Social worker salary: what you actually take home after tax and Medicare
The median full-time social worker earns $2,172 per week ($112,944 per year) before tax, but take-home pay after tax and Medicare is around $86,300 per year, depending on your level and hours.
Social worker salary: what you actually take home after tax and Medicare
If you are a social worker in Australia, you may see job ads advertising a gross salary figure and wonder what actually reaches your bank account after income tax and Medicare levy. The mix-up between a gross salary, a package, and take-home can be confusing. This guide uses current public Australian information from the Australian Taxation Office, Fair Work, and Jobs and Skills Australia to show you realistic take-home pay for social workers.
Median social worker salary from Jobs and Skills Australia
According to , the median full-time social worker earns $2,172 per week before tax. That is $112,944 per year. The median hourly earnings are $57 per hour. About 68% of social workers work full-time hours, averaging 40 hours per week. The median age is 38 years, and 84% of social workers are female.
Award rates under the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Award
Your actual pay may be set by the award if you are covered. The pay guide shows rates from Level 1 pay point 1 at $27.55 per hour ($1,046.90 per week) up to Level 8 pay point 3 at $71.19 per hour ($2,705.27 per week). These rates apply from 1 December 2026. Many social workers are employed at Level 4 to Level 6, where weekly pay ranges from $1,774.74 to $2,316.16.
Calculating take-home pay after tax and Medicare
Using the 2026–27 tax rates from the Australian Taxation Office, a full-time social worker earning the median $112,944 per year pays:
- Income tax: $24,403
- Medicare levy (2%): $2,259
- Total deductions: $26,662
- Take-home pay: $86,282 per year, or $1,659 per week, $3,318 per fortnight
The Medicare levy is full 2% because your income is above the single upper threshold of $35,013. The Low Income Tax Offset (LITO) reduces to zero at this income level.
If you earn less, for example at award Level 4 pay point 1 ($1,774.74 per week, $92,286 per year), your take-home would be approximately $73,000 per year. Use our Take-home pay tool to calculate your exact net income.
Superannuation is on top of your salary
Employers must pay super at 12% from 1 July 2026 on your ordinary time earnings, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year. This is not deducted from your take-home pay; it is paid in addition to your salary. For the median salary, that is an extra $13,553 per year into your super account.
Salary packaging can increase your take-home
Many social workers in not-for-profit organisations can use Salary packaging to reduce taxable income. You can package up to $15,900 per year for living expenses and $2,650 for meal entertainment. This can increase your take-home pay by several thousand dollars per year.
Part-time and casual work
About 32% of social workers work part-time. Your take-home pay will be lower if you work fewer hours. Casual workers receive a 25% loading on the award rate, but you may not get paid leave. Use our Clearance tool to estimate your net income based on your actual hours.
Summary
The social worker salary varies widely. The median full-time median is $2,172 per week before tax. Your take-home pay after tax and Medicare is around $1,659 per week for the median earner. Always check your award classification and check your employer's enterprise agreement may pay more. For more guidance, see our Guides and Topics.
Social worker salary: what you actually take home after tax and Medicare
If you are a social worker in Australia, you may see job ads advertising a gross salary figure and wonder what actually reaches your bank account after income tax and Medicare levy. The mix-up between a gross salary, a package, and take-home can be confusing. This guide uses current public information from the Australian Taxation Office, Fair Work, and Jobs and Skills Australia to show you realistic take-home pay for social workers.
Median social worker salary from Jobs and Skills Australia
According to , the median full-time social worker earns $2,172 per week before tax. That is $112,944 per year. The median hourly earnings are $57 per hour. About 68% of social workers work full-time hours, averaging 40 hours per week. The median age is 38 years, and 84% of social workers are female.
Award rates under the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Award
Your actual pay may be set by the award if you are covered. The pay guide shows rates from Level 1 pay point 1 at $27.55 per hour ($1,046.90 per week) up to Level 8 pay point 3 at $71.19 per hour ($2,705.27 per week). These rates apply from 1 December 2026. Many social workers are employed at Level 4 to Level 6, where weekly pay ranges from $1,774.74 to $2,316.16.
Calculating take-home pay after tax and Medicare
Using the 2026–27 tax rates from the Australian Taxation Office, a full-time social worker earning the median $112,944 per year pays:
- Income tax: $24,403
- Medicare levy (2%): $2,259
- Total deductions: $26,662
- Take-home pay: $86,282 per year, or $1,659 per week, $3,318 per fortnight
The Medicare levy is full 2% because your income is above the single upper threshold of $35,013. The Low Income Tax Offset (LITO) reduces to zero at this income level.
If you earn less, for example at award Level 4 pay point 1 ($1,774.74 per week, $92,286 per year), your take-home would be approximately $73,000 per year. Use our Take-home pay tool to calculate your exact net income.
Superannuation is on top of your salary
Employers must pay super at 12% from 1 July 2026 on your ordinary time earnings, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year. This is not deducted from your take-home pay; it is paid in addition to your salary. For the median salary, that is an extra $13,553 per year into your super account.
Salary packaging can increase your take-home
Many social workers in not-for-profit organisations can use Salary packaging to reduce taxable income. You can package up to $15,900 per year for living expenses and $2,650 for meal entertainment. This can increase your take-home pay by several thousand dollars per year.
Part-time and casual work
About 32% of social workers work part-time. Your take-home pay will be lower if you work fewer hours. Casual workers receive a 25% loading on the award rate, but you may not get paid leave. Use our Clearance tool to estimate your net income based on your actual hours.
Summary
The social worker salary varies widely. The median full-time is $2,172 per week before tax. Your take-home after tax and Medicare is around $1,659 per week for the median earner. Always check your award classification and check your employer's enterprise agreement may pay more. For more guidance, see our Guides and Topics.
Questions
What is the take-home pay for a social worker earning the median salary?
For a full-time social worker earning the median $2,172 per week ($112,944 per year), tax and Medicare reduce your take-home to about $1,659 per week ($86,282 per year) using 2026–27 rates. This excludes super, which is paid on top of your salary.
What are the award pay rates for social workers under the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Award?
Award rates range from Level 1 pay point 1 at $27.55 per hour ($1,046.90 per week) up to Level 8 pay point 3 at $71.19 per hour ($2,705.27 per week). Your actual rate depends on your classification and experience.
Can social workers salary package to increase take-home pay?
Yes, many social workers in not-for-profit organisations can salary package up to $15,900 per year tax-free for living expenses and $2,650 for meal entertainment. This reduces your taxable income and can increase your take-home pay significantly.