What is the Award Wage for Aged Care?
The Award Wage for Aged Care workers in Australia varies depending on the specific role and classification. As of 2021, the minimum rates for some common positions in Aged Care under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award are as follows:
- Personal Care Worker/Personal Care Assistant: $21.35 per hour
- Enrolled Nurse: $23.49 per hour
- Registered Nurse: $31.48 per hour
It is important to note that these rates are subject to change and may vary based on different factors such as industry agreements, location, and level of experience.
What are the Changes in Pay Rates?
The Full Bench of the FWC has decided to increase the minimum wages for employees in the aged care sector under three different modern awards, being the:
- Aged Care Award 2010;
- Nurses Award 2020; and
- Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010.
The minimum wages for relevant direct care employees are increasing between 13.3% and 28.5% (inclusive of the interim decision in 2022). For indirect care employees, the minimum wage increase is a more modest 3%. However, the FWC also decided that employees in roles like laundry hands, cleaners, and food services assistants would have their relevant classification level increased. This will result in higher minimum wages for employees performing those duties.
What are the Aged Care Award Pay Rates 2023?
The Aged Care Award Pay Rates for 2023 in Australia vary depending on the level of experience and qualification of the employee. As of the latest information available, the minimum hourly pay rates as per the Aged Care Award for 2023 are as follows:
- Level 1: $21.45 per hour
- Level 2: $22.15 per hour
- Level 3: $22.90 per hour
- Level 4: $24.00 per hour
Learn More:
Aged Care Award Guide [MA000018]
What are the Aged Care Award Pay Rates 2024?
The pay rates for the Aged Care Award 2024 in Australia can vary depending on the specific role and level of experience. However, here are some general guidelines for pay rates under the Aged Care Award for 2024:
- Personal Care Attendant Level 1: $21.19 per hour
- Personal Care Attendant Level 2: $22.32 per hour
- Enrolled Nurse: $29.13 per hour
- Registered Nurse Level 1: $33.08 per hour
Aged Care Award Rates 2024
Full-time & Part-time Employees
- General Employees
|
Employee Level |
Rate |
|
Level 1 |
$24.87 |
|
Level 2 |
$25.86 |
|
Level 3 |
$26.85 |
| Level 4 |
$27.17 |
| Level 5 |
$28.09 |
| Level 6 |
$29.60 |
| Level 7 |
$30.13 |
- Most Senior Food Services Employees
|
Employee Level |
Rate |
|
Level 4 |
$31.24 |
| Level 5 |
$32.30 |
| Level 6 |
$34.04 |
| Level 7 |
$34.65 |
- Direct Care Employees
|
Employee Level |
Rate |
|
Level 1 |
$28.60 |
|
Level 2 |
$29.73 |
|
Level 3 |
$30.88 |
| Level 4 |
$31.24 |
| Level 5 |
$32.30 |
| Level 6 |
$34.04 |
| Level 7 |
$34.65 |
Adult – Casual Employees
- General Employees
| Employee Level |
Rate |
|
Level 1 |
$31.09 |
|
Level 2 |
$32.33 |
|
Level 3 |
$33.56 |
| Level 4 |
$33.96 |
| Level 5 |
$35.11 |
| Level 6 |
$37.00 |
| Level 7 |
$37.66 |
- Most Senior Food Services Employees
|
Employee Level |
Rate |
|
Level 4 |
$39.05 |
| Level 5 |
$40.38 |
| Level 6 |
$42.55 |
| Level 7 |
$43.31 |
- Direct Care Employees
| Employee Level |
Rate |
|
Level 1 |
$35.75 |
|
Level 2 |
$37.16 |
| Level 3 |
$38.60 |
| Level 4 |
$39.05 |
| Level 5 |
$40.38 |
| Level 6 |
$42.55 |
| Level 7 |
$43.31 |
Source: Pay Guide – Aged Care Award [MA000018]
What is the Impact of These Changes under the Aged care Award ?
The FWC’s ruling attempts to bring the contemporary awards into line with the fundamental goals of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth). The modifications, which will definitely affect numerous enterprises in the aged care industry, are specifically intended to advance gender equality.
Businesses must identify any employees who might shift classes and take financial considerations into account while making this decision. Relevant unions will probably keep an eye on how new policies are implemented at work. Employers in the aged care industry are therefore required to adhere to these new requirements as of the first day of business (whenever such date is established).
How can Workstem assist you?
Simplify your payroll process and ensure accurate pay rates with Workstem’s automated payroll system. Our pre-built modern award interpretation software covers 122+ awards and 34 EBAs, and keeps you up-to-date with penalty rates and other award entitlements.
Choose between our Standard and Advanced plans, and enjoy a range of benefits such as Fair Work compliance, an employee self-service App, and customised rule set.
Book a free demo with our payroll experts. Experience the efficiency and accuracy of Workstem today!
