SCHADS Level 1 pay rates 2026–27.
Entry level: works under close direction on routine, clearly defined tasks, often a new recruit with limited relevant experience.
Full-time and part-time
Casual (includes 25% loading)
Source: Fair Work Ombudsman MA000100 pay guide (published 18 September 2026). Checked 27 September 2026.
Who is Level 1?
Entry level: works under close direction on routine, clearly defined tasks, often a new recruit with limited relevant experience.
- →Routine support, domestic or clerical tasks under direct supervision
- →Personal care or domestic duties as part of a team, under direct or routine supervision
- →Extensive on-the-job training; no supervision of other staff
A plain-English summary. The award's classification definitions decide the level.
An 8-hour shift at pay point 1
| Day | Permanent | Casual |
|---|---|---|
| Weekday | $220.40 | $275.52 |
| Weekday afternoon | $247.92 | $303.04 |
| Saturday | $330.64 | $385.68 |
| Sunday | $440.80 | $495.92 |
| Public holiday | $551.04 | $606.08 |
SCHADS Level 1 explained
Level 1 at a glance
The level has 3 pay points, from $27.55 to $29.45 an hour. Under clause 13.3, an employee becomes eligible for the next pay point after each 12 months of continuous employment, if they have shown competency and satisfactory performance. These SACS rates apply from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026, after the 4.75% annual wage review increase.
A worked 38-hour week at Level 1, pay point 1
Here is what a Level 1 employee at pay point 1 earns for a common mix of shifts: three weekday day shifts, a weekday afternoon shift finishing after 8pm, and a Saturday. No overtime, no public holiday, no allowances.
| Shifts | Hours | Permanent | Casual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday–Wednesday day shifts (3 × 8h) | 24 | $27.55 × 24 = $661.20 | $34.44 × 24 = $826.56 |
| Thursday afternoon shift (finishes 10pm) | 6 | $30.99 × 6 = $185.94 | $37.88 × 6 = $227.28 |
| Saturday day shift | 8 | $41.33 × 8 = $330.64 | $48.21 × 8 = $385.68 |
| Week total | 38 | $1,177.78 | $1,439.52 |
The same 38 hours worked as weekday day shifts pays $1,046.90. The afternoon loading and the Saturday rate add $130.88 for a permanent employee. The casual total is higher because the 25% loading is paid instead of leave entitlements. To price a different week, including overtime, broken shifts and sleepovers, open the SCHADS pay calculator at Level 1.
Compared with neighbouring levels
PP = pay point. Source: FWO MA000100 pay guide.
Level 2 starts at $36.22 an hour, $6.77 above the top of Level 1. Pay points reward experience within a level, but moving to a higher level only happens by promotion or reclassification when the duties change (clause 13.3(b)). See all levels on the SCHADS pay rates page.
Level 1 entry points and qualifications
- No qualification is needed. Employers are expected to give substantial on-the-job training (B.1.1(g)).
- Employees doing the full range of domestic duties and helping residents with personal care under general supervision start no lower than pay point 2 (B.1.2(h)).
- An employee mainly doing resident personal care or domestic duties under supervision moves to pay point 2 after 12 months' industry experience, or 1,976 hours if part-time (B.1.3(d)).
Qualifications set minimum starting points, but the level depends on the duties actually performed. Employers must tell employees their classification in writing when they start and when it changes (clause 13.2).
A plain-English summary of the award's classification schedule, not legal advice. A new classification structure is due to start from the first full pay period on or after 1 October 2027.
References
Sources checked 4 October 2026.
- Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010 [MA000100] (consolidated award) — Fair Work Commission, incorporating amendments to 1 September 2026 (PR813674)
- Pay Guide — Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award [MA000100] — Fair Work Ombudsman, published 18 September 2026, effective first full pay period on or after 1 December 2026
- Changes to the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Award — Fair Work Ombudsman, 21 September 2026
- Annual Wage Review 2026 — Fair Work Commission
Frequently asked
What is the SCHADS Level 1 hourly rate in 2026–27?+
Pay point 1: $27.55; Pay point 2: $28.44; Pay point 3: $29.45 an hour for full-time and part-time employees. Casuals receive a 25% loading on top.
What does a SCHADS Level 1 casual earn on a Saturday or Sunday?+
At pay point 1, a casual earns $48.21 an hour on Saturday, $61.99 on Sunday and $75.76 on a public holiday.
How does a worker move up a pay point within Level 1?+
Pay points reflect experience and skill within the level. Under the award, progression generally happens after 12 months of competent service at a pay point, subject to the classification criteria — check the award's classification schedule and any enterprise agreement for the exact rules.
What is the SCHADS Level 1 annual salary?+
A full-time Level 1 employee earns at least $1,046.90 a week at pay point 1, about $54,438.80 a year (weekly rate × 52), rising to $1,119.10 a week (about $58,193.20) at pay point 3. That's before penalty rates, overtime, allowances and superannuation.
How much does a Level 1 worker earn in a 38-hour week with a Saturday shift?+
At pay point 1, a permanent employee working 24 weekday day hours, a 6-hour weekday afternoon shift and an 8-hour Saturday shift earns $1,177.78 for the week, compared with $1,046.90 for 38 weekday day hours.
How much more is Level 2 than Level 1?+
Pay point 1 of Level 2 is $36.22 an hour, $8.67 (31.5%) more than Level 1 pay point 1. Moving up a level happens only through promotion or reclassification, based on the duties performed.
Pay every level correctly, automatically.
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