What Do Disability Support Workers Get Paid?

What Do Disability Support Workers Get Paid?

If you're thinking about becoming a Disability Support Worker in Australia, you're probably wondering, "What does the pay actually look like?" Understanding how pay works in this role can help you make informed career decisions and advocate for your rights on the job.

Let’s break it down.

Pay Is Set by the SCHADS Award

Disability Support Workers in Australia are usually paid under the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award (SCHADS Award). This award outlines the minimum hourly rates, penalty rates, and entitlements such as leave, overtime, and allowances.

Your exact pay will depend on:

• Your classification level (usually Level 2 for support workers)

• Whether you're casual, part-time or full-time

• When you work (e.g., weekends or public holidays attract penalty rates)

• The tasks you perform (personal care may attract a higher rate than community access)

  
  

Common Pay Levels

Here’s a general guide of what you would expect as an entry-level disability support worker.

Note: Casual staff receive a 25% loading in place of paid leave entitlements.

Penalty Rates Make a Difference

Working evenings, weekends, or public holidays can significantly increase your pay.

Here’s what you might earn:

• Saturday: x 150%

• Sunday: x 200%

• Public Holidays: x 250%

• Sleepover shifts: Paid as a flat allowance + penalties for any active hours worked

For example, a worker on SCHADS 2:2 doing a Sunday shift would be paid $68.92 an hour ($77.53 if casually employed)—a nice boost if you’re happy working weekends.

Travel Allowances

If you're driving your own car to support clients, providers will pay a kilometre allowance (currently around $0.99 per km), and some may reimburse parking or tolls.

How Pay Progression Works

Your pay can increase over time as you gain experience or take on more responsibilities. Many providers review your level annually or as your duties change.

To move up levels, you might need to:

• Work more independently

• Assist with complex needs

• Complete relevant training or qualifications

• Take on additional roles like mentoring or team coordination

Final Thoughts

Disability Support Work is more than a job—it's a career with heart. The pay is competitive, especially with penalty rates and allowances, and there's room for growth. But more than anything, it offers the chance to make a genuine difference in people’s lives every day.

Whether you're looking for flexible part-time work or a full-time career path, support work might be a great fit for you.

Hunter Community Hub is a great place to work. We believe that happy staff make happy clients.

Send your resume to employment@huntercommunityhub.org.au

We are always on the lookout for good staff. If you would like to work at HCH send us your resume at employment@huntercommunityhub.org.au

We are looking for staff to work throughout the lower Hunter areas of NSW, including Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Cessnock, Maitland, and Port Stephens.