Aged care employee—general—level 1 Pay Rate 2026
As of 1 July 2026, a Aged care employee—general—level 1 under the Aged Care Award (MA000018) earns a published minimum of $27.77 an hour ($1,055.40 a week, about $55,029 a year) full-time before tax.
The Aged Care Award covers employees who work in residential aged care homes caring for older people. It applies to personal care workers and direct care staff who assist residents with daily living, along with the general and support employees who keep a facility running: cleaners, laundry and kitchen hands, cooks, food services staff, gardeners, maintenance workers and administrative staff. The classifications separate direct care roles, which progress with qualifications and responsibility, from general support roles graded by skill. Registered and enrolled nurses working in aged care are generally covered by the nursing award.
Minimum pay rates
| Employment type | Hourly | Weekly | Annual (× 52.14) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time / part-time | $27.77 | $1,055.40 | $55,029 |
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Common questions
How much does a Aged care employee—general—level 1 get paid?
The published minimum for a Aged care employee—general—level 1 is $27.77 an hour. For a full-time employee on a standard week that comes to $1,055.40 a week, or about $55,029 a year. These rates took effect on 1 July 2026.
Rates current as of 1 July 2026. Source: Fair Work Commission — Modern Awards Pay Database. Last checked .
Source: Fair Work Commission — Modern Awards Pay Database for the Aged Care Award (MA000018).
General information only — not legal, industrial or financial advice. These are the published minimum rates for information. Your modern award or enterprise agreement prevails if there is any inconsistency. Check the official source above or the Fair Work Ombudsman for your situation.