may also be entitled to allowances for travel, meals, or qualifications under the award. Penalty rates for weekends and public holidays are additional.

Understanding the classification

Level 6 under SCHADS typically includes employees with advanced skills, supervisory responsibilities, or specialised roles. The award provides a classification structure from Level 1 to Level 8. Your employer must classify you correctly based on the work you perform. If you believe you are underpaid, you can contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for assistance.

For more on how we calculate these figures, see our How the figures work page.