Pay Rate Update – As of 1 July 2026, new Schads Award pay rates apply. 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.
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)
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. | |||
Does the employee hold a formal qualification relevant to their role?
How many years of relevant industry experience does the employee have?
Does the employee supervise or manage other workers?
Does the employee regularly perform sleepovers or on-call duties?
Does the employee use their own vehicle for work-related travel?
Does the employee work in remote or regional areas?
What is the employee’s employment status?
Do they have a guaranteed minimum number of hours per week?
Does the employee receive casual loading instead of paid leave?
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!
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