Disability Support Worker Salary in Melbourne (2026)

Last updated

Disability Support Workers in Melbourne earn a median salary of $80,000 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $65,000 and $92,262. That sits 15% below Melbourne's all-roles median of $93,805. Figures are based on 60 jobs advertised in Melbourne in the last 30 days.

▲ High demand Top 21% of roles by listing volume in Melbourne ↓ -1 listings vs last month
💰 Disability Support Worker · Melbourne
ADVERTISED RANGE
$65,000 – $92,262
Median: $80,000
Aug $80k
Sep $80k
→ Stable

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

Mid level $65,000 – $92,262
Overall $65k–$92k Mid $65k–$92k $63k $69k $75k $82k $88k $95k
Moderate confidence 60 listings (-1 vs last month) · 30/09/2026

Salary ranges are percentiles calculated from 60 job listings for this role and city, all sourced from Seek.com.au. Of those, 43.3% stated a salary directly. The remaining 56.7% 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%  $65,000 Median  $80,000 $92,262  Top 10%

Understanding the Melbourne Market

The median held at $80,000 with listings flat at 60, so nothing moved here this month. Melbourne now sits at the bottom of the national band alongside Sydney at $80,000, with Newcastle at $85,000, the Gold Coast at $82,000 and both Adelaide and Brisbane at $81,000. Only Perth is lower at $75,000. At 43% salary disclosure the figure is moderately supported. The 34% spread reflects the gap between standard support work and complex behaviour roles.

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 $65,000, lower than Brisbane's $73,000 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 14.7% below Melbourne's all-roles median of $93,000, with take-home near $1,191 a week against the highest living costs in this report. The same $80,000 goes considerably further in Adelaide or Brisbane. The $92,000 ceiling is also low against Brisbane's $103,000 and the Gold Coast's $108,000.
How much does a Senior Disability Support Worker make in Melbourne?
The ceiling is $92,000, reached through team leader, house supervisor or behaviour support roles. Positive Behaviour Support training is the qualification NDIS providers fund separately. 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%
Gold Coast $82,004 +3%
Adelaide $81,470 ~same
Brisbane $81,016 ~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.