In 2026, the NDIS Support Worker role remains one of Australia’s most vital and stable career paths. Following the July 2025 Fair Work Commission decision, which saw a 3.5% to 3.95% increase in the SCHADS Award rates, the average national salary for a full-time support worker now ranges between $66,000 and $76,000, with casual hourly rates frequently exceeding $43/hr.
1. 2026 State-by-State Salary Comparison
Pay rates for NDIS workers are technically governed by the national SCHADS Award, but market demand in 2026 creates variations in what agencies actually offer to attract talent.
| State / Territory | Avg. Hourly Rate (Casual) | Avg. Annual Salary (Full-Time) |
| NSW | $43.50 – $47.50 | $68,000 – $78,000 |
| VIC | $42.00 – $46.00 | $66,000 – $75,000 |
| QLD | $41.50 – $45.50 | $64,000 – $73,000 |
| WA | $44.00 – $48.50 | $70,000 – $82,000 |
| SA | $40.50 – $44.50 | $62,000 – $71,000 |
| TAS | $39.50 – $43.00 | $60,000 – $69,000 |
| ACT / NT | $46.00 – $52.00 | $72,000 – $85,000 |
Note: The ACT and NT remain the highest-paying regions due to extreme workforce shortages and higher “Cost of Living” allowances integrated into 2026 agency contracts.
2. Updated SCHADS Award Rates (2025–2026)
As of May 2026, workers are paid under the rates that took effect in July 2025. These represent the legal minimums.
- Level 2.1 (Entry Level): ~$34.58 (Permanent) | $43.23 (Casual)
- Level 3.1 (Experienced): ~$38.65 (Permanent) | $48.31 (Casual)
- Level 4.1 (Senior/Team Lead): ~$44.58 (Permanent) | $55.73 (Casual)
3. The “Multiplier” Effect: How to Earn $100k+
In 2026, many support workers earn six-figure incomes not through base pay, but through strategic shift selection:
- Saturday Rate (150%): A casual Level 2.1 earns $60.52/hr.
- Sunday Rate (200%): A casual Level 2.1 earns $77.81/hr.
- Public Holidays (250%): Rates can exceed $108/hr.
- Sleepover Allowance: In 2026, the standard allowance for an overnight stay is approximately $60.02 per night, on top of the hours worked before and after the sleep period.
4. Key Factors Influencing 2026 Salaries
- Complexity of Care: Workers specializing in “High-Intensity” daily activities (ventilator care, complex behavior support) often receive a 10–15% loading above standard rates.
- Independent vs. Agency: Independent workers using platforms like Mable or Hireup often “take home” a higher hourly rate (often $55–$70/hr), but they must pay their own superannuation, insurance, and tax.
- Regional Loadings: While the NDIS removed some regional price loadings in early 2026, many providers still offer “Zone Allowances” to workers in remote WA and QLD to remain competitive.
