What is the current National Minimum Wage for aged care support workers?

From 1 July 2026, the National Minimum Wage is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week for 38 hours. However, most aged care support workers are covered by an award or enterprise agreement that sets a higher minimum rate. Check the relevant pay guide from the Fair Work Ombudsman for your classification and state.

How is casual loading applied to an aged care support worker salary?

Casual loading is an additional 25% on top of the base hourly rate, intended to compensate for the lack of paid leave. For example, if the base rate is $26.44, the casual rate becomes $33.05 per hour. When using the timesheet, tick the casual loading checkbox to add it automatically – do not enter a rate that already includes loading.

What are the state differences in ordinary-time earnings for aged care support workers?

Ordinary-time earnings vary by state due to different award classifications, enterprise agreements, and cost-of-living adjustments. For example, the health care and social assistance industry average full-time ordinary time earnings were $2,037.20 per week nationally in May 2026, but this is an industry average, not a job median. State-specific rates are available in the Fair Work pay guides and reference tables.

Understanding the Aged Care Support Worker Salary: Hourly to Annual Conversion

For a full-time aged care support worker on 38 hours per week, the annual salary is the hourly rate multiplied by 38 then by 52, with super paid on top.

Converting an Aged Care Support Worker Salary: Hourly to Annual

If you are an aged care support worker or considering the role, understanding how your hourly rate translates into annual, fortnightly, and weekly pay is essential. This guide explains the conversion using the standard 38-hour week, the National Minimum Wage, award rates, casual loading, superannuation, and tax. We also look at state differences in ordinary-time earnings.

The Basic Formula

Annual gross pay is calculated as:

hourly rate × hours per week × 52 weeks

We assume a full-time week of 38 hours, as defined by the Fair Work Act. If you work fewer hours, adjust the weekly figure accordingly. For example, an hourly rate of $30.00 gives:

Weekly: $30.00 × 38 = $1,140.00
Fortnightly: $1,140.00 × 2 = $2,280.00
Annual: $1,140.00 × 52 = $59,280.00

This calculation assumes the same rate every week, no unpaid overtime, no penalty rates, no allowances, and no salary sacrifice. It is an estimate, not a determination of your actual pay.

National Minimum Wage vs Award Rates

The National Minimum Wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week for 38 hours. However, most aged care support workers are covered by the Aged Care Award or a similar instrument. These awards set minimum hourly rates that are often higher than the National Minimum Wage, and they vary by classification level and experience. Always check the relevant pay guides from the Fair Work Ombudsman for your specific role.

Casual Loading

If you work as a casual aged care support worker, you are entitled to a 25% loading on top of the base hourly rate. This loading compensates for the lack of paid leave such as annual leave and sick leave. When using the timesheet, do not enter a rate that already includes casual loading. Instead, enter the base rate and tick the casual loading checkbox – the tool will add 25% automatically. For the National Minimum Wage, the casual rate becomes $33.05 per hour.

Superannuation and Tax

Superannuation guarantee contributions are paid on top of your ordinary earnings. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee rate is 12% of ordinary time earnings, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year. For example, on a $59,280 annual salary, super would be $7,113.60 paid into your fund – this is not deducted from your pay but added by your employer.

Tax is calculated using the 2026–27 resident tax rates:

Nil on the first $18,200
15% on income between $18,201 and $45,000
30% on income between $45,001 and $135,000
37% on income between $135,001 and $190,000
45% on income above $190,000

Plus the Medicare levy of 2% (based on 2025–26 single reduction thresholds as 2026–27 thresholds were not confirmed here). The take-home pay calculator on this site can help you estimate your net income after tax and Medicare.

State Differences in Ordinary-Time Earnings

Ordinary-time earnings for aged care support workers can differ across states and territories due to variations in award classifications, enterprise agreements, and local labour market conditions. The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports that for the health care and social assistance industry, full-time adult ordinary time earnings averaged $2,037.20 per week nationally in May 2026. This is an industry average, not a median for the aged care support worker job. State-specific data is available in the reference tables on this site, but for precise rates you should consult the Fair Work Ombudsman's pay guides for your state and classification.

For example, an aged care support worker in New South Wales may be covered by a different enterprise agreement than one in Victoria, leading to different base rates. Always verify your award or agreement to get the correct hourly rate for your location.

Using the Timesheet

The timesheet, which is the home page of this site, lets you enter your base hourly rate and see the corresponding annual, fortnightly, and weekly figures. You can also toggle casual loading to see the effect. Remember: the conversion assumes 38 hours per week and the same rate every week. For part-time or irregular hours, adjust the weekly hours manually.

Summary

Annual gross = hourly rate × 38 × 52
Fortnightly pay = weekly pay × 2
National Minimum Wage: $26.44/hr (base), $33.05/hr (casual)
Award rates may be higher; check pay guides
Super is 12% on top of ordinary earnings
Tax and Medicare reduce take-home pay
State differences exist; use reference tables for industry averages

This estimate is not a determination of your actual pay or tax. For personalised advice, consult a qualified professional.