What is the minimum wage for a case manager?

There is no single minimum wage for case managers because the rate depends on the award or enterprise agreement that covers your role. The national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour (from 1 July 2026) is the legal floor for award-free employees. Most case managers are covered by a modern award such as the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010 or the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020, which set higher minimum rates based on classification level.

How does superannuation affect my case manager salary?

Superannuation is an employer payment on top of your salary. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee rate is 12% of your ordinary time earnings. For example, if your base salary is $60,000, your employer must contribute an additional $7,200 into your super fund. This is not deducted from your pay; it is a separate contribution.

Where can I find the correct award rate for my case manager role?

Use the Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay and Conditions Tool (available on their website) or check the classification definitions in your award. The Fair Work Commission's Modern Awards Pay Database also lists minimum rates for each classification. If you are covered by an enterprise agreement, the base pay rate cannot be less than the relevant award rate.

Case Manager Salary: How to Check Your Pay Against the Minimum Wage

The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, but most case managers are covered by an award or agreement that sets a higher rate.

Case Manager Salary: Know Your Pay Floor

If you work as a case manager in Australia, understanding your case manager salary starts with knowing the legal minimum that applies to you. The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week for 38 ordinary hours), but this is only the floor for employees not covered by an award or agreement. Most case managers are covered by a modern award or enterprise agreement that sets a higher rate.

Legal Minimum vs Award Rate vs Negotiated Salary

It is important to separate these concepts:

Legal minimum: The national minimum wage set by the Fair Work Commission. This applies only if you are award-free and agreement-free. Juniors, apprentices, trainees, and supported wage employees may receive less.
Award rate: The minimum pay rate in your industry or occupation award. For case managers, common awards include the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010 (often called the SCHADS Award) or the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020. These awards have classification levels with higher minimum rates than the national minimum.
Negotiated salary: Many case managers are paid above the award rate, especially in community services or government roles. Your actual salary may be higher than the minimum, but it cannot be lower than the award rate.
Survey average: The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reports average weekly earnings for full-time adults at $2,083.70 per week (May 2026). This is a broad benchmark, not a target for your individual case manager salary.

How Superannuation Fits In

Superannuation is an employer contribution on top of your salary. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of your ordinary time earnings. If your base salary is $65,000, your employer must add $7,800 to your super fund each year. This is not part of your take-home pay but is a compulsory benefit.

Checking Your Hourly Rate

To check if your case manager salary meets the legal minimum, convert your annual or weekly pay to an hourly rate. Divide your weekly pay by 38 (ordinary hours) or your annual salary by 1,976 (38 hours × 52 weeks). Compare that to $26.44 per hour. If you are covered by an award, use the award's hourly rate for your classification.

For example, if you earn $70,000 per year, your hourly rate is about $35.43. That is well above the national minimum, but you still need to check your award to ensure you are not underpaid for your classification level.

When an Award or Agreement Sets a Higher Rate

A modern award or enterprise agreement can require a higher rate than the national minimum. The Fair Work Commission sets award rates each year in the Annual Wage Review. From 1 July 2026, most award rates increased by 4.75%, but the lowest ongoing classification cannot be less than $26.44 per hour. Introductory rates (first 6 months) cannot be less than $25.74 per hour.

If you are unsure which award applies, use the Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay and Conditions Tool or check the coverage clause in your award. Which minimum wage applies can help you understand your situation.

What If You Are Award-Free?

If you are not covered by any award or enterprise agreement, the national minimum wage applies. For adult employees (21 and over), that is $26.44 per hour ($33.05 per hour casual with 25% loading). Juniors, apprentices, and trainees have different rates. See Rate tables for the full schedule.

The Role of Enterprise Agreements

Some case managers work under an enterprise agreement that covers their employer. The base pay rate in the agreement cannot be less than the base rate in the relevant award. If your agreement rate seems low, compare it to the award. The Fair Work Ombudsman can help you check.

Practical Steps

Identify your award or agreement.
Find your classification level and minimum hourly rate.
Convert your pay to an hourly rate.
Compare. If your rate is below the minimum, talk to your employer or contact the Fair Work Ombudsman.

Remember, the Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage and award rates. The Fair Work Ombudsman explains and enforces them. This site provides guidance only; it is not a pay determination or legal advice.

Summary

Your case manager salary should be at least the minimum rate for your award classification. The national minimum wage is a backstop. Use the tools and resources from the Fair Work Ombudsman and the Fair Work Commission to verify your pay. Superannuation is an extra 12% on top. If you have further questions, see the FAQs below.

For the published floors, see the rate tables and how the figures work.