Salary guide
Social worker salary in Australia: what the award sets
The Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 lists social workers at AQF levels 7 to 9. A social worker in a level 1 role at AQF level 7 must be paid at least $1,308.80 a week ($34.44 an hour) in the first year, rising to $1,689.50 a week ($44.46 an hour) from the seventh year. Level 2.1 starts at $1,945.40 a week ($51.19 an hour). Rates apply from 1 October 2026.
Key facts
- Level 1, AQF level 7, 1st year
- $1,308.80 a week ($34.44 an hour) Source: Fair Work Ombudsman: Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 [MA000027], clause 17.1(c)
- Level 1, AQF level 7, 7th year or more
- $1,689.50 a week ($44.46 an hour) Source: Fair Work Ombudsman: Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 [MA000027], clause 17.1(c)
- Level 2.1 (senior clinician)
- $1,945.40 a week ($51.19 an hour) Source: Fair Work Ombudsman: Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 [MA000027], clause 17.2
- Level 4 (manager)
- $2,499.10 a week ($65.77 an hour) Source: Fair Work Ombudsman: Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 [MA000027], clause 17.2
- Social worker in Schedule B
- AQF levels 7 to 9 Source: Fair Work Ombudsman: Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 [MA000027], Schedule B
Health professional level 1, AQF level 7
Schedule B of the award lists social workers at AQF levels 7 to 9.
| Level | Classification | Minimum weekly rate | Minimum hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| AQF Level 7 | AQF Level 7—1st year | $1,308.80 | $34.44 |
| AQF Level 7 | AQF Level 7—2nd – 3rd year | $1,409.00 | $37.08 |
| AQF Level 7 | AQF Level 7—4th – 6th year | $1,565.30 | $41.19 |
| AQF Level 7 | AQF Level 7—7th year+ | $1,689.50 | $44.46 |
Source: Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 [MA000027], clause 17.1(c). Full-time weekly rates from the first pay period starting on or after 1 October 2026. Checked 3 October 2026.
Health professional level 1, AQF level 8
| Level | Classification | Minimum weekly rate | Minimum hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| AQF Level 8 | AQF Level 8—1st year | $1,337.10 | $35.19 |
| AQF Level 8 | AQF Level 8—2nd – 3rd year | $1,444.90 | $38.02 |
| AQF Level 8 | AQF Level 8—4th – 6th year | $1,584.90 | $41.71 |
| AQF Level 8 | AQF Level 8—7th year+ | $1,721.40 | $45.30 |
Source: Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 [MA000027], clause 17.1(d). Full-time weekly rates from the first pay period starting on or after 1 October 2026. Checked 3 October 2026.
Health professional level 1, AQF level 9
| Level | Classification | Minimum weekly rate | Minimum hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| AQF Level 9 | AQF Level 9—1st year | $1,444.90 | $38.02 |
| AQF Level 9 | AQF Level 9—2nd – 3rd year | $1,545.20 | $40.66 |
| AQF Level 9 | AQF Level 9—4th – 6th year | $1,659.30 | $43.67 |
| AQF Level 9 | AQF Level 9—7th year+ | $1,755.00 | $46.18 |
Source: Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 [MA000027], clause 17.1(e). Full-time weekly rates from the first pay period starting on or after 1 October 2026. Checked 3 October 2026.
Health professional levels 2 to 4
Senior clinician, advanced clinician and manager roles.
| Classification | Minimum weekly rate | Minimum hourly rate |
|---|---|---|
| Level 2.1 | $1,945.40 | $51.19 |
| Level 2.2 | $1,983.20 | $52.19 |
| Level 3 | $1,983.20 | $52.19 |
| Level 4 | $2,499.10 | $65.77 |
Source: Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 [MA000027], clause 17.2. Full-time weekly rates from the first pay period starting on or after 1 October 2026. Checked 3 October 2026.
How does the award classify social workers?
Social workers are a listed health professional in Schedule B, which matches each profession to the AQF level of its standard minimum qualification (AQF levels 7 to 9). At level 1 the rate steps up with experience: 1st year, 2nd to 3rd year, 4th to 6th year and 7th year or more. Level 2 covers senior clinicians, specialists, supervisors and educators, level 3 advanced clinicians and section managers, and level 4 managers.
Do social workers need to be registered?
There is no Ahpra registration. Employers commonly ask for eligibility for AASW membership. South Australia has legislated a separate state registration scheme. The registration body is the Australian Association of Social Workers (membership eligibility; not registered with Ahpra).
What is not included in these figures?
The tables show ordinary-hours minimums for full-time employees. Penalty rates, overtime and allowances are extra, employers can pay above the award, and public sector and community sector jobs may be covered by other awards or enterprise agreements. Superannuation is paid on top of these rates. The super guarantee rate is 12% of ordinary time earnings from 1 July 2025 (Australian Taxation Office: Super guarantee).
Social worker pay questions
What is the minimum pay for a social worker in Australia?
Under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020, a full-time social worker in a level 1 role at AQF level 7 must be paid at least $1,308.80 a week ($34.44 an hour) in the first year, from 1 October 2026. The rate rises with experience and at levels 2 to 4.
Which award covers social workers?
Social workers in private practice, aged care, disability services and private hospitals are commonly covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award [MA000027]. Other jobs are covered by a different award or an enterprise agreement, so check the one that applies to the job.
Do I need to be registered to work as a social worker?
There is no Ahpra registration. Employers commonly ask for eligibility for AASW membership. South Australia has legislated a separate state registration scheme.
Are social workers paid under a different award?
Some social workers, especially in community services, are covered by the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award (SCHADS) [MA000100] rather than the Health Professionals and Support Services Award. The two awards use different classifications, so check which one covers the job before comparing rates.
Can an employer pay more than the award?
Yes. The award sets minimum pay. Employers can pay more, and employees covered by an enterprise agreement are paid under that agreement, which must leave them better off overall than the award. Check the award or agreement that covers the job, and use the Fair Work Pay Calculator for a specific shift.
Related
Hiring social workers? CrossNation recruits for employers across Australia. Fee is 12% of the candidate's annual salary, with a 90-day placement guarantee.
Sources (accessed 3 October 2026)
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