With the NDIS 2025-26 price guide now in effect, support workers and participants are keen to understand the latest hourly rates. As of July 1, 2025, a 3.95% pay rise has been applied to the Disability Support Worker (DSW) Cost Model, affecting rates across the board.
This guide breaks down the NDIS support worker hourly rates for 2025, so you know exactly what to expect.
NDIS Support Worker Pay Rates 2025 (at a Glance)
Here’s a quick summary of the updated weekday hourly rates for agency-employed support workers under the SCHADS Award.
| Worker Level | Weekday Rate | Evening Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level | $31.90 - $34.85 | $35.09 - $38.28 |
| Certificate III | $36.50 - $39.75 | $40.15 - $43.80 |
| Certificate IV | $41.20 - $44.80 | $45.32 - $49.44 |
- Weekend Rates: Expect to earn around $47-$62 per hour on Saturdays and $63-$83 on Sundays.
- Public Holiday Rates: These are the highest, ranging from $79-$103 per hour.
How NDIS Support Worker Hourly Rates Are Set
NDIS hourly rates aren’t arbitrary. They are determined by a combination of factors:
- SCHADS Award: The Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services (SCHADS) Industry Award sets the minimum pay rates for disability support workers.
- NDIS Price Guide: The NDIS sets maximum prices that registered providers can charge. The 2025-26 guide includes the 3.95% increase to reflect wage inflation and the superannuation guarantee increase.
- Qualifications & Experience: Rates are tiered based on the worker’s qualifications (e.g., Certificate III or IV) and level of experience.
- Time of Day: Evenings, nights, weekends, and public holidays command higher “penalty” rates.
- Support Complexity: High-intensity support for participants with complex needs requires more skilled workers and therefore has higher rates.
- Location: Remote and very remote areas have higher price limits (40-50% higher) to ensure services remain viable.
For a deeper dive into pay structures, see our Complete NDIS Support Worker Pay Rates Guide.
Independent Support Worker Pay Rates
Independent support workers have the flexibility to set their own rates, but they also have to cover their own business costs.
- Typical Hourly Rate: Independent contractors usually charge $55 - $65 per hour for standard support.
- Why the Higher Rate? This rate needs to cover insurance, superannuation (11.5% as of July 2025), tax, training, and other business expenses.
- New Rules for 2025: As of July 1, 2025, independent support workers will need to be registered with the NDIS, which may add new compliance requirements.
If you’re thinking of going independent, our guides on becoming an independent support worker and getting the right insurance are essential reading.
Rates for High-Intensity and Specialized Support
When a participant requires complex support, the hourly rates are higher.
- High-Intensity Support: For participants with complex medical or behavioural needs. Rates can be 10-40% higher than standard rates, depending on the level of skill required.
- Specialized Support: This includes services like behaviour support or complex health support (e.g., wound care, catheter management). These roles require advanced training and command premium rates, often in the $50 - $65 per hour range even for weekdays.
FAQ: Your Top Questions Answered
What is the minimum hourly rate for an NDIS support worker in 2025?
The minimum award rate for an entry-level worker on a standard weekday is around $31.90 per hour. However, with casual loading, penalty rates, and experience, most workers earn more.
How much do NDIS support workers make on weekends?
On Saturdays, the rate is 150% of the base rate (around $47-$62/hr). On Sundays, it’s 200% of the base rate (around $63-$83/hr).
What is the hourly rate for an independent support worker?
Independent workers typically charge between $55 and $65 per hour to cover their business costs and lack of employee benefits.
Do rates change for public holidays?
Yes, public holiday rates are the highest, usually 250% of the base rate, meaning $79-$103 per hour.
How does location affect my pay rate?
If you work in a remote or very remote area, your rate will be 40-50% higher to account for the increased cost and difficulty of providing services in those locations.
Need Help Understanding NDIS Pay Rates?
Whether you’re a support worker wanting to understand your pay or a participant wanting to manage your budget, it’s a complex area. MD Home Care offers transparent pricing and can help you navigate the NDIS Price Guide.
Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about our services.