Working as a Support Worker & Salary Outlook in Australia
Application ≠ Approval
This is a gentle reminder to note that a visa application doesn’t mean approval. If you follow the process and submit all the requirements, getting a visa grant is possible.
Kinds of Support Workers in Australia in 2026
Disability Support Worker
Working as a Disability Support Worker in Australia means supporting people living with disabilities. They offer personal care, community access and transport, behaviour support assistance with daily living skills, and medication prompts.
Australia is supporting the recruitment of migrant workers this year which may also include visa sponsorship. The DAMA (Designated Area Migration Agreement), one of the detailed labour agreements, can offer PR pathways for international applicants.
Location-based Pay
Experience-based Pay
Entry-level (0-2 years): $60,000 – $70,000 / year
Mid-level (3-5 years): $68,000 – $78,000 / year
Experienced (5+ years): $74,000 – $85,000 / year
Team Leader / Coordinator: $85,000 – $100,000 / year
🟠 Interested in learning to be a Disability Support Worker? Contact us and book a consultation today.
Aged Care Support Worker (Personal Care Assistant / PCA)
Becoming an Aged Care Worker in Australia offers support for elderly clients in aged care facilities or at home. They offer personal hygiene assistance, feeding and mobility support, monitoring health changes, and companionship.
Australia has a high demand and offers potential PR pathways for aged care workers this year. Since this industry is a national priority, the shortages of skilled workers are apparent. Australia is ensuring country-wide, long-term, and secure employment.
Location-based Pay
Experience-based Pay
Entry Level (Direct Care): $60,000 – $61,504.88 / year
Qualified (Cert III/Equivalent): $63,646.96 – $68,349.84 / year
Experienced: $70,174.00 – $71,076.72 / year
Specialist/Team Leader: $73,803.60 – $76,550.24+ / year
Higher Figures in Remote/Specialised Roles: $65,000 – $75,000 / year
🟠 If you’re thinking of enrolling to be an Aged Care Support Worker, feel free to book a consultation today.
Thinking of enrolling in a Support Worker course? Start your journey here.
- Find a course or choose one of the Trade courses
- Fill out the PTA Enrolment Form
- Book a FREE Education Consultation
Residential Support Worker
A Residential Support Worker provides care in group homes or supported accommodation. They offer 24/7 rostered support, daily routine management, medication support, and ensuring safety and compliance.
Australia has a high industry demand and they offer job security and good opportunities for career progression, especially in the residential, disability, and aged care support sectors.
Location-based Pay
Experience-based Pay
Entry Level: $60,000 – $64,000 / year
Mid-level: $68,000 – $72,000 / year
Experienced: $74,000 – $80,000 / year
Senior/Team Leader: $85,000 – $100,000 / year
🟠 If you’re looking to learn more about Individual Support, get more in-depth detail with a migration agent. Book a consultation today.
Home Care Support Worker
Focusing on in-home support. They offer domestic assistance, meal preparation, transport, and light personal care.
In Australia, there’s been a recent wage increase due to the high demand that’s present in the country. The SCHADS (Social, Community, Home Care, and Disability Services and Industry Award) have said that the salary range you’ll get will be depending on experience level, qualifications, and specific occupation/role.
Location-based Pay
Experience-based Pay
Entry Level (0-2 years): $60,000 – $64,000 / year
Mid-level (3-5 years): $68,000 – $72,000 / year
Experienced (5+ years): $74,000 – $80,000 / year
Team Leader/Coordinator: $85,000 – $100,000 / year
🟠 If you’re interested in becoming a Home Care Support Worker in Australia, feel free to reach out and book a consultation with us.
Mental Health Support Worker
Becoming a Mental Health Support Worker is an occupation that offers support for people with psychosocial disabilities or mental health conditions. They offer emotional support, routine-building and skill development, community participation, and non-clinical crisis support.
There’s a rapid increase to the demand for mental health support this year. Career opportunities are available with possible good compensation, especially when it comes to workers with experience.
Location-based Pay
Experience-based Pay
Entry Level: $68,172 – $74,475.20 / year
Experienced/Specialised: $76,273.60 – $81,806.40 / year
Senior/Team Leader: $87,932 – $96,626.40 / year
Casual Loading: $84,968 – $92,872 / year
🟠 Enrolling to be a Mental Health Support Worker? Feel free to reach out and book a consultation today.
Behaviour Support Worker
Works with individuals who have challenging behaviours. Their focus is to reduce behaviours of concern. They offer implement behaviour plans, track behaviour data, de-escalation support, and support skill development.
In Australia, the NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) funds a large portion of this sector and it focuses on experience in clinical, forensic, or complex behavior intervention.
Location-based Pay
Experienced-based Pay
Entry level: $80,000 – 100$81,000+ / year
Mid-level: $90,000 – $105,000 / year
Senior level: $100,000 – $125,000 / year
🟠 Seeking employment as a Behaviour Support Worker or learning complementary skills in the Mental Health sector? Book a consultation today and have a chat with our lead migration agents about your next steps.
Salary Range & Benefits for SWs in 2026 | What do I need to know?
Factors that influence earnings
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Qualifications
Core qualifications like Certificate in Individual Support or Certificate IV in Disability are regarded highly and are what employers require frequently. Also, you can get Nursing degrees (Diploma, Bachelor’s or Master’s) if you feel that’s something you want to add to your repertoire.
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Experience Level
With the various kinds of support workers, experience level matters a lot. Gain more experience by working in different settings as well as varied institutions. This will help boost your qualification level too.
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Type of Support
Specialised occupations have higher pay, while casual workers can earn up to 25% more hourly due to the work load. Permanent part-time or full-time employees do have hourly rates on the lower end but have salary stability and benefits.
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Employer
Allowances and base rates differ depending on what kind of working environment you are providing care for — residential, hospital, and home care all vary.
How do I Maximize my Earning Potential?
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Upskill and Specialise
Gain more qualifications and learn more about your particular occupation or skills related to it.
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Become an Independent Contractor
This allows you to set your own rates and follow a more flexible working schedule.
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Working Holiday Hours or Double Shifts
Weekends, evenings, and public holidays shifts offer penalty rates.
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Leverage experience and negotiate your salary package
Work in different environments and with different people through the years. Once you’ve gained more, you can negotiate your salary package with your future employer.
Working as a Support Worker in Australia
Choosing to work in this noble occupation, takes a lot of patience, understanding, and hard work. In your dedication to the profession, you’ll be able to see the rewards of your hard-earned labour by building stability in your finances, and establishing a good career in the long-term.
If you want to discuss how Support Work can be a potential occupation for you in Australia, please feel free to contact with one of our lead migration agents.
