SCHADS Level 5 Salary: Award Minimums and How They Compare
The SCHADS Level 5 salary is set by the award; the exact rate is not published in this search, but the national minimum wage floor is $26.44 per hour from 1 July 2026.
Understanding the SCHADS Level 5 Salary
The term "schads level 5 salary" refers to the minimum pay rate for employees classified at Level 5 under the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award (SCHADS). This award covers many workers in community services, disability support, and home care. The exact rate depends on the specific classification within Level 5 and any applicable allowances.
The Legal Minimum Floor
Every employee in Australia is entitled to at least the national minimum wage if no award or agreement applies. From 1 July 2026, the national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a full-time employee working 38 ordinary hours . However, most employees are covered by a modern award, which sets higher minimum rates. The SCHADS Award is one such award. The Fair Work Commission sets these rates through annual wage reviews, and the Fair Work Ombudsman publishes pay guides with the current figures .
Award Rates vs. Negotiated Salaries
A SCHADS Level 5 salary is a minimum award rate. It is not a survey average or a typical negotiated salary. Employers can pay above the award rate, and many do through enterprise agreements or individual contracts. The award rate is the legal floor; anything above is a matter of negotiation. The Fair Work Commission's Modern Awards Pay Database provides the calculated minimum rates, but the database is updated periodically and must be read with the award itself .
Superannuation on Top
When discussing the SCHADS Level 5 salary, remember that superannuation is an employer payment on top of the base salary. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of ordinary time earnings. So if the award rate is, say, $30 per hour, the employer pays an additional $3.60 per hour into the employee's super fund. The salary figure in pay guides does not include super.
How to Find the Exact Rate
The exact SCHADS Level 5 salary is not listed in this guide because the search results did not provide the precise figure. To find it, visit the Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay Guides page and download the SCHADS Award pay guide. Alternatively, use the Pay and Conditions Tool on the same site. The rate will be effective from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026, following the 4.75% increase from the Annual Wage Review 2026.
Comparing to Other Benchmarks
For context, the Australian Bureau of Statistics reported that in May 2026, full-time adult ordinary-time earnings were $2,083.70 per week, and all employees average total earnings were $1,579.20 per week. The SCHADS Level 5 salary is likely below these averages, reflecting the nature of community and disability services work. However, the award rate is a minimum; many workers receive higher pay through experience, qualifications, or enterprise agreements.
Internal Resources
For more information on which minimum wage applies to you, see Which minimum wage applies. To view rate tables for other awards, see Rate tables.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SCHADS Level 5 salary?
The SCHADS Level 5 salary is the minimum pay rate for employees classified at Level 5 under the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award (SCHADS). The exact rate depends on the specific classification and any applicable allowances. The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes pay guides with current rates. As of 1 July 2026, all award rates increased by 4.75%, but the lowest ongoing rate cannot fall below the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour.
How does the SCHADS Level 5 salary compare to the national minimum wage?
The SCHADS Level 5 salary is higher than the national minimum wage because it is set by a modern award. The national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour (from 1 July 2026) is a floor for award-free employees. Award rates, including SCHADS Level 5, must be at least that amount. The actual Level 5 rate is published in the SCHADS pay guide and is typically above the national minimum.
Is superannuation paid on top of the SCHADS Level 5 salary?
Yes, superannuation is paid on top of the SCHADS Level 5 salary. The super guarantee rate is 12% of ordinary time earnings from 1 July 2026. Employers must pay this amount in addition to the base salary. The salary figure quoted in award pay guides does not include super.
For the published floors, see the rate tables and how the figures work.
Questions people ask next
What is the SCHADS Level 5 salary?
The SCHADS Level 5 salary is the minimum pay rate for employees classified at Level 5 under the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award (SCHADS). The exact rate depends on the specific classification and any applicable allowances. The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes pay guides with current rates. As of 1 July 2026, all award rates increased by 4.75%, but the lowest ongoing rate cannot fall below the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour.
How does the SCHADS Level 5 salary compare to the national minimum wage?
The SCHADS Level 5 salary is higher than the national minimum wage because it is set by a modern award. The national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour (from 1 July 2026) is a floor for award-free employees. Award rates, including SCHADS Level 5, must be at least that amount. The actual Level 5 rate is published in the SCHADS pay guide and is typically above the national minimum.
Is superannuation paid on top of the SCHADS Level 5 salary?
Yes, superannuation is paid on top of the SCHADS Level 5 salary. The super guarantee rate is 12% of ordinary time earnings from 1 July 2026. Employers must pay this amount in addition to the base salary. The salary figure quoted in award pay guides does not include super.
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The SCHADS Level 4 salary ranges from $46.70 per hour (pay point 1) to $50.25 per hour (pay point 4) as of 1 July 2026, well above the national minimum wage of $26.44.
- SCHADS Level 3 Salary: Award Rate and Minimum Pay Guide
The SCHADS Award Level 3 minimum rate is $40.49 per hour ($1,538.59 per week) from 1 July 2026, well above the national minimum wage.
- SCHADS Level 8 Salary: Award Minimums and How They Compare
The SCHADS Award Level 8 minimum salary is not specified in the provided search results; the award sets minimum rates that vary by classification and date of effect.
- SCHADS Level 6 Salary: Award Minimum Rates from July 2026
The SCHADS Award minimum for a Level 6 employee (full-time) is $58.37 per hour or $2,218.02 per week, effective from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026.