Enquire Now

Disability Support Worker Salary: Victoria’s 2025 Pay Rates

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

As someone who’s written about the NDIS for five years, I’ve watched the disability support sector evolve tremendously. One question consistently dominates conversations: “How much do disability support workers really earn?” Having bipolar disorder myself, I understand the importance of dedicated support workers in transforming lives. In 2025, their compensation reflects this crucial role.
Melbourne’s disability support workers form the backbone of the NDIS, delivering essential care to thousands. Whether you’re considering entering this rewarding field or currently working in it, understanding your worth helps everyone. Let’s explore what disability support workers in Victoria earn in 2025, what affects your pay, and how to maximise your income in this vital profession.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways:

  • Disability support worker pay rates in Victoria now range from $33.41 to $40.05 per hour for permanent employees and $41.76 to $50.06 for casual workers (as of January 2025)
  • The average annual salary for disability support workers in Victoria is between $58,000 and $62,000
  • Qualifications like Certificate III in Individual Support significantly impact earning potential
  • Career progression can increase your salary by over 25% from entry to senior levels
  • Working for an NDIS provider typically offers better financial security, professional development, and additional benefits than independent work

The 2025 Salary Landscape for Disability Support Workers

The Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services (SCHADS) Award determines minimum pay rates for disability support workers. From January 1, 2025, permanent disability support workers earn between $33.41 and $40.05 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications. Casual workers receive higher hourly rates (between $41.76 and $50.06) to compensate for lack of leave entitlements.

In annual terms, Victorian disability support workers typically earn between $58,000 and $62,000, according to the latest industry data. This places them slightly below New South Wales ($60,000-$65,000) but ahead of Queensland ($55,000-$60,000) and several other states.

Breaking Down the Pay Structure

The SCHADS Award organizes pay into levels and pay points. Most disability support workers fall under Level 2 or Level 3:

Level 2 Disability Support Workers (2025 rates)

  • Pay point 1: $33.41/hour (permanent), $41.76/hour (casual)
  • Pay point 2: $34.46/hour (permanent), $43.08/hour (casual)
  • Pay point 3: $35.51/hour (permanent), $44.39/hour (casual)
  • Pay point 4: $36.46/hour (permanent), $45.58/hour (casual)

Level 3 Disability Support Workers (2025 rates)

  • Pay point 1: $37.35/hour (permanent), $46.69/hour (casual)
  • Pay point 2: $38.42/hour (permanent), $48.03/hour (casual)
  • Pay point 3: $39.24/hour (permanent), $49.05/hour (casual)
  • Pay point 4: $40.05/hour (permanent), $50.06/hour (casual)

These figures represent base rates for standard hours. Additional loadings apply for evenings, weekends, public holidays, and overtime work. For example, Saturday rates pay 150% of the base rate, while Sunday work attracts 200%.

Five Factors That Determine Your Support Worker Pay

1. Qualifications Matter

Entry-level positions typically require a Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability), positioning you at Level 2. Advancing to a Certificate IV in Disability Support often enables progression to Level 3, with corresponding pay increases. Higher qualifications create a clear pathway to improved earnings.

2. Experience Dictates Value

Experience significantly impacts earning potential. As the research shows, support workers progress through pay points within their level as they gain experience in the field.

For example, within Level 2, a support worker can advance from pay point 1 ($33.41/hour) to pay point 4 ($36.46/hour) as they gain experience. Similarly, Level 3 workers can progress from pay point 1 ($37.35/hour) to pay point 4 ($40.05/hour).

This progression represents a potential increase of approximately 9% within each level, with additional increases possible when advancing to higher levels. Support workers earn substantially more with several years of experience than those just entering the field.

3. Specialisation Pays

Support workers with specialised skills command higher rates. Expertise in complex care, behaviour support, or working with specific disabilities can position you in higher pay brackets. These specializations often require additional training but deliver substantial financial returns.

4. Employment Type

Your employment status significantly affects take-home pay:

  • Permanent full-time: Lower hourly rate but includes paid leave, greater stability
  • Permanent part-time: Similar benefits to full-time on a pro rata basis
  • Casual: Approximately 25% higher hourly rate but no paid leave entitlements

5. Location Within Victoria

Geographic location influences earnings. Melbourne metropolitan areas typically offer higher pay rates than regional Victoria, reflecting cost-of-living differences. However, regional areas may offer other benefits like lower living costs or travel allowances.

Beyond Base Pay: Allowances Boost Your Income

Disability support work involves variable conditions, recognised through various allowances that significantly boost earnings:

  • Broken shift allowance: $20.12 (one break) or $26.63 (two breaks) per shift
  • First aid allowance: $19.76 per week for full-time workers
  • Sleepover allowance: $57.99 per sleepover
  • On-call allowance: $23.67 weekdays, $46.87 weekends/holidays
  • Vehicle allowance: $0.99 per kilometre when using your vehicle

These allowances can add thousands to your annual income, depending on your work pattern. For example, a support worker doing two broken shifts weekly with regular sleepovers could earn an additional $4,000+ annually from allowances alone.

Advancing Your Career and Salary

Progression in disability support work directly correlates with increased compensation. Here’s how to climb the pay ladder:

Further Education

Upgrading from Certificate III to Certificate IV can move you from Level 2 to Level 3, increasing your hourly rate by approximately $4-5. Diplomas in Disability or Community Services can position you for specialist or supervisory roles with even higher compensation.

Specialised Experience

Developing expertise in high-demand areas like behaviour support, complex care, or supporting clients with specific conditions creates opportunities for higher-paying positions. These specialised roles often start at Level 3 or above.

Leadership Roles

Moving into leadership positions offers significant career advancement and income growth opportunities. Team leader positions, coordinator roles, and management positions represent natural progression paths for experienced support workers seeking greater responsibility.

These leadership roles typically command higher compensation than front-line support positions, reflecting the increased responsibilities in scheduling, staff supervision, and program implementation. The path from front-line support to leadership can represent a meaningful professional and financial advancement opportunity for career-minded support workers.

NDIS Provider vs. Independent Support Work: The Salary Equation

Many support workers consider working independently rather than through providers like The SALT Foundation. This decision involves important financial considerations:

Provider Benefits

Working with an established NDIS provider typically offers:

  • Guaranteed minimum hours and pay rates
  • Paid training opportunities
  • Career advancement pathways
  • Regular supervision and support
  • Handling of administrative tasks

Independent Considerations

Independent support work might allow higher hourly rates but involves:

  • Responsibility for finding and keeping clients
  • Managing your own tax, insurance, and superannuation
  • Covering your own training costs
  • No paid leave
  • Administrative burden

While the independent hourly rate might look attractive, the additional costs and unpaid administrative time often make provider employment more financially beneficial overall.

Making Your Next Career Move

The disability support sector continues to experience significant growth, creating a strong demand for qualified workers across Victoria. This expanding job market presents excellent opportunities for career advancement and salary progression as organizations seek to attract and retain skilled professionals in the field.

If you’re considering entering this field or looking to advance, take these steps:

  1. Evaluate your qualifications: Ensure you have or are working toward helpful certifications
  2. Research current rates: Use the Fair Work Ombudsman’s Pay Calculator to check entitlements
  3. Consider specialisation: Identify high-demand areas that match your interests
  4. Connect with providers: Organisations like The SALT Foundation offer competitive compensation and clear advancement pathways
  5. Invest in professional development: Continuous learning directly correlates with increased earning potential

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the minimum qualification needed to work as a disability support worker?

Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) is the standard entry-level qualification. You can start studying while working, with many organizations supporting this pathway.

How much extra do I earn working weekends?

Saturday work pays 150% of your base rate, while Sunday work pays 200%. For a Level 2 worker, this means earning approximately $50-$53 per hour on Saturdays and $67-$71 per hour on Sundays.

Can I negotiate my salary as a disability support worker?

Yes, especially if you have specialised skills, experience, or qualifications. While the SCHADS Award sets minimum rates, many employers pay above-award wages to attract and keep quality staff.

What’s the salary difference between working for an NDIS provider versus working independently?

Independent workers might charge $5-10 more per hour, but providers offer consistency, paid leave, professional development, and handle administration. Most support workers find better long-term financial outcomes with providers when accounting for all factors.

The SALT Foundation provides NDIS services throughout Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula. We value our support workers and offer competitive compensation, professional development, and career advancement opportunities. To learn more about joining our team, call us at 1300 777 258 or email support@thesaltfoundation.org.au.