What a SCHADS Level 3 Salary Means in 2026

What a SCHADS Level 3 Salary Means in 2026

If you're looking at a job ad that mentions "SCHADS Level 3" and wondering how the pay stacks up, you're not alone. The Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award (SCHADS Award) covers a wide range of roles in community services, disability support, and home care. The "Level 3" classification is a common entry point for experienced support workers or those with some qualifications. But what does a SCHADS Level 3 salary actually look like in dollars, and how does it compare to the national average?

First, the keyword: "schads level 3 salary" refers to the minimum pay rate for an employee classified as Level 3 under the SCHADS Award. The award sets out minimum hourly and weekly rates, which are updated each year through the Fair Work Commission's Annual Wage Review. From 1 July 2026, the rates increased by 4.75% (the national minimum wage also rose to $26.44 per hour). For a full-time SCHADS Level 3 employee, the base rate depends on the pay point within Level 3. The award has four pay points for Level 3, reflecting experience or competency.

According to the SCHADS Award pay guide published by the Fair Work Ombudsman, the minimum hourly rates for Level 3 from July 2026 are:

• Level 3 pay point 1: $40.49 per hour, $1,538.59 per week
• Level 3 pay point 2: $41.66 per hour, $1,582.94 per week
• Level 3 pay point 3: $42.55 per hour, $1,616.71 per week
• Level 3 pay point 4: $43.42 per hour, $1,649.97 per week

These are the minimum rates for full-time and part-time employees. Casual employees get a 25% loading, bringing the casual hourly rate to around $50.61 for pay point 1. The pay guide also includes penalty rates for Saturday, Sunday, public holidays, and shift work.

How a SCHADS Level 3 Salary Compares to National Earnings

To put these numbers in context, the Salary Index uses full-time adult ordinary-time earnings as a benchmark. As of May 2026, the national average is $2,083.70 per week, annualised to $108,352 (index 100). The national minimum wage is $1,004.90 per week, index 48.2. A SCHADS Level 3 employee at pay point 1 earns $1,538.59 per week, which annualised to about $80,007, giving an index of approximately 73.8. That's well above the national minimum but below the average. It's also below the average for the health care and social assistance industry, which has an index of 97.8. So a SCHADS Level 3 salary is below the industry average for the sector.

If you're comparing offers, note that the award rate is the floor. Many employers pay above award, especially for experienced workers or in areas with labour shortages. The states index shows variation: for example, New South Wales has an index of 101.2, Victoria 98, Queensland 97.9, Western Australia 106.9. A SCHADS Level 3 salary in WA might be less competitive relative to the state average than in Tasmania (index 88.6) where the same award rate goes further.

Reading a Job Ad: What to Look For

When you see "SCHADS Level 3" in a job ad, check whether the advertised salary is the award minimum or above. Some ads state "above award" or include a salary range. Also look for whether the role is permanent or casual. Casual rates include the 25% loading, which can make the hourly rate look higher but doesn't include paid leave. The award also provides for penalty rates for weekend and shift work, which can boost take-home pay significantly.

Superannuation is another factor. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% on top of the base salary. For a Level 3 pay point 1 employee, that adds about $9,601 per year to the employer's cost, but it's not part of your take-home pay. Tax-wise, a resident earning $80,000 falls in the 30% bracket (plus 2% Medicare levy), so take-home after tax and Medicare is roughly $61,000, or about $1,173 per week.

Why the Award Rate Matters

The SCHADS Award is a modern award under the Fair Work system. It sets minimum conditions and pay rates that apply unless an enterprise agreement covers the workplace. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides pay guides that summarise the rates, but always check the full award for classification definitions and allowances. The Level 3 classification typically requires a Certificate IV or equivalent experience, and the pay points reflect years of experience or competency progression.

If you're comparing job offers, use the industries index to see how the role's pay compares to the industry average. For health care and social assistance, the index is 97.8, so a SCHADS Level 3 minimum is below that. If you have a specific offer, you can calculate its index by dividing the annualised salary by $108,352 and multiplying by 100.

In summary, a SCHADS Level 3 salary in 2026 sits at about 74 on the index, well above the minimum wage but below the national average. It's a solid base for community services work, and with penalty rates and above-award payments, it can be competitive. Always read the fine print in the job ad and ask about the pay point and any additional allowances.