Understanding the SCHADS Level 5 Salary
The SCHADS Level 5 salary refers to the minimum pay rate for employees classified at Level 5 under the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award (the SCHADS Award). This award covers a wide range of roles in social and community services, including disability support workers, case managers, and outreach workers. The exact dollar figure for Level 5 is set by Fair Work and is updated each year following the Annual Wage Review.
Because the precise rate is not included in the search results provided, we cannot give a specific number here. However, the Fair Work Commission’s Modern Awards Pay Database contains the calculated minimum rates for all classifications, including SCHADS Level 5. You can access that database to find the current rate. The database is updated after each Annual Wage Review decision, and the 2026 data reflects changes from the 2026 review.
How to Read the Same Pay as a Year, a Week, and an Hour
Once you have the SCHADS Level 5 hourly rate, you can convert it to weekly and yearly figures using a standard 38-hour week. For example, if the hourly rate is $X, the weekly pay is $X × 38, and the yearly pay is that weekly amount × 52. This site uses the same method for all salaries: it shows the yearly figure before tax, then breaks it down into a weekly amount and an hourly amount based on a 38-hour week.
Where the National Full-Time Average Sits
The national full-time adult ordinary-time average is $2,083.70 a week, or about $108,352 a year, according to the ABS Average Weekly Earnings survey for May 2026. This is the line that Average line uses as its benchmark. The SCHADS Level 5 minimum rate is generally below this average, as award minimums are designed as a floor. Actual earnings for SCHADS Level 5 employees can be higher due to experience, allowances, penalty rates, or enterprise agreements.
Comparing to Medians and the Minimum Wage
It is important to distinguish between averages, medians, and minimum wages. The full-time median earnings are about $90,532 a year (ABS Employee Earnings, August 2025), which is lower than the average because the average is pulled up by high earners. The all-employees median is about $74,100. The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 an hour, $1,004.90 a week, or about $52,255 a year on a 38-hour week. Award minimums, including SCHADS, rose by 4.75% in the 2026 review.
State and Territory Variations
Full-time average earnings vary across Australia. For example, the Australian Capital Territory has the highest average at about $119,090 a year, while Tasmania has the lowest at about $96,008. Western Australia is also above the national average at about $115,825. If you work in a state with a higher cost of living, your SCHADS Level 5 salary may feel tighter. You can explore state-by-state comparisons on our States and territories page.
Using This Site to Place Your Salary on the Line
If you know your SCHADS Level 5 salary, you can enter it on our Place a salary on the line tool. The tool will show you how your pay compares to the national full-time average, the median, and the minimum wage. It also displays your weekly and hourly equivalents. This helps you see where you stand in the broader Australian pay landscape.
Where to Find More Information
For official award rates, refer to the Fair Work Commission’s Modern Awards Pay Database. For earnings benchmarks, the ABS publishes Average Weekly Earnings twice a year (May and November) and Employee Earnings data annually. The ATO provides tax rates for the current financial year. Our Guides section explains how to interpret these figures, and How the figures are set details the methodology behind the averages and medians used on this site.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SCHADS Level 5 salary? The SCHADS Level 5 salary is the minimum rate of pay for employees classified at Level 5 under the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award. The exact figure is set by Fair Work and updated annually. You can find the current rate in the Modern Awards Pay Database on the Fair Work Commission website.
How does SCHADS Level 5 compare to the national full-time average? The national full-time average ordinary-time earnings are $2,083.70 a week, or about $108,352 a year (ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). The SCHADS Level 5 minimum rate is typically lower than this average, as it is a minimum award rate. Actual earnings may be higher depending on experience, allowances, and penalties.
Where can I find the official SCHADS Level 5 rate? The official minimum rate for SCHADS Level 5 is published by Fair Work in the Modern Awards Pay Database. You can also check your pay slip or contact your employer. The rate is updated after each Annual Wage Review, usually effective from 1 July.