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Australia
Care Worker salary guide Australia 2026
The typical Care Worker salary in Australia is $78,000, with pay ranging from $69,000 at entry level to $89,000 for senior professionals.
Overview
What does a Care Worker earn?
The median salary of Care Workers in Australia is $78,000. Most roles fall within the typical range of $69,000–$89,000, starting around $69,000 for new entrants and rising to $89,000 for experienced team members. Gaining specialised skills in complex behaviour support or completing higher vocational qualifications will also position you towards the upper end of the pay scale.
Optional — pick a state first
Median for Care Worker, nationally across Australia.
10th $69,000
25th $78,000
50th (median) $89,000
75th $93,000
90th
Figures above update by state/city. For a full breakdown by seniority, see the table below.
Location
Care Worker salary by city
Location plays a clear role in what Care Workers take home across Australian states and territories. Metropolitan centres like Sydney and Melbourne often present different pay rates compared to regional towns.
What drives salary
Factors that affect Care Worker pay
Your earning potential as a Care Worker depends on several practical factors. Employers look closely at your hands-on experience and the complexity of the care you provide.
Workers with expertise in complex behaviour management or trauma-informed care often secure higher hourly rates. Taking on high-need clients requires extra capability that organisations are keen to reward.
Holding a Certificate III in Individual Support or higher vocational credentials unlocks better base wages. Sector-recognised qualifications show providers you have the practical grounding needed for quality care.
Working weekend shifts or public holidays significantly increases overall earnings through standard award penalties. Taking on active night shifts also contributes to higher take-home pay.
Remuneration can vary depending on whether you work in aged care or disability support. Providers operating under different government funding arrangements structure their compensation accordingly.
Stepping from an entry-level position into senior care responsibilities brings steady pay progression. Experienced Care Workers who mentor new staff or manage detailed reporting frequently earn premium rates.
Comparison
How Care Workers compare to related roles
A Care Worker typically earns in line with a Support Worker or Disability Support Worker, reflecting similar daily personal care and community assistance. Against a Youth Worker or Community Support Worker, Care Worker pay often sits slightly lower due to the specialised crisis intervention and case management those roles require.
| Role | Range | Relative | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Youth Worker | $71,000–$95,000 | $83,000 | |
| Disability Support Worker | $70,000–$93,000 | $82,000 | |
| Care Worker You are here | $69,000–$89,000 | $78,000 | |
| Community Support Worker | $67,000–$91,000 | $77,000 | |
| Support Worker | $63,000–$87,000 | $74,000 |
Employment Hero Job Data
Salary figures are derived from Employment Hero proprietary data. All figures represent base salary only and exclude bonuses, superannuation and other benefits. Last updated October 2026.
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