Social work salary in Australia: state and industry differences explained
Social work salary in Australia: median $2,172/week full-time (index 104). State and industry differences, award coverage, and how the Salary Index compares.
Social work salary sits at an estimated index of 104, slightly above the national line of 100, based on median full-time earnings of $2,172 per week.
What is a social work salary in Australia?
If you're looking into a social work salary in Australia, the most reliable starting point is the median full-time weekly earnings reported by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. According to Jobs and Skills Australia, social workers earn a median of $2,172 per week before tax for full-time non-managerial employees. That's about $57 per hour on average, with typical full-time hours of 40 hours per week. That median annualises to roughly $112,944 if you work 52 weeks. Compare that to the national line of $2,083.7 per week (index 100), and social work sits at an index of about 104 – slightly above the average full-time adult ordinary-time earnings.
But a social work salary isn't one number. It changes by state, industry, employer type, and award classification. Let's break down the differences.
State differences in social work salary
Where you work matters. The Salary Index tracks state benchmarks: Western Australia (index 106.9, annualised $115,825) and the ACT (109.9, $119,090) are above national, while Tasmania (88.6, $96,008) and South Australia (94.6, $102,450) are below. Social workers are concentrated in NSW (23.6% of all social workers, per JSA data), and NSW index is 101.2 ($109,658). If you're a social worker in WA, you might earn more than the national median; in TAS you'd likely earn less.
Public sector social workers in state government departments often pay above award rates, often matching state public service awards. The Health Care and Social Assistance industry index is 97.8, slightly below national, but social workers in that industry may earn around that level. Public Administration and Safety is another major industry for social workers.
Industry and award coverage
Most social workers are covered by the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award (SCHADS). This award sets minimum rates for social and community services classifications. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides pay guides for summary of rates, penalties, allowances. The Equal Remuneration Order (ERO) increased pay for many social workers, fully effective from December 2020. From 1 July 2026, award rates rose 4.75% in the Annual Wage Review. Casual loading of 25% applies, so casual social workers earn at least $33.05/hr (national minimum wage $26.44/hr).
How the index works for social work salary
The Salary Index compares any yearly gross divided by the national line times 100. For social work, $112,944 divided by $108,352 (annualised national line) gives index 104. That's a benchmark, not a quote for your job classification. Use the states page to see where your state sits.
Take-home pay example
If you're a full-time social worker earning $2,172/week, annual $112,944. Tax estimate (2026-27 rates, no HELP): tax on $112,944 is about $24,583 plus Medicare 2% ($2,259) = $26,842 total, leaving about $86,102 after tax. That's a rough guide – salary sacrifice, HELP repayments, or Medicare levy surcharge can change it. Super guarantee is 12% from July 2026, so employer contributes $13,553 on top.
Where to find your exact rate
Your actual social work salary depends on your classification level under the award, years of experience, and employer. The Fair Work Commission's Modern Awards Pay Database has minimum rates, allowances, penalty rates. The Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay and Conditions Tool can calculate your minimum. Many enterprise agreements pay above award, especially in public sector.
For more on how different industries compare, see our industries page. For a deeper dive into the methodology, read how the index works. And for related topics like award rates, check our topics section.
Key takeaways
- Social work median full-time weekly earnings: $2,172 (index ~104).
- State differences: WA and ACT highest, TAS and SA lowest.
- Industry: Health Care and Social Assistance index 97.8.
- Award: SCHADS Award with ERO rates.
- Data from ABS May 2025, not updated; new OSCA profiles coming mid-2026.
Questions people ask
What is the average social work salary in Australia?
Based on the latest ABS data (May 2025), the median full-time weekly earnings for social workers is $2,172 before tax. That works out to about $112,944 per year if you work 52 weeks. This figure sits above the national line of $2,083.7/week (index 100), giving social work an estimated index of 104. Keep in mind this is the median for non-managerial full-time employees paid at the adult rate – it excludes part-time workers and managers. Actual pay varies by state, industry, and classification under the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award.
How does social work salary differ by state?
Social workers earn differently across states because of different award rates and cost of living. For example, Western Australia has a higher state index (106.9, annualised $115,825), while Tasmania is lower (88.6, $96,008). The median social worker earnings are national, but if you work in WA you might earn more than the national median, while in TAS you might earn less. Public sector social workers in ACT (state index 109.9) often earn more due to higher pay scales. Check your award classification and any enterprise agreement for your exact rate.
What award covers social workers in Australia?
Most social workers are covered by the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award (SCHADS Award). This award includes social and community services classifications, crisis accommodation, and disability support. The Fair Work Commission sets minimum rates, allowances, and penalty rates. From 1 July 2026, award rates increased by 4.75% in the Annual Wage Review. There is also an Equal Remuneration Order that boosted pay for many social and community services employees, fully effective from December 2020. Use the Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay and Conditions Tool to calculate your exact minimum rate.