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Australia
Youth Worker salary guide Australia 2026
The typical Youth Worker salary in Australia is $83,000, with pay ranging from $70,000 at entry level to $94,000 for senior professionals.
Overview
What does a Youth Worker earn?
The median salary of Youth Workers in Australia is $83,000. Most roles fall within the typical range of $70,000–$94,000, starting at $70,000 for entry-level positions and rising to $94,000 for experienced practitioners. Specialised qualifications in trauma-informed care or complex behaviour support can lift your earning capacity significantly.
Location
Youth Worker salary by city
Location plays a notable role in Youth Worker remuneration across Australia. Major metropolitan hubs such as Sydney and Melbourne often offer different base rates compared to regional centres and remote communities.
What drives salary
Factors that affect Youth Worker pay
Several key elements shape your earning potential as a Youth Worker. Here is what influences remuneration across the sector.
Youth Workers in residential Out-of-Home Care (OOHC) or youth justice facilities typically earn higher rates than those in community drop-in centres, reflecting the complexity and intensity of the environment.
Holding certifications in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) or the Hope and Healing Framework gives you an edge, as organisations place high value on de-escalation expertise.
Working active night shifts, weekend rosters or sleepovers substantially increases your overall compensation through award penalty rates and shift allowances.
Completing a Certificate IV in Child, Youth and Family Intervention or a relevant diploma positions you for higher pay points under standard industry awards.
Demonstrated capability in supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people opens specialised, higher-paying project and liaison roles.
Comparison
How Youth Workers compare to related roles
Comparing Youth Worker pay against related roles helps you gauge where your career could head. Positions such as Family Support Worker or Community Support Worker share core skills, while advancing into roles like Support Coordinator or Behaviour Support Practitioner can shift your compensation bracket.
| Role | Range | Relative | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Behaviour Support Practitioner | $74,000–$98,000 | $84,000 | |
| Youth Worker You are here | $70,000–$94,000 | $83,000 | |
| Family Support Worker | $73,000–$90,000 | $82,000 | |
| Support Coordinator | $71,000–$90,000 | $81,000 | |
| Community Support Worker | $67,000–$88,000 | $77,000 |
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 September 2026.
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