Pay Rate Update – The latest changes to Schads Award pay rates are in force until at least 30 June 2025. We’ve got all the latest pay rate information you need. You can access Schads Award pay rates via our form below.
The SCHADS Award has gained a reputation as one of the most complex Modern awards in operation. It has very precise conditions applying to workers based on a diverse array of criteria. This makes it hard for businesses and employers to stay on top of SCHADS Award classifications.
How Can I Determine What Schads Award Pay Rates Apply?
It is one thing to download the pay rates. It is another thing to understand all the different rates and know which rate applies to you or your employees. The key questions you have to ask are:
a) What Schads Award sub classification applies? Look at the duties or job description for help here.
b) Which pay point or level should the employee be assigned for payroll purposes? To answer this look at the employees previous experience and industry related training. Generally speaking, the more experience the higher the assigned level.
c) What type of employee is this? (e.g. full-time, casual, shift worker etc)
What are the relevant Schads Award classifications?
The table below provides a breakdown of the critical components of the SCHADS Award pay rates:
Four Sectors | Social and community services | Crisis assistance and accommodation | Family day care | Home care |
| Pay Point Levels | There are 8 Levels (each with 3 distinct pay points, except for level 2, level 3 and level 4 which each have 4 pay points) | There are 4 Levels (Level 1 and Level 2 have 4 pay points; Level 3 and Level 4 have 3 pay points) | There are 5 Levels (each level has 4 distinct pay points) | There are 5 Levels (each level has 2 distinct pay points, except for level 1 which only has 1 pay point) |
| Ordinary hours of work | The ordinary hours of work for a day worker will be worked between 6.00 am and 8.00 pm Monday to Sunday. Under the SCHADS Award, the ordinary hours per week should be 38 or at least an average of 38 hours per week based on the following conditions:
The maximum number of hours per shift can be increased to 10 hours per shift if it’s agreed in writing. | |||
SCHADS Award Classification Quiz
Step 1: Identify the Subsector
- Which of the following best describes the type of work the employee performs?
- (a) Crisis assistance, supported housing, or social and community services
- (b) Home care and support services
- (c) Family day care
- (d) Disability support
Step 2: Determine the Level & Pay Point
Does the employee hold a formal qualification relevant to their role?
- (a) No formal qualification
- (b) Certificate III or equivalent
- (c) Diploma or higher
How many years of relevant industry experience does the employee have?
- (a) Less than 1 year
- (b) 1 to 2 years
- (c) 3 or more years
Does the employee supervise or manage other workers?
- (a) No, they work independently or in a team
- (b) Yes, they provide guidance and training to others
- (c) Yes, they manage a team and oversee operations
Step 3: Confirm Allowances
Does the employee regularly perform sleepovers or on-call duties?
- (a) Yes
- (b) No
Does the employee use their own vehicle for work-related travel?
- (a) Yes, regularly
- (b) No, they use company-provided transport
Does the employee work in remote or regional areas?
- (a) Yes
- (b) No
Step 4: Employment Type
What is the employee’s employment status?
- (a) Full-time
- (b) Part-time
- (c) Casual
Do they have a guaranteed minimum number of hours per week?
- (a) Yes
- (b) No, their hours vary each week
Does the employee receive casual loading instead of paid leave?
- (a) Yes
- (b) No
Why Schads Award Pay Rates Matter
Correct classification ensures fair pay, compliance with Fair Work Australia, and protection from disputes. Employers must review contracts to confirm workers are paid correctly.
Fairtime has software to help business owners automate their pay run and eliminate Schads Award compliance problems once and for all. Our system reads your timesheet or roster and produces a Fair Work compliant pay slip in one quick click. Speak to our team to learn more!
