SCHADS Level 5 salary: where it sits on the Australian salary index
Understand the SCHADS Level 5 salary and how it compares to national full-time earnings using the Salary Index. Learn about award rates, index benchmarks, and what this classificat
The precise SCHADS Level 5 salary is not publicly available from the search results, but based on award structures it likely falls above the national index of 100, reflecting a senior community services role.
What does 'SCHADS Level 5 salary' mean?
The keyword 'SCHADS Level 5 salary' refers to the minimum pay rate for a Level 5 classification under the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award (SCHADS Award). This award covers workers in community services, home care, and disability support. Level 5 is a senior role, often involving supervision, complex case management, or specialised support. The exact salary depends on the specific classification within Level 5 (e.g., social worker, coordinator) and any applicable allowances.
Where does the SCHADS Level 5 salary sit on the Australian salary index?
The Australian salary index uses full-time adult ordinary-time earnings as the baseline, with an index of 100 equal to $108,352 per year (based on ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). The national minimum wage sits at index 48.2. While the precise SCHADS Level 5 salary is not available from the web search, it is reasonable to expect that a senior community services role would have an index above the national minimum but potentially below the all-industries average, given that the Health care and social assistance industry index is 97.8. However, individual roles can vary widely.
Understanding the SCHADS Award and pay rates
The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes pay guides for the SCHADS Award that list minimum hourly rates for each classification level. From 1 December 2026, home care disability employees under the award will receive an initial increase of up to 15% to their minimum rates, with further changes from 1 October 2027. The Fair Work Commission's Modern Awards Pay Database also provides calculated rates, updated after the Annual Wage Review 2026. To find the exact SCHADS Level 5 salary, you should consult the official pay guides or use the Pay and Conditions Tool on the Fair Work Ombudsman website.
How the salary index helps compare SCHADS Level 5
The salary index is a simple way to see where a pay figure stands relative to the national line. For example, if a SCHADS Level 5 employee earns $90,000 per year, their index would be 83 (below the national average). If they earn $120,000, the index would be 111 (above average). The index accounts for full-time ordinary-time earnings, not including overtime or superannuation. You can learn more about the methodology on the how the index works page.
Factors that affect the SCHADS Level 5 salary
- Award classification: Level 5 has sub-levels (e.g., 5.1, 5.2) with different rates.
- Allowances: On-call, broken shifts, first aid, and higher duties can add to base pay.
- Location: State-based indices show differences; for example, NSW index is 101.2, while Tasmania is 88.6. A SCHADS role in a higher-cost state may have a different market rate.
- Enterprise agreements: Some employers have agreements that pay above the award minimum.
- Superannuation: From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12%, which is not included in the salary index but adds to total compensation.
Example: Comparing a SCHADS Level 5 role to other industries
Consider a SCHADS Level 5 social worker earning $95,000 per year. Their salary index would be 87.7, below the national average. In contrast, a professional in the mining industry (index 154.7) would earn much more. This comparison highlights how the index can show relative value across sectors. For more industry benchmarks, see the industries page.
What the search results tell us
The web search for 'SCHADS Level 5 salary' returned information from the Fair Work Ombudsman and Fair Work Commission, but no specific dollar figure for Level 5. The Ombudsman's pay guides are the authoritative source, and the Commission's database contains the underlying data. The search confirms that the SCHADS Award is undergoing significant changes in late 2026 and 2027, which will affect pay rates. Therefore, anyone looking for a precise SCHADS Level 5 salary should check the latest pay guide directly.
Key takeaways
- The SCHADS Level 5 salary is a minimum award rate for senior community services roles.
- The salary index provides context: index 100 is the national average of $108,352.
- Exact rates are not publicly quoted in the search results; use official sources.
- The award is changing, with increases of up to 15% for some employees from December 2026.
- For state-specific comparisons, visit the states page.
Questions people ask
What is the SCHADS Level 5 salary?
The SCHADS Level 5 salary is the minimum pay rate for a senior classification under the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award. The exact hourly or annual rate is not publicly listed in the search results, but it is higher than lower levels and includes allowances for higher duties, on-call, and broken shifts. For current rates, refer to the official SCHADS Award pay guide from the Fair Work Ombudsman.
How does SCHADS Level 5 compare to the national average wage?
The national average full-time adult ordinary-time earnings (index 100) is $108,352 per year. A SCHADS Level 5 role, being a senior community services position, typically pays above the national minimum wage but may fall below or near the national average depending on experience and location. The Salary Index helps compare any pay figure to this benchmark.
What is the Salary Index and how does it relate to SCHADS Level 5?
The Salary Index measures a pay figure against full-time adult ordinary-time earnings, where 100 equals the national average. For example, if a SCHADS Level 5 role pays $120,000 annually, its index would be 111. The index allows you to see how a classification like SCHADS Level 5 sits relative to other jobs and industries. Use the [how the index works](/method) page for more details.