SCHADS Level 3 Salary: Award Rate and Minimum Pay Guide

Understanding the SCHADS Level 3 Salary

When searching for a "schads level 3 salary", you are likely looking at the minimum pay rate for employees classified at Level 3 under the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award (the SCHADS Award). This award covers many workers in community services, disability support, and home care. The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes official pay guides that set out the minimum rates for each classification.

The Award Minimum Rate

From the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026, the SCHADS Award Level 3 pay point 1 rate is $40.49 per hour or $1,538.59 per week for a full-time employee working 38 ordinary hours. This is the legal minimum that must be paid to an employee classified at that level, unless an enterprise agreement or individual contract provides a higher amount. The rate comes from the Fair Work Ombudsman's SCHADS pay guide and the Fair Work Commission's Modern Awards Pay Database .

Higher pay points within Level 3 (pay points 2, 3, and 4) attract higher minimums, up to $43.42 per hour at Level 3 pay point 4. The award also specifies penalty rates for Saturday, Sunday, public holidays, and shift work, which are paid on top of the base rate.

Separating the Legal Minimum from Other Figures

It is important to distinguish between different types of pay figures:

• National minimum wage: The Fair Work Commission sets this at $26.44 per hour from 1 July 2026. This is the floor for award-free employees. Most SCHADS workers are covered by the award, so the award rate applies instead.
• Award minimum rate: The SCHADS Level 3 rate is a specific minimum for that classification. It is not a median or average; it is the legal minimum.
• Survey averages or medians: The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reports average weekly earnings, but those figures include all employees across all industries and are not specific to SCHADS classifications. For May 2026, the ABS reported full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $2,083.70 per week. A SCHADS Level 3 employee earning the award minimum would be below that average.
• Negotiated salary: Some employers pay above the award, especially under enterprise agreements or for experienced workers. The award rate is the starting point, not a cap.

Superannuation Is on Top

Employers must pay superannuation guarantee contributions on top of the ordinary time earnings. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee rate is 12% of ordinary time earnings. For a SCHADS Level 3 employee earning the minimum weekly rate of $1,538.59, the employer must contribute an additional $184.63 per week into the employee's super fund. This is not deducted from the wage; it is an extra cost for the employer.

Casual Loading and Penalty Rates

Casual employees under the SCHADS Award receive a 25% loading on the base hourly rate. For Level 3 pay point 1, the casual minimum is $50.61 per hour. This loading compensates for the lack of paid leave entitlements. Penalty rates for weekend and public holiday work are also higher for casuals.

For full-time and part-time employees, penalty rates apply as follows (from the pay guide):

• Saturday: 150% of base rate ($60.74 per hour for Level 3 pay point 1)
• Sunday: 200% ($80.98 per hour)
• Public holiday: 250% ($101.23 per hour)
• Afternoon shift: 12.5% loading ($45.55 per hour)
• Night shift: 15% loading ($46.56 per hour)

These penalties are in addition to the base rate and are mandatory minimums.

How the Rate Compares to the National Minimum

The SCHADS Level 3 rate is significantly above the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour. This reflects the skilled nature of community service and disability care work. However, not all SCHADS employees are at Level 3. Entry-level classifications (Level 1) start at $27.55 per hour, still above the national minimum. The award also has introductory rates for new employees in some classifications.

What If an Enterprise Agreement Applies?

If your employer has a registered enterprise agreement that covers your role, the agreement may set different (usually higher) rates. The award only applies when there is no agreement or when the agreement is less beneficial. Always check your employment contract and any applicable agreement first.

For more detail on how minimum wages are set and how to compare rates, see our Rate tables and How the figures work pages.

Important Notes

The rates in this guide are from the SCHADS Award pay guide published by the Fair Work Ombudsman, effective from 1 July 2026. The Fair Work Commission conducts an annual wage review each year, so rates may change. Always refer to the official pay guide for the most current figures. This information is for orientation only and is not legal or tax advice.