What is the minimum hourly rate for a support worker in 2026?

Under the Children's Services Award, the minimum hourly rate for a Support worker Level 1.1 on commencement is $26.44 per hour for full-time and part-time employees. Casual employees receive $33.05 per hour, which includes the 25% casual loading. Higher levels (e.g., Level 3.1) start at $29.45 per hour. These rates apply from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026, as published by the Fair Work Ombudsman.

How is superannuation calculated for a support worker salary?

Superannuation is paid on top of your ordinary earnings at 12% (the super guarantee rate for 2026–27). For a full-time support worker earning $52,254.80 annually, the employer would contribute an extra $6,270.58 into your super fund, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. This is not deducted from your take-home pay; it's an additional benefit.

What tax will I pay on a support worker salary of $52,255?

Using the 2026–27 resident tax rates, a support worker earning $52,255 would pay no tax on the first $18,200, then 15% on the next $26,800 ($4,020), and 30% on the remaining $7,255 ($2,176.50). Total tax is about $6,196.50, plus the Medicare levy of 2% ($1,045.10), giving a total of $7,241.60. Your take-home pay would be approximately $45,013 per year, or $865.63 per week.

Support Worker Salary: How to Calculate Your Annual Pay, Tax and Super

A support worker at Level 1.1 under the Children's Services Award earns $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week for 38 hours, giving an annual salary of about $52,254.80 before tax and super.

Understanding Your Support Worker Salary

If you're working in children's services or community support, knowing how your support worker salary converts from an hourly rate to an annual figure is essential for budgeting, tax planning, and superannuation. The Fair Work Ombudsman sets minimum rates under the Children's Services Award, which covers support workers in early childhood education and care settings.

The Basic Calculation: Hourly × Hours × 52

To estimate your annual gross pay, use the formula:

Annual gross ≈ hourly rate × hours per week × 52

This assumes you work the same number of hours every week, with no unpaid overtime, penalty rates, or allowances. For full-time employees, the standard is 38 hours per week. For part-time or casual roles, use your actual agreed hours.

For example, a Support worker Level 1.1 on commencement earns $26.44 per hour. Working 38 hours a week:

Weekly pay: $26.44 × 38 = $1,004.72 (the award states $1,004.90, a rounding difference)
Annual gross: $1,004.90 × 52 = $52,254.80

If you're paid fortnightly, that's $2,009.80 before tax.

Award Rates vs. National Minimum Wage

The National Minimum Wage from 1 July 2026 is also $26.44 per hour for adults, but award rates may be higher for certain classifications. The Children's Services Award includes several support worker levels:

Level 1.1: $26.44/hour
Level 2.1: $26.93/hour
Level 2.2 (after 1 year): $27.82/hour
Level 3.1: $29.45/hour

These rates are for permanent employees. Casual workers receive a 25% loading on top of the base rate, so a casual Support worker Level 1.1 gets $33.05 per hour. The loading compensates for not receiving paid leave.

Casual Loading and Your Annual Estimate

When calculating a casual support worker salary, always start with the base hourly rate and add the 25% loading separately. For example:

Base rate: $26.44
Casual loading: $6.61 (25%)
Casual rate: $33.05
Annual (38 hours/week): $33.05 × 38 × 52 = $65,306.80

Never enter a rate that already includes casual loading into a calculator that expects the base rate. Use the casual loading guide to check your correct rate.

Tax on Your Support Worker Salary

Once you have your annual gross, you can estimate tax using the 2026–27 resident tax rates:

$0 – $18,200: Nil
$18,201 – $45,000: 15% on excess over $18,200
$45,001 – $135,000: 30% on excess over $45,000
$135,001 – $190,000: 37%
Over $190,000: 45%

Plus the Medicare levy of 2% (based on 2025–26 single reduction thresholds as 2026–27 thresholds were not confirmed).

For a full-time support worker earning $52,254.80:

Tax on first $18,200: $0
Tax on $18,201 to $45,000 ($26,800): $4,020
Tax on $45,001 to $52,254.80 ($7,254.80): $2,176.44
Total tax: $6,196.44
Medicare levy (2% of $52,254.80): $1,045.10
Total deductions: $7,241.54
Estimated take-home pay: $45,013.26 per year, or $865.64 per week

Use our take-home pay calculator for a more detailed breakdown.

Superannuation Is Paid on Top

Employers must pay super guarantee of 12% of your ordinary earnings (for 2026–27) into a super fund. This is not deducted from your salary; it's an additional contribution. For a $52,254.80 salary, that's $6,270.58 per year, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. See super and packaging for more.

Fortnightly and Weekly Pay

If you're paid fortnightly, multiply your weekly pay by 2. For a Support worker Level 1.1:

Weekly: $1,004.90
Fortnightly: $2,009.80
Annual: $52,254.80

This helps when comparing job offers or budgeting.

Important Notes

The figures above assume no unpaid overtime, penalty rates, allowances, or salary sacrifice.
Award rates change each year after the Annual Wage Review. The Fair Work Commission publishes updated rates in the Modern Awards Pay Database.
Always check your specific classification and any applicable allowances (e.g., first aid, educational leader) from the award.
For a quick estimate, use our hourly conversion tool.

Other Pay Points to Consider

Support workers may progress to higher levels after experience or qualifications. For example, Level 3.1 pays $29.45 per hour, giving an annual salary of $57,369.40. Casual rates for Level 3.1 are $36.81 per hour, or $72,744.56 annually.

Remember that the minimum wage is a floor; many employers pay above award. Check job pay for market rates, but always start with the legal minimum.

Summary

Converting your support worker salary from hourly to annual is straightforward: multiply your hourly rate by your weekly hours and by 52. Use the Fair Work Ombudsman's award rates as your baseline, add casual loading if applicable, and then estimate tax and super. This gives you a clear picture of your gross and net income, helping you make informed career and financial decisions.