Melbourne Aged Care Hiring Trends August 2026 — What Employers Are Actually Paying
Published: August 14, 2026 | Clinton Institute (RTO 41597, CRICOS Provider: 03540C) | Melbourne
Melbourne's aged care sector is hiring at record levels. As of August 2026, St Vincent's alone is advertising 3,500+ roles across Melbourne. Indeed shows 352+ casual aged care positions in Melbourne metro, and the Dandenong area has 921+ Disability Support Worker listings. The SCHADS Award increased 4.75% from 1 July 2026 — here is exactly what this means for your pay packet.
Melbourne's Aged Care Job Market: 3,500+ Roles Open Right Now
Melbourne's aged care and disability support sector is in a sustained hiring surge. The data from this week tells a clear story: employers are competing aggressively for qualified workers, and wages are climbing as a result.
St Vincent's alone is advertising 3,500+ roles across Melbourne this week. On Indeed, there are 352+ casual aged care positions in Melbourne metro — and the Dandenong area has 921+ Disability Support Worker listings open. The South Eastern suburbs have a further 171+ permanent DSW roles advertised on SEEK.
The driver is clear: the SCHADS Award increased 4.75% from 1 July 2026, lifting minimum pay rates for aged care and disability workers to $32–$45/hr depending on classification and penalty loadings. The NDIS Annual Pricing Review 2026–27 confirms these higher rates are factored into provider funding — meaning employers can sustainably pay more, and they're actively doing so.
2026 Pay Rates: What Aged Care and Disability Workers Earn in Melbourne
The SCHADS Award 4.75% increase from 1 July 2026 is the single biggest change to support worker pay in years. Here is the full breakdown:
| Role Level | Qualification Required | Hourly Rate (from Jul 2026) | Weekly Earnings (38 hrs) | Annual (before tax) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level Aged Care / DSW | CHC33021 Certificate III | $32.00–$34.50/hr | $1,216–$1,311/week | ~$63,232–$68,172/year |
| Experienced Aged Care Worker | CHC43015 Certificate IV | $34.50–$38.00/hr | $1,311–$1,444/week | ~$68,172–$75,088/year |
| Experienced Disability Support Worker | CHC43115 Certificate IV | $35.00–$39.00/hr | $1,330–$1,482/week | ~$69,160–$77,064/year |
| Senior / Team Leader | CHC52025 Diploma | $38.00–$43.00/hr | $1,444–$1,634/week | ~$75,088–$84,968/year |
| Casual Loading (on base) | — | +25% | Adds ~$8.50/hr to base rate | — |
| Weekend Rates | — | 150–200% | Sat 150%, Sun 175%, PH 200% | — |
Sources: SCHADS Award Pay Guide (Fair Work Commission), effective 1 July 2026; NDIS Annual Price Review 2026–27. Job counts from Indeed and SEEK, August 2026.
Top 5 Melbourne Suburbs Hiring Support Workers (August 2026)
| Suburb | Role Type | Live Job Count (Aug 2026) | Why It's Hot |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dandenong | Disability Support Workers | 921+ DSW listings | Highest NDIS participant density in Melbourne's south-east; large multicultural community with high demand for culturally appropriate care |
| Frankston | Aged Care Workers | Very High | Peninsula demographics driving aged care facility expansion; Frankston Hospital adjacent roles |
| Craigieburn | Aged Care + DSW | Very High | Fastest-growing northern corridor; new residential estates creating massive new demand for community care |
| Cranbourne | DSW + Aged Care | High | South-east growth corridor; new NDIS participants moving into the area regularly |
| Melbourne CBD / Inner Metro | Aged Care + Complex Care | Moderate–High | Hospital-adjacent roles; complex care packages; higher hourly rates for hospital interface roles |
SCHADS Award Increase: How +4.75% Affects Your Take-Home Pay
The SCHADS Award increase of 4.75% from 1 July 2026 is the federal government's direct response to chronic understaffing in aged care and disability services. Here is what it means in real dollar terms:
For a casual aged care worker on CHC33021: The 25% casual loading on the new $32.00–$34.50/hr base gives you $40.00–$43.13/hr. On a 38-hour week, that is $1,520–$1,639/week before tax — approximately $79,040–$85,228/year.
For a part-time experienced DSW on CHC43115: Base rate of $36.00/hr (mid-experienced scale) plus 25% casual loading = $45.00/hr. At 25 hours/week (common part-time rostering), that is $1,125/week / $58,500/year.
Weekend work bonus: Working Saturdays (150%) at the experienced aged care rate of $36/hr = $54/hr. Sundays (175%) = $63/hr. Public holidays (200%) = $72/hr.
The NDIS Annual Pricing Review 2026–27 confirms these increased rates are fully funded through provider pricing — so there is no excuse for employers not to pass the increases on. This is the most employer-friendly hiring environment for support workers in years.
How to Get Qualified: The Fastest Route to an Aged Care Job
Here is the career timeline from no qualification to experienced-grade pay ($34.50–$39/hr):
Weeks 1–26: Complete CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support — CRICOS 115261A. This is the entry-level qualification that gets you hired. At Clinton Institute, this includes 120 hours of work placement with Arcare, Opal Healthcare, or Benetas — all major Melbourne employers.
Weeks 27–52: Upskill to CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support (CRICOS 115262M) or CHC43115 Certificate IV in Disability (CRICOS 115263K). Both qualifications move you into the experienced pay scale ($34.50–$39/hr). Clinton Institute's trainers are working practitioners — not just textbook teachers.
Year 2 onward: Progress to CHC52025 Diploma of Community Services (CRICOS 115263K) for team leader and coordinator roles at $38–$45/hr. Many students are working in paid roles by week 30 of their studies — the placement hours count toward both qualification and employment references.
"We have seen a genuine step-change in the job market this year. Employers who were offering base rate six months ago are now signing retention bonuses and offering accelerated rostering for qualified staff. The 4.75% SCHADS increase is the floor — many providers are paying above award to stay competitive. For anyone thinking about getting into aged care or disability support: the window is right now."
— Laiju Thomas, Certificate IV Trainer and Assessor, Clinton Institute
Frequently Asked Questions
How many aged care jobs are there in Melbourne right now?
As of August 2026, St Vincent's alone is advertising 3,500+ roles across Melbourne. Indeed shows 352+ casual aged care positions in Melbourne metro, and the Dandenong area has 921+ Disability Support Worker listings. This is a sustained hiring surge driven by the SCHADS Award 4.75% increase and NDIS growth.
What is the SCHADS Award rate for aged care workers in Melbourne 2026?
The SCHADS Award increased 4.75% from 1 July 2026. Entry-level aged care and disability support workers earn $32.00–$34.50/hr. Experienced workers (Cert IV qualified) earn $34.50–$38.00/hr for aged care and $35.00–$39.00/hr for disability support. Senior roles with a Diploma qualification reach $38.00–$45.00/hr.
Which Melbourne suburbs have the most aged care and disability support jobs?
Dandenong, Frankston, and Craigieburn are the top three hotspots for immediate hiring in Melbourne as of August 2026. Dandenong has 921+ DSW listings, Frankston has high aged care facility expansion, and Craigieburn is the fastest-growing northern corridor for both streams.
Can international students work in aged care on a student visa in Melbourne?
Yes. International students on a subclass 500 student visa can work unlimited hours in aged care and disability support — work restrictions were removed. You need a police check, NDIS Worker Screening Check, and relevant vaccinations before starting placement or employment.
What qualification do I need to get hired in aged care in Melbourne?
The minimum qualification is CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing Support specialisation) — CRICOS 115261A. This takes 26 weeks at Clinton Institute. Clinton arranges your 120-hour work placement with Arcare, Opal Healthcare or Benetas. Monthly intakes available.
How has the July 2026 SCHADS Award increase affected take-home pay?
The 4.75% SCHADS Award increase from 1 July 2026 lifts entry-level weekly earnings to approximately $1,216/week (38-hour week). With casual loading (25%), casual aged care workers can earn $1,520+/week. The NDIS Annual Pricing Review 2026–27 confirms these rates are built into provider pricing.
Is aged care a good career pathway for PR in Australia?
Yes. Aged care and disability support workers appear on Australia's skilled occupation lists. Completing CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support or CHC43115 Certificate IV in Disability, then gaining post-qualification work experience, can support permanent residency applications through skilled migration pathways.
Start Your Aged Care Career at Clinton Institute — Apply Now
Phone: +61 3 8394 2064 | Email: admission@clinton.edu.au
RTO ID: 41597 | CRICOS Provider: 03540C | Level 9, 313 La Trobe Street, Melbourne VIC 3000