For nursing students and support workers in 2026, choosing between Mable and Hireup often comes down to the trade-off between hourly earnings and employment security. Both are NDIS-registered platforms, but they operate under fundamentally different business models that impact your take-home pay.

Mable: The Independent Contractor Model

Mable functions as an online marketplace. You are an independent contractor, not an employee.

• How it Works: You set your own hourly rates for the services you provide. Mable then takes a platform fee (service fee) from the amount paid by the client.
• The Pay: Because you set your rates, you have the potential to earn significantly more per hour than in traditional employment, especially if you have specialized nursing skills. However, you are responsible for your own tax, superannuation, and insurance.
• Best For: Students who want maximum flexibility and who are comfortable managing their own business finances.

Hireup: The Employee Model

Hireup operates as a direct employer. When you work through Hireup, you are an employee of the platform.

• How it Works: You are paid a set hourly rate determined by Hireup, which aligns with the relevant industry award (e.g., the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award).
• The Pay: While the hourly rate might appear lower on paper compared to some high-end Mable profiles, Hireup manages your superannuation, workers’ compensation, and payroll tax. You also receive paid leave entitlements as you accrue them.
• Best For: Students who prefer the administrative simplicity of being an employee and want the security of employer-funded insurance and superannuation.

Which Platform Pays More?

There is no single answer, but there is a clear distinction in how you should view the “pay”:

1. Gross vs. Net: If you look only at the hourly dollar amount, Mable often wins because you can set a higher rate to cover your own superannuation and insurance.
2. Total Value: If you factor in the value of superannuation, workers’ compensation coverage, and the time saved on managing business-like tax obligations, the Hireup model provides a very competitive and stable “total package” that is often safer for students just starting out.
3. Specialization Premiums: If you have advanced clinical nursing skills (e.g., wound care, complex medication management), Mable allows you to leverage those skills to demand a premium rate that is rarely available in standard employee-based platforms.

Strategic Advice for Nursing Students

• Tax Implications: As a Mable contractor, you must set aside money for tax. If you do not, you may face a significant bill at the end of the financial year.
• Insurance: Hireup provides comprehensive insurance as part of your employment. On Mable, you must ensure you maintain your own professional indemnity and public liability insurance.
• Career Building: Both platforms are excellent for networking. Many students find that working on both platforms initially allows them to compare which patient demographic or pay structure suits their lifestyle best before committing to one.