What is the minimum hourly rate for an aged care worker under the award?

Under the Aged Care Award 2010, the minimum hourly rate for a full-time general employee at Level 1 is $27.77 per hour from the first full pay period on or after 1 September 2026. Higher levels pay more, up to $33.65 for Level 7. Direct care roles (e.g., qualified carers) have separate, higher rates. These are the legal minimums; many employers pay above award.

How does casual loading affect an age care worker salary?

Casual employees under the award receive a 25% loading on top of the base hourly rate instead of paid leave. For a Level 1 aged care employee, the casual rate is $34.71 per hour ($27.77 × 1.25). When using our [timesheet](/), you enter the base hourly rate and check the casual loading box; do not enter a rate that already includes loading. Overtime for casuals is calculated on the loaded rate.

What superannuation is paid on top of an age care worker salary?

Employers must pay superannuation guarantee contributions of 12% of ordinary earnings on top of the employee's base salary. For a full-time Level 1 employee earning $54,880 annually, that adds about $6,585.60 in super, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. Super is not deducted from the employee's pay; it is an extra cost for the employer.

Understanding the Age Care Worker Salary: Award Rates, Casual Loading, and Annual Pay

A full-time aged care employee at Level 1 earns $27.77 per hour, or $1,055.40 per week for 38 hours, giving an annual salary of about $54,880 before tax and super.

Calculating an Age Care Worker Salary

When you search for an age care worker salary, you typically see an hourly rate or a weekly figure. To turn that into an annual amount, use the standard formula: hourly rate × hours per week × 52. For full-time employees under the Aged Care Award 2010, the ordinary hours are 38 per week (or an average of 38). So a Level 1 aged care employee earning $27.77 per hour would have:

Weekly pay: $27.77 × 38 = $1,055.40
Fortnightly pay: $1,055.40 × 2 = $2,110.80
Annual gross: $1,055.40 × 52 = $54,880.80

This matches the award rate published by the Fair Work Ombudsman. The same formula works for any classification—just replace the hourly rate.

Award Rates vs. National Minimum Wage

The National Minimum Wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour for a full-time employee (38 hours), or $1,004.90 per week. However, the age care worker salary is governed by the Aged Care Award 2010, which sets higher minimums. For example:

General employee Level 1: $27.77/hr
General employee Level 2: $28.87/hr
General employee Level 3: $29.98/hr
General employee Level 7: $33.65/hr
Direct care Level 2 (Direct Carer): $34.42/hr (based on weekly $1,307.80 ÷ 38)

These rates apply from the first full pay period on or after 1 September 2026, as shown in the Fair Work Commission's Modern Awards Pay Database. Always check the specific classification for your role.

Casual Loading and Overtime

Casual employees receive a 25% loading on the base hourly rate instead of paid leave. For a Level 1 casual, that's $34.71 per hour. When using our timesheet, enter the base award rate (e.g., $27.77) and tick the casual loading checkbox—the tool adds the 25% automatically. Never enter a rate that already includes loading.

Overtime rates also differ. For full-time and part-time employees, Monday–Friday overtime is paid at 150% for the first two hours and 200% thereafter. For casuals, the rates are 187.5% and 250% respectively (because the casual loading is included before applying the overtime multiplier).

Superannuation and Tax

Superannuation Guarantee contributions are 12% of ordinary earnings, paid on top of the salary. For a Level 1 full-time employee earning $54,880.80, the employer adds approximately $6,585.70 in super, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. This is not deducted from your pay—it's an extra benefit.

Income tax for 2026–27 uses the resident tax-free threshold of $18,200, then:

15% on income from $18,201 to $45,000
30% on income from $45,001 to $135,000
37% on income from $135,001 to $190,000
45% on income above $190,000

Plus the Medicare levy of 2% (with possible reductions for low incomes). For a $54,880 salary, the estimated tax (including Medicare) is about $7,747, leaving a take-home pay of roughly $47,133. Use our take-home pay tool for a personalised estimate.

Part-Time and Pro-Rata Pay

Part-time employees work fewer than 38 hours per week but have predictable hours. Their pay is pro-rata: weekly rate = (hours worked ÷ 38) × full-time weekly rate. For example, a Level 1 employee working 20 hours per week earns (20 ÷ 38) × $1,055.40 = $555.47 per week. The same formula applies for annual salary.

Fortnightly Pay

Many aged care employers pay fortnightly. Simply multiply the weekly rate by two. For a Level 1 full-time employee: $1,055.40 × 2 = $2,110.80 per fortnight before tax and super.

Using Our Tools

Our timesheet, pay guides, and reference tables help you convert hourly rates to annual, weekly, and fortnightly figures. You can also explore minimum wage, casual loading, and super and packaging topics. Remember that the annual estimate assumes the same rate every week with no unpaid overtime, penalty rates, or salary sacrifice. Super is estimated at 12% of ordinary earnings only, paid on top, and stops at the maximum contribution base. Tax uses the 2026–27 resident scale with the full tax-free threshold. This is an estimate, not a determination of your pay or tax.

Summary

To find your age care worker salary, start with your award classification hourly rate, multiply by 38 hours per week, then by 52 weeks. Add casual loading if applicable, and remember super is on top. Use our calculators to see your fortnightly pay, tax, and take-home amount.