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Australia
Disability Support Worker salary guide Australia 2026
The typical Disability Support Worker salary in Australia is $82,000, with pay ranging from $70,000 at entry level to $93,000 for senior professionals.
Overview
What does a Disability Support Worker earn?
According to Employment Hero proprietary data, the median salary of Disability Support Workers in Australia is $82,000. Most positions fall within the range of $70,000–$93,000, with entry-level personnel starting around $70,000. Experienced practitioners with specialised qualifications and complex care expertise can earn up to $93,000.
Optional — pick a state first
Median for Disability Support Worker, nationally across Australia.
10th $70,000
25th $82,000
50th (median) $93,000
75th $102,000
90th
Figures above update by state/city. For a full breakdown by seniority, see the table below.
Location
Disability Support Worker salary by city
Location plays a notable role in hourly rates and annual remuneration across Australia. Major cities such as Sydney and Melbourne often present different pay rates compared to regional centres.
What drives salary
Factors that affect Disability Support Worker pay
Several key elements influence your earning potential as a Disability Support Worker. From specialised skills to roster arrangements, understanding these factors helps you plan your career progression.
Workers trained in behaviour of concern management or psychosocial disability support frequently access higher-paying positions.
Holding a Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) demonstrates foundational competence and opens doors to higher award classifications.
Taking on active night shifts, weekend rosters or public holidays significantly increases overall earnings through award penalty rates.
Regional communities facing talent shortages often provide higher base rates or travel allowances to attract skilled professionals.
Working directly with independent National Disability Insurance Scheme participants can offer different hourly rates compared to established service providers.
Comparison
How Disability Support Workers compare to related roles
A Disability Support Worker typically earns slightly above a general Care Worker or Support Worker, reflecting the specialised behavioural and physical care skills required. Against Community Support Worker or Youth Worker roles, baseline salaries are comparable, though frequent active night shifts and weekend rosters often lift total earnings higher.
| Role | Range | Relative | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Youth Worker | $71,000–$95,000 | $83,000 | |
| Disability Support Worker You are here | $70,000–$93,000 | $82,000 | |
| Care Worker | $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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