What can you earn as an aged care worker?
If you’re considering a career as an aged care worker, you could be on the path to a very rewarding future.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the number of Australians aged 85 years and older is projected to double by 2042. This means the need for aged care workers is growing, and the demand for qualified aged care staff with it.
In light of the findings of the interim Royal Commission report, the aged sector is set to face signigicant reforms. The final Report is expected to address strong recommendations around training and education, as well as better attraction, retention, remuneration and careers for staff working in the sector.
What does that mean for you? The overhaul of the sector will likely lead to better, more rewarding opportunities for new and existing staff.
What could you earn working in the aged care sector?
You might be considering an aged care career because of your interest in caring for others. That’s a good place to start. But a rewarding salary is an equally important component for a successful career.
Your salary as a professional within the aged care sector will vary depending on qualifications, hours, location and responsibilities.
According to the latest Fair Work Ombudsman pay guide, as a full-time aged care worker you can expect to earn between $801.40 and $973.40 weekly. Pay rates increase for overtime ($31.64 – $38.43), public holidays ($52.73 – $64.05) and weekend overtime ($42.18-$51.24).
| Classification | Weekly salary ($) |
|---|---|
| Aged care employee level 1 | 801.40 |
| Aged care employee level 2 | 834.60 |
| Aged care employee level 3 | 867.30 |
| Aged care employee level 4 | 877.60 |
| Aged care employee level 5 | 907.30 |
| Aged care employee level 6 | 956.20 |
| Aged care employee level 7 | 973.40 |
Rates can also vary slightly across states:
| State | Average hourly rate ($) |
|---|---|
| Australian Capital Territory | 21.28 |
| Queensland | 23.21 |
| New South Wales | 22.67 |
| South Australia | 22.09 |
| Tasmania | 21.40 |
| Victoria | 23.18 |
| Western Australia | 22.51 |
What could your career in aged care look like?
A rewarding career allows you to expand your knowledge and skills, and offers an advancement path. Working in aged care, you may start as a personal care worker in a variety of settings, from residential and community to accommodation.
As a personal care worker, you will provide care to ageing individuals or individuals living with a disability, either in a facility or in their homes. You also may help people eat, bathe and get dressed, and you may accompany them to appointments.
Or you could be working as a community care worker, supporting people living with a disability, by bathing, dressing or feeding them and helping to support people to live a full life.
As you gain more experience and upskill, you may advance to a care supervisor position, or a program or community coordinator. Or you may choose to specialise in a particular area, such as disability care or leisure and health.
Start studying to become an aged care worker
The demand for highly skilled workers is always increasing in the growing aged care sector, which means job security can be higher than in other sectors. As is the flexibility to work hours that suit you and your circumstances, and can have the benefit of higher hourly rate.
If you’re just starting to consider a career in aged care, the Certificate III in Individual Support will give you a qualification to gain employment in the sector. You’ll learn technical, factual knowledge, as well as theoretical concepts so you can provide human-centered support. This course also includes a practical component, so when you’re ready to enter the job market, you have both qualifications and experience to support your application.
If you’re already working in the sector, you may consider advancing your skills and career with the Certificate IV in Ageing Support. This course will build on your existing qualifications and skills and could open new career pathways to supervising or managerial roles, as well as higher salaries.
Our nationally accredited courses open the door to rewarding opportunities in a sector that needs passionate individuals to transform how we care for our elderly. Does that sound like you?
For information about our aged care courses, get in touch to discuss your options.
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