RTO ID: 41597 | CRICOS Provider: 03540C
Why Aged Care Is One of Melbourne's Fastest-Growing Careers
Australia's population is ageing rapidly. The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety (2021) prompted major reforms and increased funding for the aged care sector. In Melbourne specifically, the combination of an ageing population, the post-pandemic recovery of the healthcare workforce, and the government's commitment to improving aged care standards has created a significant shortage of qualified aged care workers. In 2026, there are more aged care job vacancies in Melbourne than there are qualified workers to fill them.
What Does an Aged Care Worker Do?
Aged care workers provide daily support to older people who need assistance with living. This includes personal care (showering, dressing, grooming), mobility support and manual handling, meal preparation and assistance with eating, social engagement and emotional support, medication assistance under supervision, and documentation of care observations. The work is varied, people-focused, and deeply meaningful.
How Much Do Aged Care Workers Earn in Melbourne in 2026?
Under the SCHA2022 Aged Care Award, aged care workers in Melbourne earn: entry-level (CHC33021 qualified) $27–$32 per hour, experienced worker $30–$35 per hour, with shift loadings of 50% on Saturdays, 75% on Sundays, and 150% on public holidays. A full-time aged care worker on $30/hour earns approximately $57,000–$60,000 per year base salary, with overtime and loadings significantly increasing take-home pay. Salary packaging is also available through many employers — up to $15,899 per year tax-free.
Top Aged Care Employers in Melbourne
Major aged care providers actively recruiting in Melbourne include: Arcare (one of Melbourne's largest private aged care providers), Opal HealthCare (operates 70+ facilities across Australia), Benetas (faith-based provider with facilities across Melbourne), Bolton Clarke (formerly RSL Care + RSLA), and Calvary Health Care (public and private aged care). All of these employers accept CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support as the minimum qualification for care worker roles.
Career Progression in Aged Care
Starting as an Aged Care Worker (CHC33021), you can progress to: Team Leader (after CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support), then Care Supervisor, then Facility Manager. Alternatively, you can pathway into nursing via a Bachelor of Nursing at university, or into disability support, community services management, or allied health assistance.
How to Start Your Aged Care Career in Melbourne
Clinton Institute (RTO ID: 41597 | CRICOS Provider Code: 03540C) offers CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (CRICOS: 115261A) at the Melbourne campus. The course can be completed in 26 weeks for international students. Work placement is arranged across Melbourne aged care facilities. Apply at clinton.edu.au/apply-to-study or contact admission@clinton.edu.au.