Aged care is one of Australia's largest and fastest-growing areas of work — and one of the few meaningful careers you can start without a degree. Whether you're changing careers, returning to work, or just finishing school, this guide covers the roles, how to get qualified, what the pay looks like, and where the work can take you. When you're ready, you can browse live aged care roles across Australia on Care Career.
What does working in aged care involve?
Aged care workers support older people to live well — with personal care, daily activities, mobility, companionship and wellbeing — either in residential aged care (aged care homes) or in people's own homes through home care. It's hands-on, people-first work that suits those who are patient, reliable and genuinely enjoy helping others.
Roles in aged care
There's a clear entry point and a real ladder above it:
- Personal Care Worker (PCW / carer): the most common starting role — supporting residents with everyday personal care and wellbeing. No nursing qualification required.
- Assistant in Nursing (AIN): a hands-on care role often working alongside nursing staff.
- Enrolled Nurse (EN) and Registered Nurse (RN): clinical roles that require nursing qualifications and AHPRA registration.
- Care Manager / Clinical Care Coordinator: senior roles overseeing care and teams.
- Lifestyle / Activities Officer: planning activities and social programs for residents.
- Support roles: cooks, cleaners, laundry and maintenance staff keep aged care homes running.
New to the sector? Start with our guide on how to become an aged care worker and, if you're starting fresh, aged care jobs with no experience.
How to get qualified
Most direct-care roles ask for a Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) — the nationally recognised entry qualification, usually completed in around 4–6 months and often available with subsidised or fee-free places. It includes supervised work placement in a real aged care setting. Read more in our Certificate III in Individual Support guide.
Nursing roles (EN, RN) require the relevant nursing qualification and registration with AHPRA.
Checks and clearances
Because aged care is trusted work with vulnerable people, you'll typically need a National Police Check and to meet your employer's health and vaccination requirements. Some roles also require a Working with Children Check. We cover exactly what's needed in do you need a police check to work in aged care?
What does aged care pay?
Direct-care roles are usually paid an hourly rate under the Aged Care Award, with higher rates for casual work and for weekend, public holiday and night shifts. Nurses are generally paid an annual salary. Because award rates are updated periodically, always check current figures with the Fair Work Ombudsman — our aged care pay guide explains how the pay structure works.
Casual, part-time or permanent?
Aged care offers a lot of flexibility, which is part of its appeal. Many people start casual to get experience and choose their shifts, then move to a permanent role for stability. We weigh up the trade-offs in casual vs permanent aged care work.
Where an aged care career can take you
Aged care is a genuine career, not just a job. Many Enrolled and Registered Nurses, care managers and coordinators started as a Personal Care Worker and built up through experience and further study. Curious what the day-to-day is actually like? Read a day in the life of an aged care worker.
Explore the rest of the guide
- How to become an aged care worker in Australia
- Aged care jobs with no experience
- What is a Certificate III in Individual Support?
- How much do aged care workers earn?
- Personal Care Worker vs Assistant in Nursing (AIN)
- Do you need a police check to work in aged care?
- Casual vs permanent aged care work
- A day in the life of an aged care worker
