NDIS support worker pay rates 2026-27
Employed support workers are paid at least the SCHADS Award rate for their level, which rose 4.75% from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026. Independent support workers set their own hourly rate; for NDIA-managed and plan-managed participants it can't exceed the NDIS price limit, which is $73.58 an hour on weekday daytime for standard self-care and community access in 2026-27.
NDIS price limits for support work, 2026-27
The most-used items, standard intensity, national (MM 1–5) limits per hour:
| Time | Self-care item | Limit / hour |
|---|---|---|
| Weekday daytime | 01_011_0107_1_1 | $73.58 |
| Weekday evening | 01_015_0107_1_1 | $81.07 |
| Saturday | 01_013_0107_1_1 | $103.54 |
| Sunday | 01_014_0107_1_1 | $133.50 |
| Public holiday | 01_012_0107_1_1 | $163.46 |
Community access weekday daytime (04_104_0125_6_1) has the same $73.58 limit. Remote and very remote areas have higher limits. All items: support item numbers and the price guide.
Employee or independent: what you actually take home
The price limit is what the NDIS pays a provider, not a wage. An agency pays its workers the award rate plus super, leave, insurance and training out of it. As an independent worker you keep the whole rate, but you pay those costs yourself:
- Income tax (set some aside from every invoice; no PAYG is withheld).
- Superannuation, which nobody pays for you as a sole trader.
- Insurance, a car, phone and first aid courses.
- Unpaid time: admin, invoicing, gaps between shifts, sick days and holidays.
Many independent workers charge somewhat below the limit to stay competitive with agencies. Whatever you choose, put it in your service agreement.
Award rates for employees
Disability support workers employed by a provider are usually covered by the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services (SCHADS) Award. The rate depends on your level and pay point, with penalty rates for evenings, weekends and public holidays. The Fair Work Commission's 2026 Annual Wage Review raised award minimums by 4.75% from 1 July 2026. Check the exact figure for your level in the Fair Work Ombudsman's SCHADS pay guide.
Never go over the limit by mistake. ShiftInvoice checks each invoice line against the 2026-27 price limit for that item and the day of the week. Pro adds your saved rates, a shift log and weekly batch invoices.
Create an NDIS invoiceQuestions
Can I charge more than the price limit?
Not for NDIA-managed or plan-managed participants. For self-managed participants the limits don't apply, but most use them as a guide.
Why is the Sunday limit so much higher?
The limits are built to cover award penalty rates for employed workers on weekends and public holidays.
Does a shift that runs past 8 pm get the evening rate?
If one shift crosses two time bands, the higher limit applies to the whole shift. See pricing arrangements 2026-27.
Sources: NDIS Support Catalogue 2026-27 and NDIS Pricing Schedule 2026-27 (ndis.gov.au); Fair Work Commission Annual Wage Review 2025-26 decision. Checked 31 October 2026. General information.