Under the Children's Services Award MA000120 (2026), a Support Worker Level 1.1 earns $26.44/hr full-time. Saturday is 150% (175% casual), Sunday 200% (225% casual) and public holidays 250% (275% casual). An educational leader appointed 5+ days a week is paid an allowance of $4,784.28 per year, and a broken shift attracts $21.38 per day. The 25% casual loading is already built into the casual penalty percentages.
Rates current as at 2026-07-01 (Annual Wage Review), sourced from the Fair Work Ombudsman Pay Guide MA000120. Next review 2027-07-01.
Support Worker Level 1.1: $26.44/hr full-time
Saturday: 150% (FT/PT) · 175% (casual)
Sunday: 200% (FT/PT) · 225% (casual)
Public holiday: 250% (FT/PT) · 275% (casual)
Educational leader (5+ days): $4,784.28 per year
Broken shift: $21.38 per day
Rates by Classification Level
The Award runs from support-worker levels up to the director levels. Level and stream both matter — an employee performing higher-level educator work on a support-worker rate is underpaid.
| Classification (full-time) | Hourly | Weekly (38h) |
|---|---|---|
| Support worker level 1.1 on commencement (support worker) | $26.44 | $1004.90 |
| Support worker level 2.1 on commencement (support worker) | $26.93 | $1023.40 |
| Support worker level 2.2 after 1 year (support worker) | $27.82 | $1057.00 |
| Support worker level 3.1 on commencement (support worker) | $29.45 | $1119.10 |
| Level 1 - Introductory educator (childrens services employee) | $28.81 | $1094.80 |
| Level 2 - Educator (childrens services employee) | $29.69 | $1128.40 |
| Level 3 - Qualified educator (childrens services employee) | $32.47 | $1233.90 |
| Level 4 - Experienced educator (childrens services employee) | $34.65 | $1316.70 |
| Level 5 - Advanced educator (childrens services employee) | $36.57 | $1389.50 |
| Level 6 - Room leader (childrens services employee) | $38.25 | $1453.50 |
| Level 7 - Assistant director (childrens services employee) | $40.00 | $1519.90 |
| Level 8 - Director (childrens services employee) | $46.12 | $1752.70 |
Penalty Rates & Shift Loadings
Weekend and public holiday penalties are a percentage of the ordinary hourly rate; casual rates are all-inclusive of the 25% loading:
| When worked | Full-time / part-time | Casual (all-inclusive) |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday | 150% | 175% |
| Sunday | 200% | 225% |
| Public holiday | 250% | 275% |
Shift loadings apply for early-morning (10%), afternoon (15%), rotating night (17.5%) and permanent night (30%) work.
Educational Leader & Broken Shifts
An educational leader appointed 5 or more days a week is paid an allowance of $4,784.28 per year (a pro-rata amount applies for fewer days). A broken shift attracts $21.38 for each day one is worked. See our educational leader guide and broken shift guide.
Common Mistakes That Trigger Audits
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the base rate for an early childhood educator in 2026?
What are the Children's Services Award weekend rates?
How much is the educational leader allowance?
What is the broken shift allowance under MA000120?
How do I calculate a Children's Services Award rate?
Get Children's Services Rates Right — Instantly
Stop guessing. Fitz HR answers any Children's Services Award question — pay rates, penalties, allowances, compliance — grounded in the current Pay Guide MA000120.
Ask Fitz Free — No Card Required →