Support Worker Pay Rates for 2026

Key Information:

• Support worker pay rates are influenced by the SCHADS Award (worker wages) and the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits (provider charges), which are reviewed separately but are closely linked.
• The next major updates are expected around 1 July 2026, when annual NDIS pricing changes and wage increases may flow through to both worker pay and provider rates.
• NDIS hourly rates are higher than worker pay because they consider the full cost of delivering support (including business overheads).
• More than just rates can change as a result of reviews; it’s important to understand pricing updates and changes to provider terms or claiming rules.

NDIS Price Arrangements and Price Limits explained

The PAPL is updated at least once a year on 1 July, following review by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA). It sets out the maximum rates providers can charge for delivery of certain supports. Having these guidelines helps protect both value for participants and fair compensation for support workers. It outlines how these rates can change according to:

• When they are delivered – after hours, weekend or public holiday rates will be higher than rates for supports delivered during standard working hours.
• Where they are delivered – providers delivering support in remote or very remote areas can claim a higher hourly rate than those in major cities or regional centres.
• Whether supports are delivered to more than one participant at a time – some supports can be delivered in group settings, and the NDIS hourly rate is divided by the number of participants unless otherwise stated in the PAPL.
• The level of support required - high-intensity support or delivering support for people with complex needs can have different rates.

NDIS rates vs support worker pay rates

There’s a difference between the amount a provider can charge according to the PAPL, and the minimum rates support workers are paid under the SCHADS Award.

For example:

• The NDIS price guide sets standard weekday, daytime care at $70.23/hr (per Assistance with Self-Care Activities in the PAPL).
• A Level 2 worker under SCHADS must be paid at least $34.58/hr, plus super and leave. This is enforced by Fair Work.

The hourly rate difference can look huge on paper, but it essentially comes down to what it costs for providers to run their business and employ support workers. This includes things like superannuation, insurances, annual leave, sick leave or long service leave, administrative costs, and the provider profit margin.

NDIS price limits will always be higher than minimum support worker pay rates, because they consider the full picture of costs involved for providers. When SCHADS rates go up, NDIS rates may increase afterwards to help providers absorb the additional cost - but this is the result of independent review processes from the Fair Work Ombudsman (SCHADS) and the NDIA (NDIS rates).

Disability support worker pay rates in 2026

SCHADS standard hourly pay rates for support workers are currently as follows:

• Level 2: $34.58 - $37.73
• Level 3: $38.65 - $41.45
• Level 4: $44.58 - $47.97
• Level 5: $51.00 - $53.31
• Level 6: $55.72 - $58.19
• Level 7: $60.27 - $62.79
• Level 8: $65.39 - $67.96

Higher pay levels correspond to higher pay rates because the work usually involves more complex duties, and more responsibility. For example, a Level 2 employee typically use basic skills or qualifications to provide direct client support. Level 5-8 roles, however, are typically management or specialist roles – such as positions needing high-level qualifications, managing specialised teams, or managing service operations.

Note: You can find a full list of latest rates for support workers under SCHADS in the Fair Work pay guides.

Are support worker pay rates the same in all states?

Yes. NDIS price limits and SCHADS Award minimum wages are both applied nationally; a support worker in Perth would be entitled to the same base rate as a support worker of the same level in Adelaide. However, employers may choose to pay their team above these rates.

What about in remote locations?

Some remote and very remote areas can have additional regional loadings above standard rates, but anything you earn above the minimum wage for your current level will depend largely on your employer.

For example, NDIS price limits can change by location, based on the Modified Monash Model. This splits by location into three pricing scenarios*:

• National hourly price limit: $70.23
• Remote hourly price limit: $98.32
• Very remote hourly price limit: $105.35

*Based on 2025/26 NDIS Price Arrangements and Price Limits V1.1

What else impacts support worker pay?

What you earn as a support worker can largely depend on your shift mix. Under SCHADS, working standard daytime hours only, you will earn the standard minimum wage for your level.

Non-standard shifts can pay more:

• Saturday rates are paid at 1.5x base rate (AKA time and a half).
• Sunday rates are 2x base rate.
• Public holidays pay 2.5x base rate.
• There are allowances like an on-call allowance, a broken shift allowance, sleepover allowance.

Your pay rate will also depend on whether you are a permanent or casual employee. Casual workers have a 25% loading on top of these rates, in lieu of paid leave.

Looking forward: What to expect in 2026

Support worker pay rates change regularly, and 2026’s changes in the NDIS system are expected to be shaped by:

1. Annual 1 July updates to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits (PAPL).
2. Recent changes to the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services (SCHADS) Industry Award.
3. Broader workforce cost pressures (market changes driven by factors like the higher cost of living, superannuation, insurances).

While specific numbers are yet to be released, it’s good to start preparing for them now. For providers, this can mean keeping communication with employees and NDIS participants open and constructive – if higher pay rates are going to lead to changes in client pricing models, make sure to communicate this as early and as clearly as possible.

Should participants worry about support worker pay rates?

No, you don’t need to worry! The NDIA’s annual review ensures that NDIS participants are still going to get value for their money, even with changes in the market like pay rate increases.

If you’re worried your current plan won’t cover the supports you need, especially if your provider has raised their rates, you can:

1. Talk to your provider directly, to see how the new rates apply to you and whether there are any options for better value.
2. Look into other providers to see if someone else fits your budget better.
3. If you can’t see a way to make it work - request a review with your NDIS planner to discuss whether you qualify for more support.

NDSP helps participants and providers across Australia

We’re committed to empowering NDIS participants across Australia – and their providers. In addition to our efficient, fast invoice processing, we’ve created practical tools to help make things easier for providers working with NDSP clients:

• Try our free Provider Invoice Template.
• Explore the free online Participant Toolbox, with resources to help clients better understand the NDIS and their plan – also helpful for providers and support workers to understand the NDIS environment.
• Quick links to the latest Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits (PAPL) information, plus other relevant NDIS guidelines.

Why not contact our friendly team today to find out more about how partnering with us works.