In 2025, the Aged Care Award [MA000018] saw significant updates that impact pay rates and employment conditions in Australia’s aged care sector. These changes include an aged care pay rate 2025 increase for many workers and changes of classification structures. Below, we break down who the award covers, the new pay rates, and key changes introduced in 2025.
Who is covered by the Aged Care Award 2025?
It applies to aged care workers in Australia’s residential care, such as:
- Personal care workers
- Cleaners
- Cooks
- Lifestyle staff
- Reception/maintenance staff.
Important to note that nursing assistants in residential aged care have moved from the Nurses Award into this award as of January 2025. Registered nurses remain under the Nurses Award.
What are the new 2025 pay rates?
The first full pay period on or after 1 January 2025 saw wage boosts for both “direct care” and “general” aged care employees. Below is a quick view minimum hourly base rates (full-time/part-time) as of 1 July 2025 for each classification levels:
| Classification | General Employees | Direct Care Employees | Senior Food Services (Cook/Head Chef) |
|
Aged Care Employee Level 1 |
$26.51 | $30.49 | – |
|
Aged Care Employee Level 2 |
$27.56 | $31.82 | – |
|
Aged Care Employee Level 3 |
$28.62 | $33.27 | – |
| Aged Care Employee Level 4 | $28.96 | $34.15 |
$32.33 |
| Aged Care Employee Level 5 | $29.94 | $35.39 |
$33.43 |
| Aged Care Employee Level 6 | $31.55 | $37.14 |
$35.23 |
| Aged Care Employee Level 7 | $32.12 | – (N/A in direct care) |
$35.86 |
*Sourced from Fair Work Pay Guide*
What key changes were introduced in 2025?
- Big pay rise (from 1 Jan 2025)
- Minimum award wages went up 2.3% to 13.5% (depends on role).
- “General care” roles got 3% increase on 1 Jan.
- “Direct care” roles (e.g. personal care workers, nursing assistants) got larger increases; some will see an increase later on 1 Oct 2025.
- New “Direct Care” classification stream
- The Award now clearly defines “direct care employee” (hands-on care).
- New levels for direct care (e.g., Personal Care Assistant Levels 1–6) with higher pay.
- Support employees moved up a level
- Some support roles (laundry, cleaners, food services assistants) were reclassified to higher levels (e.g., Level 2 → Level 3) worth about 6.96% increase in pay.
- Senior cooks/chefs keep a higher pay scale (kitchen Levels 4–7).
- Coverage changes
- From 1 Jan 2025, nursing assistants (AINs) in residential aged care moved from the Nurses Award to the Aged Care Award.
- AINs in home care may instead be covered by SCHADS under a new aged care home care schedule.
- Two-phase increases for bigger jumps
- Where the pay rise was large, it was split: some in Jan 2025, the rest on 1 Oct 2025.
- By October 2025, everyone covered should be on the full new rates.
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FAQs About the Aged Care Award
Q1: What is the Aged Care Award 2025 (MA000018)?
A1: It’s the updated modern award setting minimum pay and conditions for Australian aged care workers. The 2025 version includes new wages and classifications from recent Fair Work Commission changes.
Q2: How much was the 2025 pay rise?
A2: Around 3% for general staff, and up to 10–15% (in two stages) for many direct care roles. Personal care workers saw roughly 6–7% more than in 2024, on top of the 15% sector-wide raise in 2023.
Q3: When did the new rates start?
A3: 1 Jan 2025, with a second stage on 1 Oct 2025 for some roles, plus the 1 July 2025 annual wage review increase.
Q4: Who is a “Direct Care” employee?
A4: Those providing hands-on aged care, such as personal carers, nursing assistants, and home care workers. In 2025, they gained a dedicated pay scale higher than general roles.
Q5: Does the award cover nurses?
A5: Registered and Enrolled Nurses stay under the Nurses Award 2020. Nursing assistants and other care support staff are covered by the Aged Care Award after the 2025 changes.
Q6: Where to find official pay rates?
A6: Check the Fair Work Ombudsman website’s Pay Guide for MA000018 (2025) for up-to-date rates and classification details.
Read More：
Updated Aged Care Award Pay Guide
