What is the minimum wage for an NDIS support worker?

The minimum wage depends on whether you are covered by the SCHADS Award. If award-free, the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour (from 1 July 2026) applies. Under the SCHADS Award, the minimum rate is higher and varies by classification. From 1 December 2026, home care disability employees receive an initial increase of up to 15% to their minimum award rates. Always check the award or an enterprise agreement for the correct floor.

How does the SCHADS Award affect NDIS support worker pay?

The Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award (SCHADS Award) sets minimum pay rates, allowances, and penalty rates for most NDIS support workers. Classification levels depend on duties, responsibility, and qualifications. Progression through pay points may occur after 12 months of continuous employment with satisfactory performance. The award also provides overtime, shift loadings, and weekend penalties. An enterprise agreement can set higher rates but cannot undercut the award minimum.

Is superannuation included in the quoted hourly rate?

No. Superannuation is an employer payment on top of the base hourly rate. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of ordinary time earnings. For example, a $31.28 per hour base rate would attract an additional $3.75 per hour in super, making the total cost to the employer about $35.03 per hour. The NDIA survey reported that most providers paid the mandated minimum super, though 21.5% paid above 9.5% (the rate at the time of the survey).

NDIS Support Worker Salary: Minimum Rates, Award Pay and Survey Averages

The legal minimum for an NDIS support worker is either the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour (from 1 July 2026) or the higher rate set by the SCHADS Award, with a 2020-21 survey average of $31.28 per hour.

Understanding the NDIS support worker salary

If you are looking for the ndis support worker salary, the answer depends on whether you are covered by a modern award, an enterprise agreement, or are award-free. The legal minimum is set by either the national minimum wage or the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award (SCHADS Award), whichever is higher. This guide explains the different pay floors, how survey averages compare, and what superannuation you must pay on top.

The legal minimum: national minimum wage and award rates

From 1 July 2026, the national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week for a 38-hour week. Casual employees receive a 25% loading, making the casual minimum $33.05 per hour. However, most NDIS support workers are covered by the SCHADS Award, which sets higher minimum rates based on classification levels. The Fair Work Commission’s Modern Awards Pay Database contains the calculated minimum rates for each classification. The award also includes allowances, penalty rates, and overtime provisions.

For award-covered employees, the minimum rate cannot fall below the national minimum wage. The SCHADS Award has its own pay points that increase with experience and qualifications. From 1 December 2026, home care disability employees covered by the award will receive an initial increase of up to 15% to their minimum award rates, with further changes from 1 October 2027. Always check the award or an enterprise agreement that is registered with the Fair Work Commission.

Survey averages from the NDIA Financial Benchmarking Survey

The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) publishes an annual Financial Benchmarking Survey of disability support providers. The 2020-21 survey reported a weighted average base pay for disability support workers (DSWs) of $31.28 per hour. The interquartile range was narrow ($28.75 to $33.43), indicating most workers are paid according to the SCHADS Award. The survey also found that the average base pay was higher where each DSW supported more participants, where frontline supervisors were paid more, and where supported independent living (SIL) services were offered.

This average is not a legal minimum but a market benchmark. It is older data (2020-21) and may not reflect current pay rates, especially after the 2026 national minimum wage increase and the upcoming SCHADS Award changes. Use it as a reference point, not a guarantee.

Negotiated salaries and enterprise agreements

Some NDIS providers pay above the award rate to attract or retain staff. Enterprise agreements can set higher pay and conditions, but they must pass the better off overall test. If you are negotiating your salary, remember that the award minimum is the floor. The NDIA survey showed a full range of base pay from $22.42 to $65.00 per hour, with the majority clustered around the award rates. Your actual salary will depend on your classification, experience, and the provider’s funding.

Superannuation: an employer cost on top

When discussing the ndis support worker salary, remember that superannuation is an additional payment by the employer. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of ordinary time earnings. For a worker earning $31.28 per hour, the employer must pay an extra $3.75 per hour into super. The NDIA survey reported that most providers paid the mandated minimum super (9.5% at the time), but 21.5% paid above that. Workers’ compensation premiums also add to the employer’s cost, averaging 3.2% of base salary.

How to find your correct pay floor

To determine your minimum pay, first check if you are covered by the SCHADS Award. If you are award-free, the national minimum wage applies. If you are covered by an enterprise agreement, that agreement sets the rate, but it cannot be less than the award. Use the Which minimum wage applies guide to understand your coverage. For detailed award rates, see the Rate tables page.

Frequently asked questions

We have answered the most common questions about the ndis support worker salary above. For further reading, see our Guides on award classification and How the figures work for survey data.