Aged care workers across Australia will receive another boost to their wages, following a decision of the Fair Work Commission backed by the Australian Government.
From 1 October 2025, pay rises will flow to staff across the sector. A registered nurse at Level 2 will see an extra $60.20 per week, an enrolled nurse will receive $62.40 more, and a personal care worker will benefit by $39.50 per week. The increase comes on top of previous adjustments, with the government estimating that aged care employees will be earning over $28,000 more per year compared to pre-2022 levels once all stages are completed.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers said the announcement recognises the importance of the sector and those who work in it.
“Aged care workers do an incredible job and they deserve every dollar of this pay rise that we’re delivering,” he said.
“This investment recognises the big contribution that aged care workers make to our economy and community and will help create a bigger incentive for young Australians looking for a rewarding career in the future,” Mr Chalmers added.
Filipino-Australians in aged care
The decision is especially relevant for Filipino-Australians, thousands of whom make up part of the aged care and health workforce. Many work as nurses, carers, and support staff in residential facilities and home care. For these workers, the increase not only provides financial relief but also recognises the value of the often demanding and deeply personal work they perform every day.
Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Amanda Rishworth said the government was determined to lift conditions in a sector that had long been overlooked.
“The Government put gender equality at the heart of the Fair Work Act, and we now see the gender pay gap is at its lowest level on record. Australian women are now earning more than $250 a week more on average than they were before we came to government,” she said.
Minister for Aged Care and Seniors Sam Rae added that these improvements are long overdue.
“Aged care workers deserve better pay and more recognition for the meaningful work they do. We’re proud to be funding the largest ever increase to award wages in a work value case for people who care for our loved ones with such compassion,” Sam Rae said.
Supporting workers and the sector
The government will invest $17.7 billion to fund the Commission’s decision, which will benefit more than 400,000 aged care workers nationwide. The latest increase will also see registered nurses on Level 3 receiving $62.40 more per week.
The Fair Work Commission’s ruling acknowledged that aged care workers had been historically underpaid and undervalued, especially in a sector employing a large number of women and migrants. Yesterday’s announcement continues a series of staged increases, with further adjustments scheduled for August 2026.
Officials stressed that this is not only about fairness but also about building a sustainable workforce. By offering more competitive wages, the government hopes to attract and retain workers in a sector that is vital for an ageing population.
