Apply for High-Paying Care Worker Jobs in Australia (Up to $31.24/hr + Super)

Australia’s growing population and expanding aged care sector have created a steady demand for care workers across the country.

As an employer in this sector, we are witnessing an increasing need to recruit skilled, compassionate, and dependable individuals to deliver essential care services.

This rising demand presents a golden opportunity for foreign workers seeking a stable and rewarding career path.

With competitive wages, inclusive work environments, and visa sponsorship options available, applying for care worker jobs in Australia has never been more attractive.

The care industry in Australia includes various areas such as aged care, disability support, home-based care, and residential facility services. As the country’s healthcare system continues to emphasize home care and person-centered care models, the role of care workers becomes critical.

The industry is seeking not just individuals with prior healthcare backgrounds but also those with a willingness to learn, empathy for others, and a commitment to quality service delivery.

Care worker roles offer the unique combination of stable employment, meaningful impact, and career growth.

Many organizations across Australia are offering structured pathways for newcomers, including on-the-job training, mentorship, and even assistance with relocation.

The hourly pay rate for care workers can go up to $31.24, not including superannuation benefits. This makes the industry not only morally fulfilling but also financially worthwhile.

For many foreign job seekers looking to relocate to Australia, care work offers one of the most accessible and realistic routes for visa sponsorship.

The Australian Government has included several care-related roles on its Skilled Occupation Lists, thereby enabling employers to sponsor overseas workers.

If you’re ready to take on a purpose-driven role in one of Australia’s fastest-growing sectors, this article will help you understand the requirements, pay structures, employers, and visa pathways involved in landing a care worker job in Australia.

Entry-level Skills and Experience Required

The care industry in Australia is well-structured to accept both experienced professionals and those entering the field for the first time. Employers look for individuals who demonstrate a strong sense of responsibility, effective communication abilities, and a natural empathy toward others.

These are qualities that matter just as much—if not more—than formal qualifications when assessing candidates for care worker roles.

For entry-level positions, you don’t necessarily need a university degree. A Certificate III in Individual Support is one of the most common starting points for aspiring care workers.

This can often be completed while on the job or shortly after starting your employment, especially if your employer offers support for training.

However, even without this qualification, many providers are open to training the right candidates. What matters most is your willingness to work hard, show care and compassion, and adapt to the specific needs of your clients.

Experience in informal care roles, such as taking care of a family member or volunteering in a healthcare setting, can be advantageous when applying for care jobs.

These roles demonstrate that you are familiar with the demands of caregiving and that you possess the stamina and emotional intelligence required for the job.

For foreign applicants, additional requirements may include basic English proficiency to communicate effectively with clients and staff, as well as police clearance and medical fitness certificates.

Physical fitness is also important, as care workers often need to assist with lifting, transfers, and general mobility support.

Time management skills, the ability to follow care plans, and an understanding of privacy and dignity in caregiving are all core attributes that employers look for.

Training in First Aid or CPR can be considered an added advantage, and employers may prioritize applicants who already possess these certifications.

While entry-level applicants might not have a long resume, a strong work ethic and genuine interest in helping others go a long way.

Australian care providers are generally very supportive of newcomers and offer flexible work schedules, ongoing training, and mentoring systems to help new employees settle into their roles.

Whether you’re looking to start a career from scratch or transition into a stable and respected job, the care sector in Australia offers unmatched support for personal and professional development.

Regions with the Highest Payment Structures

Australia’s healthcare system is managed at both the federal and state levels, which means that the demand and salary rates for care workers can vary from one region to another.

While care worker wages are relatively consistent across the country, certain areas offer more competitive pay due to a combination of higher demand, limited local workforce, and increased cost of living.

Foreign applicants who are open to relocating to these high-demand regions often find better salary packages and more comprehensive employment benefits.

New South Wales (NSW), particularly Sydney and its surrounding suburbs, is one of the top-paying regions for care workers.

Due to the city’s aging population and growing demand for home-based care services, many employers are offering hourly rates close to or at the top of the national pay scale.

Similarly, Victoria—especially Melbourne—also offers robust salaries for care workers, particularly in residential aged care facilities and disability services.

Queensland is another state where care workers can secure strong compensation packages. Cities such as Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Cairns are experiencing rising demand for both full-time and part-time care staff.

Because many of these areas are preferred retirement destinations, the need for skilled and entry-level care workers continues to grow. Wages here are competitive and often include additional allowances such as travel reimbursements and superannuation contributions.

Western Australia, especially Perth, stands out for its rural and remote worker incentives. Care worker jobs in regional towns may offer additional pay incentives to attract applicants willing to work outside major cities.

These roles often come with accommodation benefits, relocation assistance, and retention bonuses, making them especially attractive for immigrants who are flexible with their work location.

The Northern Territory and South Australia, while offering slightly lower base rates, often provide government-supported visa sponsorships and additional support for newly arrived workers.

These regions are ideal for foreign nationals seeking a path to permanent residency through consistent employment in essential services like caregiving.

Ultimately, where you choose to work in Australia as a care worker can have a significant impact on your salary and overall benefits.

Candidates who prioritize salary potential should consider applying in high-demand urban and regional areas, where the need for care workers is matched by generous compensation packages and supportive employers.

Salary Expectations for Care Workers

Care worker roles in Australia are not only stable but also well-compensated, particularly when compared to similar roles in other countries. Wages in the industry are governed by the relevant awards under Australia’s Fair Work Act, ensuring a legal minimum for all care-related employment.

However, many employers go above and beyond these minimums to attract and retain top-quality staff, especially in today’s competitive labor market.

As of 2025, entry-level care workers can expect to earn between $25.50 and $28.00 per hour, depending on the location, employer, and specific responsibilities of the role.

For workers with prior experience or relevant certifications, the hourly rate can go as high as $31.24, excluding superannuation and shift allowances. Employers may also offer increased rates for weekend shifts, night shifts, and public holidays, which further boost overall earnings.

For full-time employees, this means an annual income ranging from approximately $50,000 to over $65,000, with the potential to earn more through overtime and specialty roles.

Workers who take on supervisory responsibilities, such as team leaders or coordinators, can earn significantly higher salaries, often exceeding $75,000 per year.

These higher-tier roles are usually available to those with additional qualifications and proven track records in care delivery.

Superannuation, which is a mandatory retirement savings contribution paid by employers, currently sits at 11% of your base wage.

This means that for every dollar earned, an additional amount is placed into your retirement fund—something that adds substantial long-term value to your employment package.

On top of this, some employers offer bonuses, paid training programs, transportation allowances, and health insurance subsidies as part of their benefits package.

While hourly rates are important, many care workers also value the job security and emotional satisfaction that come with the role.

With increasing demand and long-term funding commitments from the Australian government, care sector jobs are considered recession-proof.

Employers are also offering structured pathways for career progression, allowing workers to move from frontline roles into supervisory or specialist positions over time.

For foreign applicants, this financial stability and room for growth make care worker jobs an attractive option.

Combined with visa sponsorships, relocation assistance, and paid training, these roles offer a comprehensive employment opportunity that delivers both immediate income and long-term prospects.

Companies Hiring Care Workers in Australia

Australia’s care industry includes a mix of government-funded organizations, non-profit providers, and private companies.

All are actively recruiting care workers, and many are willing to sponsor international candidates who meet the job requirements and show a genuine interest in caregiving.

These employers are not only looking for resumes—they’re looking for compassionate individuals who will make a difference in people’s lives.

Some of the largest and most recognized employers in the sector include Australian Unity, UnitingCare, Bolton Clarke, and Baptcare. These organizations operate across multiple states and offer both in-home and residential care services.

They often run large recruitment campaigns aimed at hiring both local and international talent, with many providing visa sponsorship options through the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa (subclass 494) or the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482).

HammondCare and Silver Chain are also major players, particularly in New South Wales and Western Australia.

They are known for their commitment to innovation in aged care and often provide tailored support to new employees, including mentorship programs and structured training.

They work closely with the Australian Government to ensure compliance with labor and immigration laws, making them trusted employers for international workers.

In the private sector, companies like Healthcare Australia, Opal HealthCare, and Estia Health manage dozens of care homes and offer opportunities for both registered nurses and personal care workers.

These companies prioritize professional development and are known to provide fast-tracked recruitment for eligible foreign applicants with valid working rights or sponsorship potential.

For those open to rural assignments, organizations like Southern Cross Care and Juniper offer roles in regional and remote parts of Australia.

These jobs often come with additional pay and relocation support, making them ideal for immigrants ready to establish a stable life in Australia’s more affordable regions.

Each employer has its own application process and employment criteria, but all seek candidates who are passionate about providing high-quality care.

From large-scale employers to community-based organizations, the industry offers numerous options for foreign workers to secure high-paying, meaningful jobs in one of the world’s most respected healthcare systems.