Support Worker Jobs in Australia 2025
Your guide to NDIS, disability support, and aged care careers
IntuitiveCalc Team
Financial Content Specialist
Published: 7 January 2025
| 12 min read
Growing sector: Australia needs 83,000+ new care workers by 2030. NDIS alone supports 600,000+ Australians, creating massive demand for support workers.
Support Worker Pay Rates 2025
| Role | Hourly Rate | Annual (Full-time) |
|---|---|---|
| Disability Support Worker (entry) | $28 - $34 | $54,000 - $65,000 |
| Disability Support Worker (experienced) | $32 - $40 | $62,000 - $78,000 |
| Aged Care Worker | $28 - $36 | $54,000 - $70,000 |
| Personal Care Assistant | $27 - $34 | $52,000 - $65,000 |
| Team Leader/Coordinator | $35 - $45 | $68,000 - $88,000 |
Penalty Rates (SCHADS Award)
- Saturday: 150% (casual 175%)
- Sunday: 200% (casual 225%)
- Public Holiday: 250% (casual 275%)
- Night shift allowance: Additional payments apply
- Sleepover: $69-85 per night + any active work paid
Types of Support Work
1. NDIS Disability Support
Supporting people with disabilities to live independently and achieve their goals.
Tasks include:
- Personal care assistance
- Community access & activities
- Transport and appointments
- Household tasks
- Skill development
Work settings:
- Client's home
- Group homes (SIL)
- Community outings
- Day programs
2. Aged Care Support
Residential (Nursing Homes)
- More structured shifts
- Team environment
- Regular hours
- Career progression
Home Care
- More independence
- Travel between clients
- Varied hours
- Build relationships
Requirements to Work
Essential Requirements
- 1. NDIS Worker Screening Check: $105, takes 2-4 weeks
- 2. Working with Children Check: Free-$80 (state dependent)
- 3. First Aid Certificate: $100-150 (1 day course)
- 4. Driver's License: Required for most roles
- 5. Own vehicle: Often required, km reimbursement provided
Recommended Qualifications
- Certificate III in Individual Support: 6-12 months, $2,000-4,000 (often subsidized)
- Certificate IV in Disability: 12-18 months, higher pay
- Manual Handling Training: 1 day, often provided by employer
- Medication Administration: May be required for some roles
Finding Support Work
Where to Apply
Major Providers
- Aruma
- Afford
- Mable (platform)
- Hireup (platform)
- Scope
Aged Care
- Bupa Aged Care
- Regis Aged Care
- Uniting
- Anglicare
- Bolton Clarke
Why Choose Support Work?
Benefits
- Meaningful, rewarding work
- Flexible hours available
- Growing industry = job security
- Career progression opportunities
- Make a real difference
Considerations
- Physically demanding at times
- Emotionally challenging situations
- Variable shift patterns
- Need own transport often
- Can involve personal care tasks
Career Progression
| Level | Role | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | Support Worker | $54,000 - $62,000 |
| Experienced | Senior Support Worker | $62,000 - $72,000 |
| Leadership | Team Leader/Coordinator | $70,000 - $85,000 |
| Management | Service Manager | $85,000 - $110,000 |