The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) supports Australians with significant or permanent disability.
NDIS support workers, or disability support workers, are a vital part of this program. They provide help and care to participants by:
- allowing people with disability to live independently and achieve their goals
- giving respite to primary caregivers.
Currently, the demand for NDIS support workers is high.
As the Australian population ages, an estimated 128,000 more workers will be needed by June 2025. This is why training as a support worker is a solid employment option for the future.
But, how much do NDIS support workers earn?
This is a valid question, as you can’t pay the mortgage with feelings of satisfaction.
What you need to know is that the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA):
- sets the price for NDIS services
- support workers are paid according to a price guide.
The level of support you provide, location, qualification and experience impacts your payment. Sometimes, additional payments on top of hourly rates are made, such as when you work on public holidays.
Working in the disability support industry makes a real difference in people’s lives. Besides tremendous satisfaction, this career offers exciting opportunities for growth.
Let’s take a closer look at how much money you can make as an NDIS support worker.
Understanding the NDIS Support Worker Role
NDIS support workers provide assistance and care to people with disabilities. Tasks and responsibilities vary depending on the needs of the participant they are supporting.
Some of the common tasks and responsibilities of NDIS support workers include:
Personal care
Provide disability care for everyday tasks and self-care activities, e.g. bathing, grooming, dressing, toileting.
Community access and participation
Accompany participants to social activities, events, or appointments. They also provide transport when needed.
Skill development
Support participants in learning new skills. This can include cooking, using public transport, or managing finances.
Home and lifestyle
Assist with household tasks, such as cleaning, cooking, laundry, grocery shopping.
Behavioural
Offer support with behavioural management. This includes helping participants develop strategies for coping with challenging behaviours.
Health
Medication management, monitoring changes in health status, providing basic first aid.
Communication
Assist with a range of communication tasks, e.g. assistive technology, translating services.
Professionally, support workers need appropriate qualifications and experience. Often, a Certificate III in Individual Support or Disability Support is required. Previous experience in disability support is always highly regarded.
Personally, support workers need excellent communication and interpersonal skills, empathy, and the ability to work well in a team. They must be patient, understanding and adaptable.
All these factors impact earnings. That’s why workers in specialised care settings often receive higher pay than workers giving basic support.
Factors Influencing NDIS Support Worker Earnings
Every NDIS disability support worker does not receive the same amount of pay. There are multiple factors that influence disability earnings, such as:
Experience and qualifications
Having certifications for disability support work, as well as experience, equates to higher rates of pay.
For example, those with a Certificate IV in Disability Support may earn more than those with a Certificate III in Individual Support.
Location and cost of living
Location impacts a person’s cost of living. This also affects a support worker’s hourly rate of pay.
For example, disability workers in metropolitan areas may earn more than those in rural areas due to a higher cost of living.
Level of disability
The salary for disability support workers is affected by the level of care needed.
For example, caring for someone with severe disabilities may correlate with more pay.
Time of support
The time of day support is provided is a factor.
For example, daytime rates are generally lower than evening rates.
Hours Worked
The type of employment arrangement, and hours worked, impacts earnings.
For example, full time workers may receive lower pay rates than casual workers. This is because casual workers are compensated for a lack of entitlements, e.g. sick leave, annual leave.
Price Limits
NDIS registered providers must charge according to the official price guide.
This puts a limit on the price disability support providers in this category can charge/earn. However, being a registered provider has a host of other benefits.
Disability Support Workers Insurance
Having disability support worker insurance is a requirement set by the NDIS. While this won’t directly impact your pay rate, you will need it to be involved with the scheme.
Average Salary Ranges for NDIS Support Workers
Australian support workers earn an average of $64,220 per year.
The approximate salary ranges for NDIS support workers across different experience levels are:
Entry-level positions
Median salary = $58,50 per year, or $30 per hour.
Mid-level positions
Median salary = $64,220 per year, or $32.93 per hour.
Senior-level positions
Median salary = $77,513 per year, or $39.75 per hour.
These figures are only estimates. Actual salaries vary depending on factors such as location, employer, and qualifications.
Several financial benefits that may apply to NDIS support workers, depending on their role or situation. Some examples include:
- Penalty rates, including evening rates
- Travel allowances
- Remote area allowances
- Training allowances
- Paid leave.
Again, the availability and amount of financial benefits varies between employers and roles.
Opportunities for Career Advancement and Increased Earnings
Becoming an NDIS Support Worker may be the perfect career for you, if you want something that offers the:
- potential for career advancement
- opportunity for increased earnings.
Here are 3 ways to maximise your career in disability support.
1. Specialise in an area of support
Consider becoming an expert in your area of support.
This increases earning potential as you can charge more. Plus, more clients will be interested in your services. It also opens up opportunities for leadership roles and consulting positions.
2. Level up
As you progress your career, you have the potential to level up into more senior roles.
This is when you begin overseeing the work of other support workers. These roles attract a high salary and have the potential for additional benefits, e.g. bonuses, performance incentives.
3. Further education and training
You’re an asset in the disability sector if you choose to further your education and training.
You may begin with a Cert III, but then choose to complete a Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
This entitles you to more pay and opens up more job opportunities. Professional development courses are valuable too, as they can enhance your career reputation.
Conclusion
NDIS disability support worker jobs are in high demand right now.
Not only are employment rates high, but earning potential is strong too.
Disability support worker roles vary significantly. You could provide complex disability support care for those with a long-term disability. Or, you may assist those with physical limitations to do cooking activities.
What you earn depends on many factors, like your:
- experience
- qualifications
- location
- employment arrangements.
Who you support and when you provide care impact your earnings too.
Remember, there are massive opportunities for career advancement when you’re a support worker. Likewise, there are many ways to further boost your earnings.
If you’re considering becoming a disability care worker, this is your sign to take action. Start your NDIS business today!
