Disability Support Worker Salary in Adelaide (2026)

Last updated

Disability Support Workers in Adelaide earn a median salary of $80,028 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $72,599 and $97,318. That is broadly in line with Adelaide's all-roles median of $80,028. Figures are based on 44 jobs advertised in Adelaide in the last 30 days.

▲ High demand Top 20% of roles by listing volume in Adelaide ↑ +16 listings vs last month
💰 Disability Support Worker · Adelaide
ADVERTISED RANGE
$72,599 – $97,318
Median: $80,028
Jun $80k
Jul $80k
→ Stable

Based on 2-month data, short-term movement only.

Mid level $72,599 – $97,318
Overall $72k–$97k Mid $72k–$97k $70k $76k $82k $88k $94k $100k
Moderate confidence 44 listings (+16 vs last month) · 02/08/2026

Salary ranges are percentiles calculated from 44 job listings for this role and city, all sourced from Seek.com.au. Of those, 55.6% stated a salary directly. The remaining 44.4% carried a range estimated from the listing, so this median blends advertised and estimated pay. Figures represent what employers advertise and may differ from actual compensation.

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Bottom 10%  $72,599 Median  $80,028 $97,318  Top 10%

Understanding the Adelaide Market

Listings rose 57% in a month, from 28 to 44, while the median did not move at all, holding at $80,000. That combination points to NDIS-funded providers expanding headcount at award-linked rates rather than competing on pay. Disability support is also the rare Adelaide role sitting exactly on the city's all-roles median, neither a premium nor a discount. At 56% salary disclosure this is one of the better-evidenced figures in the city.

Take Home Pay (based on median $80,028)

Weekly (net)
~$1,191
Monthly (net)
~$5,163
Annual (net)
~$61,951
Total package (incl. 2025-26 super at 11.5%) $89,231

Take-home calculated using 2025-26 ATO tax rates, no HECS debt, full Australian residency. Total package adds 11.5% superannuation to base salary. Adjust for your situation →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good starting salary for a junior Disability Support Worker in Adelaide?
The floor is $72,000, unusually high for an entry-level care role because most listings are full-time award positions rather than casual. A Certificate III in Individual Support plus a driver's licence covers the basic requirement. Complex behaviour support, medication endorsement and manual handling certification are what lift a new worker toward the middle of the range.
Is $80,028 a good salary in Adelaide?
It is exactly average, which for this sector is a reasonable outcome. At $80,000 the role matches Adelaide's all-roles median precisely, with take-home near $1,191 a week against the lowest living costs of the mainland capitals. Newcastle is the only market paying meaningfully more at $85,000. The ceiling is the real limitation, since $97,000 is close to the top of what direct support work pays anywhere.
How much does a Senior Disability Support Worker make in Adelaide?
The top of the range is $97,000, reached through team leader, house supervisor or behaviour support practitioner roles. Positive Behaviour Support training is the most direct qualification route, since NDIS providers fund those positions separately. Moving further means allied health study, with occupational therapy in Adelaide at $102,000.

Other roles in Adelaide

Disability Support Worker salaries in other cities

City Median salary vs Adelaide
Adelaide (this page) $80,028 0%
Newcastle $85,000 +6%
Brisbane $80,000 ~same
Melbourne $80,000 ~same
Sydney $79,860 ~same

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Data sourced from publicly listed job advertisements. Not affiliated with or endorsed by Seek or any third-party platforms. Salary ranges represent advertised figures and may differ from actual compensation. Updated monthly.