Disability Support Worker Salary in Adelaide (2026)

Last updated

Disability Support Workers in Adelaide earn a median salary of $80,000 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $69,748 and $97,713. That is broadly in line with Adelaide's all-roles median of $80,000. Figures are based on 28 jobs advertised on Seek.com.au in Adelaide in the last 30 days.

— Moderate demand 50th percentile by listing volume in Adelaide ↑ +7 listings vs last month
💰 Disability Support Worker · Adelaide
ADVERTISED RANGE
$69,748 – $97,713
Median: $80,000
May $79k
Jun $80k
→ Stable

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

Mid level $69,748 – $97,713
Overall $69k–$97k Mid $69k–$97k $67k $74k $80k $87k $94k $100k
⚠ Low confidence 28 listings (+7 vs last month) · 05/07/2026

Salary ranges are percentiles calculated from advertised employer bands on Seek.com.au. Figures represent what employers publicly advertise and may differ from actual compensation. Sample size is small — treat figures as indicative.

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Bottom 10%  $69,748 Median  $80,000 $97,713  Top 10%

Understanding the Adelaide Market

Adelaide disability support workers sit at $80k, level with the city's all-roles median, a rare case of care work matching the broader market. Listings grew from 21 to 28, and the median nudged up $960, so demand is rising gently with pay. The $80k rate matches Melbourne, Gold Coast and Newcastle almost exactly, reflecting NDIS award structures that flatten geography. Based on a small sample of 28, treat as directional.

Take Home Pay (based on median $80,000)

Weekly (net)
~$1,191
Monthly (net)
~$5,161
Annual (net)
~$61,933
Total package (incl. 2025-26 super at 11.5%) $89,200

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?
A new support worker in Adelaide starts near the $70k floor, often on SCHADS award rates. Reaching the $98k top comes from shift loading and qualification: overnight, complex-care and high-needs clients attract higher rates, and a Certificate IV or specific clinical training moves you up. Penalty rates for weekends and sleepovers do real work on annual pay here.
Is $80,000 a good salary in Adelaide?
Yes. At $80k the median matches Adelaide's all-roles median exactly and nets around $62k after tax, which stretches well in a lower-cost city. Care work matching the city median is a strong outcome given how often it lags. The award-driven structure means the pay is predictable, with upside coming from hours and complexity rather than negotiation.
How much does a Senior Disability Support Worker make in Adelaide?
There is no senior tier in the data, so the ceiling sits near $98k. Moving up means a Team Leader or Coordinator role in a disability service, or retraining toward Enrolled Nurse ($85k median) or allied-health support. Taking on complex-care clients, plan coordination, or supervising a roster of workers is the route past $98k.

Other roles in Adelaide

Disability Support Worker salaries in other cities

City Median salary vs Adelaide
Adelaide (this page) $80,000 —
Brisbane $83,071 +4%
Gold Coast $80,000 ~same
Melbourne $80,000 ~same
Newcastle $80,000 ~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.