SCHADS Level 4 Salary: Award Rates Compared to the National Minimum Wage

What the SCHADS Level 4 salary means

The keyword "schads level 4 salary" refers to the minimum pay rate for employees classified at Level 4 under the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award (SCHADS Award). This award covers a wide range of roles in social and community services, home care, and disability support. Understanding where this salary sits relative to the national line helps workers and employers gauge whether pay is competitive.

The Salary Index uses a simple benchmark: index 100 equals full-time adult ordinary-time earnings, which from May 2026 is $2,083.70 per week or $108,352 per year. The national minimum wage sits at index 48.2 ($26.44 per hour). SCHADS Level 4 rates are significantly higher than the minimum, but still below the national average.

SCHADS Level 4 pay rates (July 2026)

According to the Fair Work Ombudsman's pay guide, Level 4 has four pay points. For full-time and part-time employees:

• Level 4 pay point 1: $1,774.74 per week ($46.70 per hour)
• Level 4 pay point 2: $1,821.07 per week ($47.92 per hour)
• Level 4 pay point 3: $1,867.93 per week ($49.16 per hour)
• Level 4 pay point 4: $1,909.51 per week ($50.25 per hour)

Annualising these (multiply by 52) gives roughly $92,286 to $99,295. That translates to an index range of about 85.2 to 91.6. The industries page shows health care and social assistance at index 97.8, so SCHADS Level 4 sits a little below that industry average.

How the award compares to the national minimum wage

The writing angle here is awards versus the national minimum wage. The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, index 48.2. Even the lowest SCHADS Level 4 rate ($46.70) is 77% higher than the minimum. This gap reflects the specialised skills and responsibilities required at Level 4, such as supervising other workers, managing care plans, or working with complex client needs.

However, the award is a minimum floor. Many employers pay above the award, especially in areas with labour shortages or where enterprise agreements apply. The pay guides page explains how to check if an enterprise agreement covers your workplace.

Upcoming changes from December 2026

A significant change is coming for home care disability employees covered by Schedule E of the SCHADS Award. From 1 December 2026, these employees will receive an initial increase of up to 15% to their minimum award rates. This could push a Level 4 home care worker from, say, $50.25 per hour to around $57.79 per hour, bringing the annualised salary closer to $115,000 and an index above 100. Other changes to the award start from 1 October 2027.

Allowances and penalty rates

SCHADS Level 4 employees may also receive allowances on top of their base rate. Common allowances include higher duties (if working at a higher level for more than 2 hours), travel, meal, and first aid. Penalty rates for Saturday (150%), Sunday (200%), and public holidays (250%) apply. Afternoon and night shift loadings are also payable. These extras can significantly boost take-home pay.

State and industry context

Where you work matters. The states page shows that Western Australia has an index of 106.9, while Tasmania is 88.6. A SCHADS Level 4 worker in WA might find their award rate relatively lower compared to local averages, whereas in Tasmania it may be closer to the state norm. Similarly, the health care and social assistance industry index is 97.8, so Level 4 roles are broadly in line with that sector.

Tax and super considerations

From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% on earnings up to $270,830. For a Level 4 employee earning $95,000, that adds $11,400 in super. Tax rates for 2026–27 (excluding Medicare) are nil up to $18,200, 15% to $45,000, 30% to $135,000, 37% to $190,000, and 45% above. Add the 2% Medicare levy. A single resident earning $95,000 would take home roughly $73,000 after tax and Medicare, before any salary sacrifice or HELP repayments.

How to check your correct rate

The Fair Work Ombudsman provides a Pay and Conditions Tool and pay guides. Always verify the correct classification and pay point, as duties can determine whether you are Level 3, 4, or higher. The how the index works page explains how to calculate your own salary index for comparison.

In summary, the SCHADS Level 4 salary is a solid award wage well above the national minimum, but below the average full-time earner. The upcoming 15% increase for home care workers will narrow that gap. For anyone in social or community services, knowing your award classification is the first step to ensuring you are paid fairly.