How much do aged care workers earn?
Can caring for the elderly co-exist with caring about a fair wage? Find out how much you can expect to earn in aged care.
When considering how much aged care or other care workers are paid, the short answer is often “not enough".
The value of aged care workers and how they improve the lives of the elderly has historically not been matched with fair pay. And this has caused the industry to struggle to attract and retain passionate individuals, like yourself, to carry out this all important care.
Master of Public Health graduate and disability support worker Joel has seen the effects of high turnover and burnout amongst workers in care industries. “It’s the lack of adequate resourcing, low rates of pay, and casual contracts that all contribute to worker burnout. Workers need secure contracts, and a fair rate of pay."
For the reasons Joel discusses (and many more), the aged care sector is currently undergoing significant changes following the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety to drive an industry overhaul. It’s hoped that these changes will help to combat a desperate need for skilled workers who are equally as qualified as they are compassionate.
All of this is to say, if you’re considering a future in the field, try not to feel disheartened. The 2020s are a time for change in the industry.
What is the salary I can earn as an aged care worker?
So, what will these industry changes mean for you and what can you expect to earn as an aged care worker?
How much you can earn as an aged care worker is determined by an Award Rate set by the Fair Work Commission.
This ‘Aged Care Award’, as they refer to it, is a grouping that covers a wide variety of workers in the industry who work in nursing homes and retirement villages, as well as those who deliver care as direct care workers. At the time of publishing in September 2023, under this particular award you can expect to earn between $910.90 and $1103.60 per week.
You may also choose to provide care to the elderly at their home, which is covered by the SCHADS Award (Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award). Under this award at the time of publishing, you can earn between $921.70 to $1338.50 per week.
What do aged care employee levels mean?
Aged care employee levels indicate the type of duties you will carry out, what kind of qualification you need and how much you should be paid.
| Classification | Weekly salary |
| Level 1 Aged Care Worker | $1047.60 |
| Level 2 Aged Care Worker | $1089.00 |
| Level 3 Aged Care Worker | $1130.90 |
| Level 4 Aged Care Worker | $1144.20 |
| Level 5 Aged Care Worker | $1183.00 |
| Level 6 Aged Care Worker | $1246.80 |
| Level 7 Aged Care Worker | $1269.10 |
Source: Fair Work Commission, September 2023
For example, a Level 1 aged care employee has less than 3 months of work experience in the industry and performs basic duties.
Whereas from Level 4, a relevant certificate III qualification is required, while an advanced certificate and diploma is required for Level 6 and Level 7 respectively.
Are aged care workers getting a pay rise?
Yes! At the time of publishing, a 15% pay rise is being rolled out to improve the retention of aged care workers. Aged care workers (both those who work in an aged care facility and those who provide care in a home setting) will receive a 10% increase in 2023, with the remaining 5% in 2024.
Joel welcomes the increase, but hopes there will be continued improvement to the conditions of aged care and disability support workers, “the rate of pay within these awards still doesn't value the complexity of working with older people. Caring work can be unpredictable, and workers have to navigate to ensure safety for themselves and the person or people they are supporting,” he explains.
Following your passion to care for the elderly, while feeling unsure as to whether you’re going to make enough to live comfortably, can be difficult. But for many, it’s a pursuit that is still well worth it. Particularly with changes on the horizon.
“As [support] workers, we need to ensure we care for ourselves first, in order to care for others,” Joel says.
Should you choose to start (or continue) studying aged care, you can rest assured knowing the industry is moving towards a better future—one in which workers are rewarded with what they’re worth.
Explore flexible aged care courses that are available to study online through Open Universities Australia.
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