What is the minimum hourly rate for a disability support worker under the SCHADS Award?

The minimum hourly rate depends on the classification level. For a Home care employee level 1—disability care (Pay point 1), the weekly rate is $1,036.80 for 38 hours, which equals $27.28 per hour. Higher levels pay more. Casual employees receive a 25% loading, making the casual rate $34.10 per hour. These rates are set by the Fair Work Commission and apply from 1 July 2026.

How is casual loading applied to a disability support worker salary?

Casual employees under the SCHADS Award are paid a 25% loading on top of the base hourly rate. For example, a Level 1 disability support worker on $27.28 per hour would receive $34.10 per hour as a casual. This loading compensates for entitlements casuals do not receive, such as paid leave. When using our [casual loading](/topics/casual-loading) tool, enter the base hourly rate and check the casual loading box to see the total.

How much superannuation is paid on a disability support worker salary?

Employers must pay superannuation guarantee contributions of 12% on ordinary earnings, on top of the base salary. For a full-time Level 1 disability support worker earning $53,913.60 annually, the super contribution would be about $6,469.63, bringing the total package to $60,383.23. Super is paid on ordinary time earnings, including casual loading if applicable, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year.

Disability Support Worker Salary: How to Calculate Your Pay Under the SCHADS Award

A full-time disability support worker at SCHADS Award Level 1 earns $1,036.80 per week (38 hours), equating to an annual salary of $53,913.60 before tax and super.

Understanding the Disability Support Worker Salary Under the SCHADS Award

If you work or are considering work as a disability support worker in Australia, your minimum pay is set by the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award (SCHADS Award). This award covers home care employees providing services to people with a disability. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides guidance on pay and allowances, and the Fair Work Commission publishes the official award rates each year.

How to Calculate Your Annual Disability Support Worker Salary

The standard full-time week under the SCHADS Award is 38 hours. To find your annual gross salary, multiply your hourly rate by 38 and then by 52 weeks. For example, a disability support worker at Home care employee level 1—disability care (Pay point 1) earns $1,036.80 per week (). That gives an hourly rate of $27.28 ($1,036.80 ÷ 38). The annual salary is $27.28 × 38 × 52 = $53,913.60.

Higher classification levels pay more. For instance, Home care employee level 2—disability care (Pay point 1) is $1,096.60 per week, or $28.86 per hour, yielding an annual salary of $57,023.20. Level 3 (Pay point 2) is $1,153.70 per week, or $30.36 per hour, annual $59,992.40. These rates are minimums; some employers may offer more.

Casual Loading and the National Minimum Wage

Casual disability support workers receive a 25% loading on top of the base hourly rate. For Level 1, that’s $34.10 per hour. This is higher than the National Minimum Wage casual rate of $33.05 per hour (from 1 July 2026). The casual loading compensates for not receiving paid leave. When using our casual loading calculator, enter the base hourly rate (e.g., $27.28) and tick the casual loading box to see the total.

Fortnightly and Weekly Pay

Most employers pay weekly or fortnightly. A full-time Level 1 disability support worker’s weekly pay is $1,036.80. Fortnightly, that’s $2,073.60 before tax. Casual workers at $34.10 per hour for 38 hours earn $1,295.80 per week, or $2,591.60 per fortnight. Our pay guides can help you compare different employment types.

Tax and Medicare Levy on Your Disability Support Worker Salary

Using the 2026–27 resident tax rates from the Australian Taxation Office, the first $18,200 is tax-free. For a $53,913.60 annual salary, the taxable amount after the tax-free threshold is $35,713.60. The tax is:

15% on $26,800 ($18,201 to $45,000) = $4,020
30% on the remaining $8,913.60 ($45,001 to $135,000) = $2,674.08 Total tax = $6,694.08.

The Medicare levy is 2% of taxable income (using the 2025–26 single reduction thresholds as a guide). That’s $1,078.27. Total deductions = $7,772.35. Net annual pay = $46,141.25. Fortnightly net = $1,774.66. For a more detailed breakdown, see our take-home pay page.

Superannuation Paid on Top

Employers must pay superannuation guarantee contributions of 12% on ordinary earnings, on top of your salary. For a $53,913.60 salary, that’s an extra $6,469.63 per year, making your total employment cost $60,383.23. Super is paid on ordinary time earnings, which includes casual loading if applicable, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. Learn more about super and packaging.

Comparing Award Rates to the National Minimum Wage

The National Minimum Wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week for 38 hours. The SCHADS Award rates for disability support workers are higher, reflecting the specialised nature of the work. For example, Level 1 at $27.28 per hour is $0.84 above the minimum. Always check the award rate for your classification using our reference tables.

Allowances and Other Payments

The SCHADS Award also provides allowances for broken shifts, first aid, on-call, sleepovers, and more. For instance, the broken shift allowance is $21.81 for one unpaid break, and the sleepover allowance is $62.87 per sleepover. These are paid on top of your base rate. Our hourly conversion tool can help you factor in allowances if you know the hourly equivalent.

Important Notes on Your Calculation

This estimate assumes you work the same hours every week with no unpaid overtime, penalty rates, or allowances. Super is estimated at 12% of ordinary earnings only, paid on top, and stops at the $270,830 maximum contribution base. Tax uses the 2026–27 resident scale with the full tax-free threshold. Medicare uses the 2025–26 single reduction thresholds as the 2026–27 thresholds were not confirmed. HELP, the Medicare levy surcharge, and salary packaging are not deducted. For a personalised estimate, use our the timesheet tool where you can enter your base hourly rate and add casual loading.

Final Thoughts

Understanding your disability support worker salary involves knowing your award classification, hours, and entitlements. The SCHADS Award provides clear minimums, but your actual pay may be higher depending on your employer and experience. Always refer to the Fair Work Ombudsman and Fair Work Commission for the most accurate and up-to-date information.