Disability Support Worker Salary in Melbourne (2026)

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Disability Support Workers in Melbourne earn a median salary of $80,000 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $66,747 and $90,102. That sits 11% below Melbourne's all-roles median of $90,000. Figures are based on 49 jobs advertised in Melbourne in the last 30 days.

● Moderate demand 69th percentile by listing volume in Melbourne ↓ -10 listings vs last month
💰 Disability Support Worker · Melbourne
ADVERTISED RANGE
$66,747$90,102
Median: $80,000
Jun $80k
Jul $80k
→ Stable

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

Mid level $66,529 – $90,198
Overall $66k–$90k Mid $66k–$90k $64k $70k $75k $81k $87k $92k

Salary ranges are percentiles calculated from 49 job listings for this role and city, all sourced from Seek.com.au. Of those, 66.0% stated a salary directly. The remaining 34.0% 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%  $66,747 Median  $80,000 $90,102  Top 10%

Understanding the Melbourne Market

The median held at $80,000 while listings fell from 59 to 49, a 17% contraction that is the sharpest in Melbourne's care sector this month. Melbourne matches Adelaide and Brisbane at $80,000, with Newcastle the only market paying more at $85,000. At 66% salary disclosure this is a well-evidenced figure. The 29% spread is narrow, confirming award-linked pricing rather than employer competition.

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 Melbourne?
Entry is $66,000, lower than Brisbane's $71,000 floor, which suggests more casual and part-time listings in the Melbourne mix. A Certificate III in Individual Support, an NDIS worker screening check and a driver's licence cover the baseline. Medication endorsement and complex behaviour support are what lift pay within the band.
Is $80,000 a good salary in Melbourne?
No. At $80,000 a disability support worker earns 11.1% below Melbourne's all-roles median of $90,000, with take-home near $1,191 a week against high living costs. The same $80,000 goes considerably further in Adelaide or Brisbane. The ceiling of $90,000 is also low, sitting well under Brisbane's $105,000 for the same work.
How much does a Senior Disability Support Worker make in Melbourne?
The ceiling is $90,000, which is the lowest support worker ceiling among the larger cities here. Team leader, house supervisor and behaviour support roles are what reach it. Allied health study is the meaningful reset, with occupational therapy and physiotherapy both at $100,000 in Melbourne.

Other roles in Melbourne

Disability Support Worker salaries in other cities

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

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