NDIS support worker salary: what you actually take home after tax and Medicare

The mix-up between gross salary, package, and take-home

When you see an advertised ndis support worker salary, it’s easy to assume that figure is what lands in your bank account. In reality, the number on the job ad is usually your gross annual salary – before tax, the Medicare levy, and often before superannuation. Understanding the difference between gross pay, your total employment package, and your actual take-home pay is essential for budgeting.

What the award says about NDIS support worker pay

The minimum pay for NDIS support workers is set by the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award (the SCHADS Award). According to the latest pay guide from , a home care employee in disability care at Level 1, pay point 1 earns $31.38 per hour. That’s $1,192.30 per week for a full-time employee working 38 hours. Higher classifications – for example, a Level 5 disability care worker – can earn $39.62 per hour.

These award rates are the minimum. Many employers offer above-award rates, especially for experienced workers or those with specialised skills. The NDIS itself does not set wages; the Pricing Schedule 2026–27 lists maximum prices that providers can charge participants, not what they must pay staff.

Gross salary vs. total package

A typical job advertisement might say “$62,000 per annum plus super”. That $62,000 is your gross salary. The “plus super” means your employer will contribute an additional 12% (from 1 July 2026) into your super fund – that’s $7,440 on top. But that super is not part of your take-home pay; it’s locked away until retirement. Your total employment package is $69,440, but your cash salary remains $62,000.

Some employers offer salary packaging, which can reduce your taxable income. For example, packaging a car or living expenses through a not-for-profit employer can increase your take-home pay. See our Salary packaging guide for details.

From gross to net: tax and Medicare levy

Once you know your gross annual salary, you need to subtract income tax and the Medicare levy to find your take-home pay. For the 2026–27 tax year, the Australian Tax Office applies these marginal rates:

• $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
• $190,001+: $51,370 plus 45c for each $1 over $190,000

You may also be eligible for the Low Income Tax Offset (LITO), which can reduce your tax by up to $700 if your taxable income is below $37,500, phasing out by $66,667.

The Medicare levy is 2% of your taxable income. For single people, the latest published thresholds are $28,011 and $35,013 – if you earn below $28,011 you pay no levy; between $28,011 and $35,013 you pay a reduced rate (10c per $1 over the lower threshold). Full-time workers on award rates will almost always pay the full 2%.

Example: NDIS support worker on $31.38 per hour

Assume you work 38 hours per week, 52 weeks a year. That’s $31.38 × 38 × 52 = $62,006 (rounded to $62,000 for simplicity).

• Gross annual salary: $62,000
• Tax: Using the 2026–27 rates, tax on $62,000 is $4,020 + 0.30 × ($62,000 – $45,000) = $4,020 + $5,100 = $9,120. Then subtract LITO: your taxable income is above $45,000, so LITO is $325 – 0.015 × ($62,000 – $45,000) = $325 – $255 = $70. So net tax = $9,120 – $70 = $9,050.
• Medicare levy: 2% of $62,000 = $1,240.
• Total deductions: $9,050 + $1,240 = $10,290.
• Take-home pay: $62,000 – $10,290 = $51,710 per year.

That’s about $4,309 per month or $1,989 per fortnight. Your employer’s super contribution of $7,440 goes into your super fund, not your bank account.

Why the mix-up matters

Many people see the gross salary and assume they can spend that amount. Understanding the difference helps you avoid overcommitting on rent, loans, or lifestyle. Use our Take-home pay calculator to run your own numbers. You can also check the Minimum wage benchmark to see how award rates compare.

The role of the NDIS Pricing Schedule

The NDIS Pricing Schedule 2026–27, published by the NDIA, sets maximum prices for supports. It does not dictate what support workers are paid. Providers must still pay at least the award rate. The schedule includes line items for various supports, but your salary is determined by your employment agreement and the award, not by the NDIS price limits.

Final thoughts

Your ndis support worker salary is just the starting point. Factor in super, tax, and the Medicare levy to get a realistic picture of your take-home pay. Always read job ads carefully: if it says “$62,000 + super”, your cash salary is $62,000, not $69,440. For more guidance, see our Tax and Medicare page and Super page.