How to Work Out Your Aged Care Support Worker Salary After Tax

How to Estimate Your Aged Care Support Worker Salary After Tax

If you work in aged care, your pay is governed by the Aged Care Award 2010. The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes current minimum rates, which as of September 2026 range from $1,055.40 per week for a Level 1 general employee to $1,541.90 per week for a Level 6 direct care employee. These figures are your gross pay before tax, Medicare, and any salary sacrifice arrangements.

Step 1: Find Your Award Classification

The award divides employees into two streams: general employees (levels 1–7) and direct care employees (levels 1–6). Direct care roles (e.g., personal carers, qualified nurses) attract higher minimum rates. Check your position description or ask your employer which classification applies. For example, a direct care Level 2 (Direct Carer) earns $1,307.80 per week, or $34.42 per hour for a 38‑hour week.

Step 2: Calculate Your Annual Gross Pay

Multiply your weekly rate by 52 weeks (or by your actual weeks worked if part‑time or casual). For a full‑time employee working 38 hours per week, the annual gross is the weekly rate × 52. Example: Level 2 general employee at $1,097.20/week = $57,054.40 per year.

Step 3: Estimate Your Tax and Medicare Levy

Use the 2026–27 resident tax rates provided by the Australian Taxation Office:

• $0 – $18,200: Nil
• $18,201 – $45,000: 15c for each $1 over $18,200
• $45,001 – $135,000: $4,020 plus 30c for each $1 over $45,000
• $135,001 – $190,000: $31,020 plus 37c for each $1 over $135,000
• Over $190,000: $51,370 plus 45c for each $1 over $190,000

You may also be eligible for the Low Income Tax Offset (LITO) – up to $700 if your taxable income is $37,500 or less, then phasing out. The Medicare levy is 2% of taxable income, but if you earn below $28,011 you pay nothing; between $28,011 and $35,013 you pay a reduced rate (10c per dollar over the lower threshold). Full‑time aged care workers will almost always pay the full 2%.

For a $57,054 gross salary:

• Tax: $4,020 + 0.30 × ($57,054 – $45,000) = $4,020 + $3,616 = $7,636
• LITO: $325 – 0.015 × ($57,054 – $45,000) = $325 – $181 = $144 (so tax reduces to $7,492)
• Medicare: 2% × $57,054 = $1,141
• Total deductions: $8,633
• Take‑home pay: $57,054 – $8,633 = $48,421 per year (about $1,862 per fortnight)

Use our Take-home pay guide for a more detailed calculator.

Step 4: Remember Super Is Extra

Your employer must pay 12% superannuation on top of your base salary from 1 July 2026. This does not reduce your take‑home pay – it’s an additional contribution to your retirement fund. The award rates quoted are exclusive of super.

Allowances and Penalty Rates

If you work weekends, nights, or overtime, you may receive higher rates. For example, overtime on Monday–Friday after 2 hours is paid at 150% for the first 2 hours and 200% thereafter. These penalty rates increase your gross pay and therefore your tax. The Fair Work Ombudsman’s pay guide includes full tables for casual and part‑time employees.

Key Takeaways

• Your aged care support worker salary is set by the award classification, not a single figure.
• Use the weekly rates from Fair Work to find your gross pay.
• Subtract income tax (using the 2026–27 brackets and LITO) and the 2% Medicare levy to estimate your net pay.
• Super is paid on top and does not affect your take‑home amount.
• For personalised calculations, refer to the Tax and Medicare page or the ATO’s tax withheld calculator.

Sources

The rates in this article are based on the Aged Care Award 2010 pay guide published by the Fair Work Ombudsman, effective from the first full pay period on or after 1 September 2026. The National Minimum Wage for 2026–27 is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for employees not covered by an award. Always check your specific award classification and any applicable enterprise agreement for the most accurate figures.