NDIS support worker salary: what to expect in 2026-27

NDIS support worker salary explained

When you see a job ad for an NDIS support worker, the advertised salary is usually based on the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010 (the SCHADS Award). This award sets minimum pay rates for workers who provide support to people with disabilities under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Understanding where that salary sits against the national line helps you compare offers and know your worth.

The Salary Index measures yearly gross earnings divided by the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings (currently $108,352), multiplied by 100. A score of 100 means you earn exactly the national average. The national minimum wage sits at index 48.2 ($52,255). The health care and social assistance industry average is index 97.8. So an NDIS support worker salary typically falls below that industry average, especially at entry level.

Award classifications and rates

The SCHADS Award has several classification levels. For disability care, a common entry point is Home care employee level 2—disability care. From 1 July 2026, the full-time weekly rate for pay point 1 is $1,036.80. That annualises to $53,913.60, giving an index of 49.8. But the Fair Work Ombudsman notes that from 1 December 2026, home care disability employees will receive an initial increase of up to 15%. That would lift the annualised rate to around $62,000, index 57.2.

Casual employees get a 25% loading on the hourly rate. For the same classification, the casual hourly rate is $34.10 ($1,036.80 ÷ 38 × 1.25). Compare that to the national minimum wage casual rate of $33.05 per hour.

Reading a job ad and comparing offers

When you see a job ad for an NDIS support worker, look for the classification level. Ads might say "SCHADS Award Level 2" or "Home care employee level 2". The advertised salary may be the award minimum or above. Use the pay guides from the Fair Work Ombudsman to check the current rates. Also consider:

• Experience: Higher pay points within a level reward experience.
• Employment type: Casual rates include loading but no paid leave.
• Location: While the award is national, cost of living varies. The states page shows that the ACT has an index of 109.9, while Tasmania is 88.6. An offer in a high-index state may need to be higher to match purchasing power.
• Allowances: You may be entitled to travel allowance, on-call allowance, or broken shift penalties. These add to your base salary.

Example: comparing two offers

Offer A: Full-time NDIS support worker, Level 2 pay point 1, $53,914 per year. Index 49.8. Offer B: Casual NDIS support worker, same classification, $34.10 per hour. If you work 38 hours per week for 48 weeks (allowing for unpaid leave), you earn about $62,200. Index 57.4. But you don't get paid sick leave or annual leave.

Which is better? Use the how the index works page to compare total remuneration including superannuation (12% from 1 July 2026) and tax. For a resident earning $53,914, tax (excluding Medicare) is about $8,087 plus 2% Medicare levy, leaving around $44,800 take-home. For $62,200, tax is about $10,560 plus Medicare, leaving around $50,400 take-home. The casual offer gives more cash now but less security.

Industry context

The health care and social assistance industry index is 97.8, meaning the average worker in that field earns close to the national line. NDIS support workers often start well below that, but with experience and higher classifications (e.g., Social and community services employee level 4), you can move towards the industry average. The industries page shows how different sectors compare.

Superannuation and tax

Your employer must pay superannuation guarantee of 12% on top of your salary, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. For a $53,914 salary, that's an extra $6,470 into your super fund. Tax rates for 2026-27 are progressive: 15% on income between $18,201 and $45,000, 30% on $45,001 to $135,000, plus 2% Medicare levy. Use the Salary Index to see how your total package compares.

What to watch for in job ads

• Award coverage: Ensure the ad references the SCHADS Award.
• Classification and pay point: Vague ads may underpay.
• Allowances: Check if travel between clients is paid.
• Super: The 12% guarantee is mandatory, but some ads may quote a package including super.

The Fair Work Ombudsman provides a pay guide for the SCHADS Award. Download it to verify rates. For more on award conditions, visit the topics page.

Summary

NDIS support worker salary is heavily influenced by the SCHADS Award. Entry-level full-time rates sit around index 50, rising to index 57 after the December 2026 increase. Casual rates include a 25% loading. When comparing offers, look beyond the headline figure to classification, allowances, and location. The Salary Index helps you see where you stand against the national line.