Employer guide, public data
Aged care hiring guide: award pay, on-costs and recruitment fees
Hiring an aged care worker costs at least the award minimum plus superannuation. Under the Aged Care Award 2010 a direct care employee at level 2 (Direct Carer) is paid at least $1,307.80 a week and at level 3 (Qualified) at least $1,376.70 a week from 1 July 2026. Super is 12% on top. A recruitment agency fee is extra: ours is 12% of the candidate's annual salary, with a 90-day placement guarantee.
What is the minimum wage for aged care direct care staff?
Weekly minimums for full-time employees in the Aged Care Award. Level 3 applies to a direct carer with a Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) or equivalent.
| Classification | Minimum weekly rate |
|---|---|
| Aged care employee—direct care—level 1—Introductory | $1,239.00 |
| Aged care employee—direct care—level 2—Direct Carer | $1,307.80 |
| Aged care employee—direct care—level 3—Qualified | $1,376.70 |
| Aged care employee—direct care—level 4—Senior | $1,431.80 |
| Aged care employee—direct care—level 5—Specialist | $1,486.80 |
| Aged care employee—direct care—level 6—Team Leader | $1,541.90 |
Source: Aged Care Award 2010 [MA000018], clause 14.3. Full-time weekly rates from the first pay period starting on or after 1 July 2026. Checked 3 October 2026.
What sits on top of the wage?
Superannuation is paid on top of these rates at 12% of ordinary time earnings (Australian Taxation Office: Super guarantee). A casual employee is paid 1/38th of the weekly rate for each ordinary hour plus a 25% loading (Aged Care Award, clause 10.4(b)). Penalty rates, overtime and allowances are extra under the award, and workers compensation and payroll tax depend on your state. The award pay rates calculator prices ordinary hours for any classification.
What are registered nurses paid in aged care?
Registered nurses who are aged care employees are paid under the Nurses Award. Level 1 starts at $1,571.60 a week ($41.36 an hour).
| Level | Classification | Minimum weekly rate | Minimum hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered nurse—level 1 | First year of employment classified at this level | $1,571.60 | $41.36 |
| Registered nurse—level 1 | In excess of 1 year and up to 4 years of employment classified at this level | $1,654.30 | $43.53 |
| Registered nurse—level 1 | In excess of 4 years of employment classified at this level | $1,801.10 | $47.40 |
| Registered nurse—level 2 | First 3 years of employment classified at this level | $1,947.70 | $51.26 |
| Registered nurse—level 2 | In excess of 3 years of employment classified at this level | $2,046.00 | $53.84 |
| Registered nurse—level 3 | $2,094.20 | $55.11 | |
| Registered nurse—level 4 | $2,390.30 | $62.90 | |
| Registered nurse—level 5 | $2,711.30 | $71.35 |
Source: Nurses Award 2020 [MA000034], clause 15.3(b). Full-time weekly rates from the first pay period starting on or after 1 August 2026. Checked 3 October 2026.
Which checks does a nurse hire need?
General registration as a registered nurse is required before practising. Internationally qualified nurses are assessed by the NMBA before registration is granted. The registration body is the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (via Ahpra), and the public register lets you verify a registration.
How does hiring through CrossNation work?
- You send the role, location and start date, and whether you want candidates already in Australia, overseas, or both.
- We search for candidates who match the brief and send you a shortlist.
- You interview the people you like.
- We coordinate the offer with you and the candidate. Our fee is 12% of the candidate's annual salary, with a 90-day placement guarantee.
Hiring questions
What is the minimum an employer must pay an aged care worker?
Under the Aged Care Award 2010, a full-time direct care employee at level 2 (Direct Carer) must be paid at least $1,307.80 a week and at level 3 (Qualified) at least $1,376.70 a week, from 1 July 2026. Higher levels pay more, and employers can pay above the award.
What do I pay on top of the wage?
Superannuation is paid on top at 12% of ordinary time earnings. Casual employees receive a 25% loading, and penalty rates, overtime and allowances apply under the award. Workers compensation and payroll tax are separate costs that depend on your state.
What does a recruitment agency charge?
CrossNation's fee is 12% of the candidate's annual salary, with a 90-day placement guarantee. The fee is separate from the wage cost in this guide.
Can CrossNation sponsor an overseas worker?
No. CrossNation is a recruitment agency, not a registered migration agent. We can find candidates already in Australia or overseas, but sponsorship and visa applications go through a registered migration agent. This is general information, not migration advice. Speak to a registered migration agent.