What is the minimum wage for an aged care worker under the Aged Care Award?

The minimum wage depends on the classification. For general employees, Level 1 starts at $1,055.40 per week ($27.77 per hour). For direct care employees, Level 1 Introductory is $1,239.00 per week ($32.61 per hour). These rates apply from the first full pay period on or after 1 September 2026, as set by the Fair Work Commission.

How does superannuation affect my aged care worker salary?

Superannuation is paid on top of your ordinary time earnings at the current rate of 12%. For example, if your weekly salary is $1,239.00, your employer must contribute an additional $148.68 to your super fund. This is not deducted from your pay; it is an extra payment.

Can an enterprise agreement pay less than the Aged Care Award?

No. An enterprise agreement cannot undercut the minimum rates in the Aged Care Award. However, an agreement can set higher rates or better conditions. Always check if your employer is covered by an agreement that may provide more than the award minimum.

Aged care worker salary: award rates, tax and super on your weekly packet

The minimum weekly salary for an aged care worker under the Aged Care Award ranges from $1,055.40 (general Level 1) to $1,541.90 (direct care Level 6), with superannuation of 12% paid on top.

Aged care worker salary: what the award says

When you search for an aged care worker salary, the first place to look is the Aged Care Award 2010, which covers most employees in the aged care industry. The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes the official award rates, and from the first full pay period on or after 1 September 2026, the minimum weekly wages range from $1,055.40 for a general employee at Level 1 up to $1,541.90 for a direct care Team Leader at Level 6. These are the legal minimums – your employer cannot pay less unless a registered enterprise agreement sets a higher rate.

General employees vs direct care employees

The award splits classifications into two streams. General employees include roles like kitchen hands, cleaners, and administrative staff. Their rates start at Level 1 ($1,055.40 per week, $27.77 per hour) and go to Level 7 ($1,278.60 per week, $33.65 per hour). Direct care employees are those who provide personal care, nursing support, or specialist services. Their rates begin at Level 1 Introductory ($1,239.00 per week, $32.61 per hour) and rise to Level 6 Team Leader ($1,541.90 per week, $40.58 per hour).

Casual employees receive a 25% loading on the ordinary hourly rate instead of paid leave. For example, a casual direct care Level 1 Introductory employee earns $40.76 per hour. All rates include the 4.75% increase from the 2026 Annual Wage Review.

How the national minimum wage compares

The national minimum wage, set by the Fair Work Commission, is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week from 1 July 2026. Every award classification in aged care sits well above this floor. However, if you are award-free (for example, working in a small business not covered by the award), the national minimum applies. The award also contains an introductory rate for the first six months of employment, which cannot fall below $25.74 per hour or $978.10 per week.

For award-free junior employees, the national minimum is reduced by age percentages. But under the Aged Care Award, junior rates are not automatically lower – you must check the award’s specific provisions.

Superannuation: the extra 12% on top

Your aged care worker salary is not just the hourly or weekly rate. Under the Superannuation Guarantee, your employer must pay an additional 12% of your ordinary time earnings into a super fund. This is not deducted from your pay; it is an extra contribution. For a full-time direct care employee earning $1,239.00 per week, that means an extra $148.68 per week going towards your retirement savings. The award itself requires employers to make contributions that avoid the superannuation guarantee charge.

Tax and Medicare: what you actually take home

Your take-home pay depends on your tax file number declaration and the tax-free threshold. For the 2026-27 income year, resident rates apply with the full tax-free threshold. Once your annualised ordinary gross pay exceeds about $30,000, Medicare levy of 2% is estimated. The low-income tax offset and other offsets can reduce tax, but this guide does not model them. As a rough example, a weekly award rate of $1,239.00 (annual $64,428) would attract tax and Medicare, leaving you with less than the gross amount. Always use the ATO’s tax calculator for your exact situation.

Where to find more detail

For a full breakdown of all classification rates, visit our Rate tables page. If you want to understand how the figures are calculated, see How the figures work. Remember, the award is the legal minimum – many employers pay above it, and enterprise agreements can offer more. Always check your pay slip against the award classification that matches your duties.

Summary

The aged care worker salary is clearly defined by the Aged Care Award. The minimum weekly rates are higher than the national minimum wage, and superannuation is paid on top. Tax and Medicare reduce your take-home pay, but the gross figure is the starting point for negotiations. If you believe you are being underpaid, contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for advice.