More people than ever are choosing to work in disability support, and it’s easy to see why. The sector is growing rapidly and plays a crucial role in providing daily assistance to many Australians in need.
This field offers great personal and financial rewards, but if you’re considering a career as a Disability Support Worker, you probably want to understand the salary expectations once you’re qualified.
In this article, we’ll explore disability workers’ pay rates and outline the steps to enter this profession, helping you prepare for this exciting career path.
What Does a Disability Support Worker Do?
The number of Australians with disabilities is on the rise. There are over 5 million people impacted, and around 8% of the population living with a profound or severe disability – which is where a committed and caring work force steps in.
Among the thousands of people working in the disability sector, the Disability Support Worker is among the most common. These workers provide crucial support for individuals with disabilities, including help with daily activities, personal care, and assisting with medication. It’s an essential role in meeting the growing demand for services that support individuals in need, with most delivering in-home support through regular visits to clients and some providing around-the-clock assistance in a care home.
Key responsibilities of a Disability Support Worker
While no two clients have identical needs, you will find many common tasks when working as a Disability Support Worker – such as:
- Personal Care: Assisting clients with activities such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting to maintain hygiene and dignity.
- Medication Assistance: Helping clients take prescribed medications, ensuring correct dosages and timely administration.
- Transport: Providing or arranging transportation to and from appointments, social activities, or work.
- Household Support: Completing chores such as cleaning, cooking, shopping, and laundry to maintain a safe and functional living environment.
- Social Engagement: Encouraging and supporting clients to take part in social and recreational activities.
- Daily Activities: Helping clients with everyday tasks such as meal preparation, exercise, and general routine management.
- Monitoring Health: Observing clients’ health and report any changes in their condition to the appropriate healthcare professionals.
- Advocacy: Advocating for clients’ rights and assist them in communicating with services and other individuals.
- Documentation: Maintaining accurate records of care provided, including daily activities, progress, and incidents.
- Emergency Response: Responding appropriately to emergencies, ensuring the safety and well-being of clients.
Some clients with severe disabilities will require more specialist care due to their condition. Ultimately, the goal of a Disability Support Worker remains the same: to ensure the individual can lead a quality life despite their challenges.
How Much Can a Disability Support Worker Earn?
Across Australia, the Disability Support Worker pay rates will vary for a number of reasons – regional governance and cost of living among them. The salary can also depend on the qualifications gained by an individual before they enter the workplace.
Regardless of any differences across the states and territories, a national standard was implemented in 2010 to ensure a fair pay structure for anybody working in this sector, and this figure is reviewed regularly by the Fair Work Commission to continue aligning with market conditions.
Disability support worker award rate
As of July 1, 2024, the minimum Disability Support Worker hourly rate in Australia is $33.41 for permanent workers (or $41.76 for casual workers), based on the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services (SCHADS) award. The SCHADS framework sets the minimum standards for employment in these sectors, including pay rates.
Disability Support Workers are paid based on Level 2 or 3 of the SCHADS Award, with a final individual salary based on their years of service. Due to the nature of this type of care work, and industry qualifications required before entering the profession, Disability Support Workers automatically enter above the lowest pay rate (Level 1).
Disability support worker levels explained
Level 2 disability support worker pay starts at $33.41 per hour and increases by just over one dollar per hour at each sub level, known as ‘pay points’.
Level 3 disability support worker pay increases slightly again, based on some of the job responsibilities being considered more advanced or specialist.
Here’s what you can expect to earn as a minimum at each pay point as a Level 2 or 3 Disability Support Worker:
| SCHADS Award classification | Minimum hourly rate (permanent) | Minimum hourly rate (casual) |
| Level 2.1 | $33.41 | $41.76 |
| Level 2.2 | $34.46 | $43.08 |
| Level 2.3 | $35.51 | $44.39 |
| Level 2.4 | $36.46 | $45.58 |
| Level 3.1 | $37.35 | $46.69 |
| Level 3.2 | $38.42 | $48.03 |
| Level 3.3 | $39.24 | $49.05 |
| Level 3.4 | $40.05 | $50.06 |
Disability Support Worker qualifications
Entering the workforce as a Disability Support Worker requires formal training.
A Level 2 Disability Support Worker will at least have completed the CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability). Some will also have completed the CHC43121 Certificate IV in Disability Support, and as they advance to roles with additional responsibilities – like supervisory and managerial roles – their pay point will increase at the same time.
If you’re thinking about becoming a Disability Support Worker, it’s a good idea to explore these courses and learn about the types of skills you’ll acquire and expected duties after completing each one.
Disability Worker Salary by State
If you’re wondering how Disability Support Worker salaries work in your part of Australia, there are certainly differences due to the local population and numbers in need of support from one region to the next. For example, a Disability Support Worker in New South Wales can earn up to $65k annually, and only $57k per year in Tasmania. Your wage will also depend heavily on your work experience.
- New South Wales (NSW): Around $60,000 – $65,000.
- Victoria (VIC): Approximately $58,000 – $62,000.
- Queensland (QLD): Around $55,000 – $60,000.
- Western Australia (WA): About $62,000 – $67,000.
- South Australia (SA): Typically $54,000 – $58,000.
- Tasmania (TAS): Approximately $52,000 – $57,000.
- Australian Capital Territory (ACT): Around $63,000 – $68,000.
- Northern Territory (NT): Roughly $56,000 – $60,000.
Data taken from Talent and Indeed.
Getting Started in Disability Work
Working as a Disability Support Worker offers numerous benefits, including a respectable salary and the satisfaction of making a meaningful impact on others’ lives. With the sector growing steadily and ongoing demand for skilled workers, this career path provides abundant opportunities today and long into the future, paving the way for a rewarding and stable profession.
Keen to enter this field? Start your journey by completing the CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) through Collaboration Learning. With flexible study options, expert guidance, and a training program designed to be completed in under a year, you’ll be ready to embark on a fulfilling career helping individuals live their best lives.
