What’s It Like to Be an Aged Care Worker?

Daily tasks in aged care can vary depending on your workplace, whether you’re in a residential care facility, a community organisation, or working in home support.

Your responsibilities may include:

• Assisting with personal care (bathing, dressing, toileting, grooming, mobility)
• Supporting meal preparation and feeding
• Helping clients move safely and remain active
• Providing companionship and social support
• Monitoring health and wellbeing, reporting changes to supervisors or nurses
• Light domestic tasks, ensuring a clean and safe environment

For a detailed breakdown, see Kirana College’s Everything You Need to Know About Working as an Aged Care Worker.

As of October 2025, the aged and disabled care sector in Australia continues to experience significant growth, driven by an ageing population and increasing demand for care services.

• Projected Employment Growth: The number of employed aged and disabled carers is expected to increase by approximately 28,500 annually, reflecting the sector’s expansion.
  Current Workforce Size: As of February 2025, there are 360,600 workers in the aged and disabled care sector, comprising about 2.55% of Australia’s total workforce.
• Future Demand: The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare notes that 52.3% of older Australians have a disability, and 39.8% require assistance with everyday activities, indicating a sustained need for aged care services.

These figures underscore the robust and growing demand for qualified aged care professionals in Australia.

Once you complete your qualification, you’ll have access to a range of roles across the aged care and community services sector, such as:

• Aged Care Worker
• Assistant in Nursing (AIN)
• Home Care Assistant
• Residential Care Worker
• Personal Care Assistant (PCA)
• Support Worker
• Care Team Leader or Coordinator (with experience)

These positions exist in residential aged care facilities, community organisations, and private home-care services.

Learn more about these job paths in Kirana’s Everything You Need to Know About Working as an Aged Care Worker.

As of October 2025, salaries in the aged care sector have seen significant increases, reflecting the growing recognition of the value of aged care workers. These figures are based on the latest available data and are indicative of current earnings in the industry. 

Median Weekly Earnings

The median weekly earnings for full-time Aged and Disabled Carers is approximately $1,564, which equates to an annual salary of about $81,328. This figure is based on data from Jobs and Skills Australia and reflects the earnings of workers in this occupation as of October 2025.

Salary Expectations for New Graduates

Newly qualified aged care workers can expect to earn between $60,000 and $70,000 per year, depending on factors such as location, employer, and specific role. This range is consistent with data from various industry sources and reflects the entry-level earnings for workers in this field. 

Potential for Salary Growth

With experience, additional qualifications, or advancement into leadership roles, salaries in the aged care sector can increase significantly. For instance, Assistant in Nursing (AIN) roles in major cities like Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne typically offer annual salaries ranging from $55,000 to $68,000, with potential for higher earnings as one gains experience and takes on more responsibilities.

These figures underscore the potential for a rewarding and financially stable career in aged care, with opportunities for growth and advancement as the sector continues to expand.

To begin a career in aged care, you’ll typically need a nationally recognised qualification such as:

• CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing), and, or
• CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing & Disability)

These qualifications teach essential skills in person-centred support, infection control, communication, and legal and ethical frameworks. Each course includes at least 120 hours of practical work placement, so you can graduate job-ready.

Learn more or enrol today through Kirana College’s Aged Care and Individual Support courses.

A career in aged care offers a clear pathway to growth:

• Specialisations: Gain expertise in dementia care, palliative care, or disability support.
• Leadership roles: Progress to senior support roles, team leader, or coordinator positions.
• Further study: Build on your Certificate III with Diploma-level courses in Community Services, Leadership, or Aged Care Management.
• Cross-sector mobility: Move into allied health, nursing support, or broader community services.

Aged care work not only provides meaningful day-to-day experiences but also long-term career options for motivated individuals.

The Rewards:

• Making a meaningful difference in someone’s life every day
• Building strong relationships with clients and families
• Enjoying job stability and flexible work options
• Opportunities to grow and specialise in areas like dementia or palliative care
  

The Challenges:

• Emotionally demanding work supporting people through decline or loss
• Physically active role that requires stamina
• Adapting to changing regulations and care standards

If you have empathy, patience, and resilience, you’ll likely find aged care work deeply fulfilling.

If you value compassion, human connection, and meaningful work, aged care could be your calling. It’s ideal for people who want to help others maintain dignity and independence while building a stable and rewarding career.

When it comes to training, Kirana Colleges offers nationally recognised qualifications designed to get you job-ready.

• Flexible online study options
• Real-world work placements: gain practical experience in an approved aged care setting
• Dedicated support from trainers and student experience coaches
• Clear career pathways into leadership or specialised care roles
• Affordable payment plans

Kirana’s industry-driven programs are built around what employers actually need, helping you step confidently into a growing career.