Support Worker Income Calculator 2025
Estimate your potential income as a disability support worker. Calculate earnings based on hours, shift types, and whether you're employed or independent.
NDIS Price Limits 2025-26
Employed vs Independent
Employed (SCHADS Award)
$29-$36/hr base + penalties. Employer pays super, tax, leave.
Independent/Sole Trader
Charge NDIS rates but pay own super, tax, insurance.
Note: Estimates only. Actual pay depends on your employer, award level, and specific arrangements. Consult a tax professional for independent contractor advice.
Calculate Your Income
Enter your typical weekly hours and shift breakdown.
Should add up to 100%. 100%
$261.55 per sleepover shift
Estimated Income
Weekly
$1,890
Monthly
$8,190
Annual
$98,280
Weekly Breakdown
Independent workers: Remember to set aside ~30% for tax, plus super (11.5%) and insurance. Your take-home will be less than gross.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hourly rates depend on employment type:
| Type | Weekday | Saturday | Sunday |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employed (SCHADS) | $29-$36 | $43-$54 | $58-$72 |
| Independent (NDIS) | $70.88 | $99.24 | $127.59 |
Independent workers earn more gross but must pay their own super, tax, and insurance.
Average full-time disability support worker salaries (2025):
- Entry level: $50,000 - $55,000/year
- Experienced: $55,000 - $65,000/year
- With weekend shifts: $60,000 - $75,000/year
- Independent (gross): $80,000 - $120,000+/year
Actual earnings depend heavily on hours worked and shift types.
Yes! Weekend penalty rates significantly increase pay:
- Saturday: 40% more than weekday rate
- Sunday: 80% more than weekday rate
- Public Holiday: 120% more than weekday rate
A worker doing mostly weekends can earn significantly more than the same hours during the week.
Independent support workers can charge up to NDIS price limits:
| Shift Type | Standard | High Intensity |
|---|---|---|
| Weekday | $70.88 | $85.72 |
| Saturday | $99.24 | $120.01 |
| Sunday | $127.59 | $154.30 |
| Public Holiday | $155.95 | $188.58 |
Remember: As an independent, you must pay your own tax (~30%), super (11.5%), and insurance.
Travel time payment depends on your arrangement:
- Employed: Usually paid for travel between clients during work hours
- Independent: Can charge travel time at applicable hourly rate + $0.97/km
Travel time must be reasonable - typically capped at 30 minutes per visit. Check your service agreement for specifics.
NDIS sleepover rates for 2025-26:
- Standard sleepover: $261.55 per shift (8+ hours where you can sleep)
- Active night: If you provide active support, you're paid the hourly rate instead
Sleepovers can significantly boost income - 2 sleepovers/week adds ~$27,000/year.