Published: July 2026 | Clinton Institute
Home »» Aged Care Jobs in Melbourne 2026
Aged Care Career GuideLast updated: July 2026 | RTO ID: 41597 | CRICOS Provider: 03540C
Melbourne's aged care sector is hiring at record levels. As of mid-2026, there are more than 582 aged care job listings on Indeed alone across the Melbourne metropolitan area — and that figure continues to grow as the sector responds to Australia's ageing population and the Federal Government's aged care reform agenda.
Alongside strong demand, workers received a significant pay boost on 1 July 2026 when the Fair Work Commission handed down a 4.75% wage increase for social and community services (SACS) award workers. If you're considering a career in aged care — or already qualified and looking for better opportunities — here is everything you need to know about working in Melbourne's aged care sector in 2026.
The two qualifications most commonly sought by Melbourne aged care employers are the CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support and the CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support. Both are nationally recognised under the CHC Training Package and are CRICOS-listed for international students.
| Qualification | Duration | Role Level | Clinical Care After Oct 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support | 6–12 months | Entry-level; personal care roles | Personal care tasks only |
| CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support | 12–18 months | Senior; lead care roles | Required for clinical care tasks |
Important note — October 2026 clinical care reclassification: From October 2026, the Australian Government is reclassifying certain aged care roles. Workers performing clinical care tasks — such as medication assistance under delegation, wound care, and clinical observations — will need to hold a Certificate IV. This makes the CHC43015 more valuable than ever for career advancement and higher pay.
Both courses are nationally recognised under the CHC Training Package and are CRICOS-listed for international students. Clinton Institute also includes First Aid, Manual Handling, and NDIS worker screening as part of the qualification.
Following the Fair Work Commission's annual wage review, a 4.75% increase to the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services (SACS) Award took effect on 1 July 2026. This is the award that covers most aged care workers in Victoria.
| Experience Level | Annual Salary (Base) | Approx. Hourly (Base) |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (Certificate III, 0–2 years) | $85,000 – $92,000/year | $43–$47/hour |
| Experienced (2–5 years) | $95,000 – $105,000/year | $49–$54/hour |
| Senior / Team Leader (Certificate IV+) | $105,000 – $115,000/year | $54–$59/hour |
Source: Fair Work Commission — Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010 [MA000100]. Rates are indicative and vary by employer, shift patterns, and experience. Updated following the 2026 Annual Wage Review.
Job distribution across Melbourne is uneven — and understanding where demand is highest can significantly shorten your job search. Here's a breakdown of the most active hiring areas as of mid-2026:
Yes — and many international students in Melbourne do exactly that. Working in aged care while studying is a common and practical way to gain industry experience, build your resume, and earn income while completing your qualification.
After completing your aged care qualification, the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) allows you to stay and work in Australia for up to 3–5 years depending on your qualification level. This gives you a significant window to gain full-time work experience and potentially explore skilled migration pathways.
Migration disclaimer: Visa and migration outcomes are subject to individual eligibility, current migration legislation, and approval by the Australian Government. Speak with a registered migration agent for advice on your specific circumstances.
Melbourne's aged care employers consistently look for a combination of formal qualifications and soft skills. Here's what they consider non-negotiable — and what's increasingly difficult to find.
| Skill / Requirement | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| CHC33021 Certificate III or higher | Minimum entry requirement for all residential and home care roles |
| Current NPC and WWCC | Legally required before commencing any paid aged care work |
| First Aid (HLTAID011) | Emergency response skills are essential in care settings |
| Manual Handling certification | Safe resident/client movement is a daily requirement; reduces injury risk |
| Basic English proficiency | Required for documentation, communication with supervisors, and resident safety |
From October 2026, the Australian Government is implementing a significant reclassification of aged care roles under its aged care reform agenda. This change directly affects how personal care roles and clinical care roles are defined — and which qualification is required for each.
Here are answers to the five questions Melbourne job seekers and students ask most often about working in aged care.
At minimum, you need CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (or CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support). Employers also typically require a current National Police Check (NPC), a Working with Children Check (WWCC), and a current First Aid certificate. From October 2026, roles involving clinical care tasks will require the Certificate IV, making that qualification more valuable.
After the Fair Work Commission 4.75% wage increase effective 1 July 2026, entry-level aged care workers in Victoria earn approximately $85,000–$92,000 per year. Experienced workers earn $95,000–$105,000 per year, and senior or lead aged care workers earn $105,000–$115,000 per year. Penalty rates apply for weekend and public holiday shifts (Sat 50%, Sunday 75%, Public Holidays 150%).
Northern suburbs including Craigieburn, Thomastown, Bundoora, and Epping have the highest concentration of aged care roles (160+ listings on major job platforms). Western suburbs such as Tarneit, Point Cook, Werribee, and Sunshine also have strong demand. In the south-east, Cranbourne, Dandenong, and Frankston are consistently active hiring areas.
Yes. Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during course breaks. You need your qualification (or be enrolled in one), a National Police Check, Working with Children Check, and First Aid certificate. After completing your studies, the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) allows longer periods of work in Australia. Visa and migration outcomes are subject to individual eligibility, current migration legislation, and approval by the Australian Government. Speak with a registered migration agent for advice on your specific circumstances.
From October 2026, the Australian Government is reclassifying some personal care roles as clinical care roles. This means workers performing clinical tasks will need a Certificate IV qualification rather than just a Certificate III. For job seekers, this makes the CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support more valuable and positions holders for higher-paying, more specialised roles within aged care facilities.
Clinton Institute offers both the CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support and the CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support at our Melbourne campus. All students receive industry-ready skills including First Aid, Manual Handling, and NDIS worker screening — and work placement is arranged with established aged care providers.
With monthly intakes available, you can start your aged care career without waiting for a traditional semester intake.
To apply or learn more about entry requirements, visit the Apply Course page or contact Clinton Institute directly.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only. Visa and migration outcomes are subject to individual eligibility, current migration legislation, and approval by the Australian Government. Always speak with a registered migration agent for advice on your specific circumstances. Course details are correct at time of publication. Salary figures are indicative only and not a guarantee of employment or income. Sources: Fair Work Commission — Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010 [MA000100]; Department of Health and Aged Care, 2024.
Clinton Institute — RTO ID: 41597 | CRICOS Provider Code: 03540C | Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions
Level 9, 313 La Trobe Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
Australia
RTO ID: 41597 | CRICOS: 03540C
RTO Number: 41597 | CRICOS Provider Code: 03540C
CRICOS: 115261A (CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support) | 115262M (CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support)