What is the typical hourly rate for a youth worker under the SCHADS Award?

Youth workers are covered by the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award (SCHADS). Rates vary by classification and pay point. For example, a Level 1 pay point 1 employee earns $27.55 per hour, while a Level 2 pay point 1 earns $36.22 per hour. Higher levels and pay points increase accordingly. These rates are set by the Fair Work Ombudsman and updated annually.

How does casual loading affect a youth worker salary?

Casual employees under the SCHADS Award receive a 25% loading on top of the base hourly rate. For instance, a casual youth worker at Level 1 pay point 1 would earn $34.44 per hour ($27.55 × 1.25). This loading compensates for entitlements like paid leave. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides full casual rates in the award pay guide.

What is the annual salary for a full-time youth worker at Level 2?

A full-time youth worker at Level 2 pay point 1 earns $36.22 per hour. Assuming 38 hours per week and 52 weeks per year, the annual salary is approximately $71,579 ($36.22 × 38 × 52). This does not include superannuation, which is paid on top at 12% of ordinary earnings.

Youth Worker Salary Guide: Hourly Rates, Annual Pay, and Award Conditions

A full-time youth worker at SCHADS Level 1 pay point 1 earns $27.55 per hour, or about $54,439 per year based on 38 hours per week.

Understanding the Youth Worker Salary in Australia

If you're looking to understand a youth worker salary, the first place to check is the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010 (SCHADS Award). This award covers most youth workers in Australia and sets minimum pay rates, allowances, and conditions. The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes a pay guide that lists hourly and weekly rates for each classification level.

For example, a full-time youth worker at Level 1 pay point 1 earns $27.55 per hour or $1,046.90 per week for 38 hours. At Level 2 pay point 1, the rate rises to $36.22 per hour or $1,376.49 per week. These rates apply from the first full pay period starting on or after 1 December 2026, as per the latest pay guide.

How to Convert Hourly to Annual Pay

To estimate your annual gross pay, use the formula: hourly rate × hours per week × 52 weeks. For a youth worker on a standard 38-hour week, that means multiplying the hourly rate by 1,976 (38 × 52).

Level 1 pay point 1: $27.55 × 38 × 52 = $54,438.80 per year
Level 2 pay point 1: $36.22 × 38 × 52 = $71,578.72 per year
Level 3 pay point 1: $40.49 × 38 × 52 = $80,008.24 per year

You can also work out your fortnightly pay by doubling the weekly rate. For Level 1 pay point 1, that's $2,093.80 per fortnight before tax.

This calculation assumes you work the same hours every week with no unpaid overtime, penalty rates, or allowances. For a more tailored estimate, use our hourly conversion tool.

Casual Loading and Superannuation

Many youth workers are employed casually. Under the SCHADS Award, casual employees receive a 25% loading on top of the base hourly rate. For example, a casual youth worker at Level 1 pay point 1 earns $34.44 per hour ($27.55 × 1.25). This loading is meant to compensate for not receiving paid leave entitlements.

Superannuation is paid on top of your gross earnings. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of ordinary time earnings, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year. For a full-time youth worker at Level 1 pay point 1, that's an extra $6,532.66 per year contributed to your super fund. Super is not deducted from your salary; it's an additional payment from your employer. Learn more about super and packaging.

Tax on Your Youth Worker Salary

Your take-home pay depends on the tax withheld. For the 2026–27 financial year, the resident tax rates are:

Nil on the first $18,200
15% on income between $18,201 and $45,000
30% on income between $45,001 and $135,000
37% on income between $135,001 and $190,000
45% on income above $190,000

Plus a Medicare levy of 2% (with reductions for low-income earners). For a youth worker earning $54,439, the estimated tax (including Medicare) would be around $7,467, leaving a take-home pay of about $46,972 per year. Use our take-home pay calculator for a precise estimate.

Comparing Youth Worker Pay to National Minimum Wage and Averages

The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour for award-free employees, or $1,004.90 per week for 38 hours. A youth worker at Level 1 pay point 1 ($27.55) earns slightly above this minimum. More experienced youth workers at Level 2 or above earn well above the minimum.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, average weekly earnings for full-time adult employees in May 2026 were $2,083.70 (ordinary time). A youth worker at Level 2 pay point 1 ($1,376.49 per week) is below this average, reflecting the community services sector's funding constraints. However, the SCHADS Award includes equal remuneration provisions that have boosted rates over time.

Using Award Pay Guides and Reference Tables

To find the exact rate for your classification, refer to the official pay guides from the Fair Work Ombudsman or the reference tables on our site. The SCHADS Award has multiple levels (1 to 8) and pay points within each level. Your employer must pay at least the minimum rate for your classification.

Remember that penalty rates apply for work on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays. For example, a Level 1 youth worker on Saturday earns $41.33 per hour (150% of base), and on Sunday $55.10 per hour (200%). These can significantly boost your income if you work weekends.

Summary

A youth worker salary depends on your award classification, experience, and employment type. Use the hourly rates from the SCHADS Award pay guide, multiply by 38 hours and 52 weeks to get annual gross pay, then factor in casual loading, super, and tax. For a quick calculation, try our the timesheet tool where you can enter your base hourly rate and toggle casual loading.

Always check the latest award rates from the Fair Work Ombudsman, as they are updated after the Annual Wage Review. The Fair Work Commission also provides a Modern Awards Pay Database for detailed data.