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Are you thinking about starting a career in aged care? Or maybe you’re already in the sector and curious about your earning potential?

In Australia, aged care workers are in high demand, and understanding your salary expectations is a smart move before stepping into the role. From entry-level positions to senior care managers, the salary of a care worker varies based on location, experience, and job title.

Here’s a quick glimpse at what you can expect:

🧑‍⚕️ Aged Care Worker: Avg. $87,630/year

🏡 Residential Aged Care Worker: Avg. $57,462/year

🤝 Community Support Worker: $60,000–$70,000/year

🎯 Lifestyle Coordinator: Up to $90,000/year

👩‍💼 Care Manager: Up to $160,000/year in some states

👨‍🔬 Nursing Assistant: $50,000–$65,000/year

📍 Salaries vary by state – NSW, QLD, VIC, TAS, WA, and SA all have different pay scales.

💡 Curious where your state stands or how to find your ideal role in aged care? This detailed guide breaks down everything you need to know about aged care Australia salary trends and how to land your next opportunity with the help of Hopstep.

Aged care is a rapidly growing industry in Australia, offering a rewarding career for individuals passionate about helping the elderly. If you're considering a career in aged care, it's important to understand the qualifications and skills required to enter the field.

Essential Qualifications for Aged Care Workers

To become an aged care worker in Australia, you will need:

Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) – This is the minimum qualification required to work in aged care and provides fundamental skills in assisting elderly individuals with daily activities and personal care.

Certificate IV in Ageing Support – A more advanced qualification for those looking to take on leadership roles within the industry.

First Aid and CPR Certification – Essential for ensuring the safety and wellbeing of elderly individuals in emergency situations.

National Police Check – A mandatory background check required for all aged care workers.

Working with Vulnerable People Check (depending on your state or territory) – Ensures that caregivers meet safety standards when working with elderly individuals.

Desirable Skills for Aged Care Workers

Beyond formal qualifications, aged care workers should possess: ✅ Empathy and compassion – Understanding the emotional and physical needs of elderly individuals. ✅ Strong communication skills – Engaging with residents, families, and healthcare professionals. ✅ Patience and resilience – Handling challenges with a calm and caring approach. ✅ Teamwork and adaptability – Working effectively in a fast-paced environment.

How to Get Started in Aged Care?

Enrol in a training course – Complete a Certificate III or IV in Aged Care through a recognised training provider.

Gain practical experience – Undertake hands-on training in a healthcare facility to develop essential skills.

Apply for aged care jobs – Use platforms like Hopstep to find job opportunities in the aged care sector.

Continue learning – Upskilling and professional development can help advance your career in aged care.

Conclusion

A career as a registered nurse (RN) in aged care offers both professional growth and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of elderly Australians. With an ageing population and increasing demand for skilled nursing professionals, aged care presents excellent career prospects for RNs across Australia.

If you’re considering or already working as a registered nurse in aged care, understanding how to excel in this field can help you secure rewarding roles and provide high-quality care.

1. Understand the Role of a Registered Nurse in Aged Care

RNs in aged care play a crucial role in managing and delivering care to elderly residents in various settings, including residential aged care facilities, home care, and community-based services.

Key responsibilities include:

Developing and implementing individualised care plans.

Administering medications and monitoring patient health.

Coordinating with multidisciplinary teams to provide holistic care.

Supporting residents’ families and providing education on aged care practices.

Ensuring compliance with aged care quality and safety standards.

2. Obtain the Necessary Qualifications and Registration

To work as a registered nurse in aged care, you must have the appropriate qualifications and meet regulatory requirements.

✅ Tip:

Complete a Bachelor of Nursing from an accredited Australian university.

Register with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

Obtain additional certifications such as First Aid, CPR, and Infection Control.

Stay updated with continuing professional development (CPD) requirements.

3. Develop Essential Skills for Aged Care Nursing

While clinical expertise is crucial, soft skills are equally important for providing compassionate and effective aged care.

✅ Tip:

Empathy & Compassion: Understand the emotional and physical challenges elderly individuals face.

Strong Communication: Engage with residents, families, and healthcare teams effectively.

Problem-Solving: Address health issues and care needs proactively.

Adaptability: Manage changing patient conditions and care requirements.

4. Gain Experience in Aged Care Settings

Experience in aged care nursing enhances your ability to handle complex care needs and prepares you for leadership roles.

✅ Tip:

Start as a graduate nurse in an aged care facility.

Take on part-time or casual roles in aged care to build experience.

Consider home care nursing to gain a broader understanding of community-based care.

5. Stay Updated on Aged Care Industry Trends

Aged care is evolving with new regulations, technologies, and care models. Staying informed helps you provide better care and advance in your career.

✅ Tip:

Follow updates from the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.

Attend industry conferences, workshops, and professional networking events.

Join aged care nursing associations for resources and career development opportunities.

6. Explore Career Progression Opportunities

Registered nurses in aged care have multiple career pathways, from specialist nursing roles to leadership positions.

✅ Tip:

Consider specialisations in areas like dementia care, palliative care, or gerontological nursing.

Move into leadership roles such as Clinical Nurse Specialist, Facility Manager, or Nurse Educator.

Pursue postgraduate studies in aged care or healthcare management.

7. Network and Connect with Other Aged Care Professionals

Building professional connections can open up career opportunities and provide valuable insights into the aged care sector.

✅ Tip:

Join LinkedIn groups and aged care nursing forums.

Participate in networking events and aged care career expos.

Connect with senior nurses and mentors in the field for career guidance.

Start Your Rewarding Career as a Registered Nurse in Aged Care

Working as a registered nurse in aged care is both challenging and fulfilling, offering opportunities to make a positive impact on elderly residents' well-being. By gaining the right qualifications, developing key skills, and staying informed about industry trends, you can build a successful and rewarding career in this vital healthcare sector.

As Australia's population ages, the demand for allied health professionals in aged care is increasing. This article explores key roles, qualifications, and career opportunities in the sector. Learn how physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, dietitians, and social workers contribute to the wellbeing of elderly Australians, along with the skills and training needed to succeed in these rewarding roles. Find out about the growing need, salary potential, and career progression in allied health aged care professions. Explore this meaningful career path today!

Discover a rewarding career in aged care with our comprehensive guide. Learn about various roles, salary expectations, and essential qualifications. Explore opportunities and find your ideal position with ease. Start your journey in the high-demand aged care sector today!

Unlock your dream aged care job with hopstep! This innovative app simplifies your job search, offering real-time matching alerts and direct employer connections. Tailored for aged care professionals, hopstep ensures a seamless, personalised experience. Download hopstep now and transform your career in aged care.

Hopstep, Australia's leading aged care employment platform, welcomes you to an enriching journey in the healthcare hiring landscape. Our innovative app seamlessly connects aged care professionals with employers, creating a revolutionary experience. For candidates, Hopstep is more than just an app; it's a career companion, offering a streamlined process. Swipe right to discover your ideal role, set up your profile in under 60 seconds, define preferences, and apply instantly. It's quick, free, and enjoyable! 

Employers benefit from a rapid, cost-effective solution to find quality candidates, engage with their talent pool, and hire top-notch employees. The platform's intelligent algorithm ensures precise matches, enhancing the hiring process for better care outcomes. Hopstep understands the challenges of hiring in the healthcare sector and is committed to facilitating better candidates, faster hiring, and, ultimately, enhanced care. 

Join us on Hopstep, where happiness in healthcare is just a hop away. Your perfect aged care role or candidate is within a simple swipe. Experience the future of healthcare hiring with Hopstep, simplifying the process and ensuring the right people for the right roles.