From 1 October 2025, new minimum pay rates apply under the Aged Care Award (MA000018).
The Fair Work Commission has confirmed the next stage of pay increases as part of its ongoing Work Value Case – Aged Care, which aims to better recognise the value of direct care roles across the industry.
This change affects all employers covered by the Aged Care Award and applies from the first full pay period on or after 1 October 2025.
The latest update increases the minimum weekly pay rates for direct care employees under the Aged Care Award, from Level 1 through to Level 6.
| Classification | Weekly Rate |
|---|---|
| Aged Care Employee – Direct Care – Level 1 (Introductory) | $1,182.80 |
| Aged Care Employee – Direct Care – Level 2 (Direct Carer) | $1,248.50 |
| Aged Care Employee – Direct Care – Level 3 (Qualified) | $1,314.30 |
| Aged Care Employee – Direct Care – Level 4 (Senior) | $1,366.90 |
| Aged Care Employee – Direct Care – Level 5 (Specialist) | $1,419.40 |
| Aged Care Employee – Direct Care – Level 6 (Team Leader) | $1,472.00 |
These increases form Stage 3 of the Aged Care Work Value Case, following previous adjustments made in 2023 and 2024. No other clauses, including penalties, allowances, or classifications, were amended in this stage of the determination.
For a full breakdown of entitlements and allowances, visit our Aged Care Award 2025 Summary.
These updated pay rates apply to direct care workers covered by the Aged Care Award (MA000018), including:
In addition, the Fair Work Commission’s Work Value Case has also led to pay increases for nurses and midwives under separate awards, including the Nurses Award 2020. These increases also take effect from the first full pay period on or after 1 October 2025.
Employers who engage both aged care and nursing staff should review pay rates across each applicable award to ensure all employees receive the correct updated minimums.
For help identifying the right award coverage and entitlements, see our Aged Care Award 2025 Summary or read 8 Conditions Commonly Missed in the Aged Care Award.
The new minimum rates take effect from the first full pay period on or after 1 October 2025. If your pay period starts before 1 October, the updated rates will apply from your next full cycle beginning after that date.
Employers should verify all employee classifications and pay categories before processing October pay runs.
To ensure accuracy and avoid underpayments:
Even minor delays can create underpayment risks or audit issues later.
If you use Pay Cat for payroll, the new pay rates are already available through the latest award update. When the update is ready, you’ll see an “Updates Available” message next to the relevant award in your system (for example, the Aged Care Award or Nurses Award).
To apply the new rates:
Once applied, your payroll will automatically reflect the new minimum pay rates for the first full pay period on or after 1 October 2025. If you don’t see the update available, reach out to the Pay Cat support team for assistance confirming that your awards are synced correctly.
To help aged care providers stay ahead of these changes, Pay Cat offers a complete set of free and expert resources:
Pay Cat are payroll specialists dedicated to helping Australian businesses simplify payroll and ensure 100% compliance with modern awards. As Employment Hero Payroll experts, we configure payroll systems to automate award interpretation, apply the correct pay rates and allowances, and eliminate manual calculations.
For aged care providers, our pre-built Aged Care Award (MA000018) compliance template ensures accurate shift penalties, overtime, and leave calculations every pay run, saving time, reducing errors, and keeping your business fully compliant.
The updated minimum pay rates apply from the first full pay period on or after 1 October 2025 for employees covered by the Aged Care Award (MA000018) and Nurses Award 2020.
The new weekly rates range from $1,182.80 for Level 1 Introductory employees to $1,472.00 for Level 6 Team Leaders, reflecting Stage 3 of the Aged Care Work Value Case.
Yes. The Fair Work Commission’s Work Value Case – Nurses and Midwives grants similar increases under the Nurses Award 2020, effective from 1 October 2025.
Yes. Pay Cat users will see an “Updates Available” notice next to the Aged Care or Nurses Award in their system. Selecting Actions → Apply Updates will apply the new rates automatically.