How much do independent support workers really earn?
What independent NDIS support workers earn in 2026: gross rate vs real take-home after super, insurance, admin and unpaid gaps, plus what drives your income.
Gross rate is not take-home pay
What comes out before you pay yourself
Why independents can out-earn agency workers
The factors that actually drive your earnings
A simple way to estimate your take-home
Smoothing out the ups and downs
Managed vs unmanaged: who can pay you
Frequently asked questions
Do independent support workers earn more than agency workers?
Often yes, per hour, because there is no agency margin between the NDIS budget and you. But your gross rate has to cover tax, super, insurance, admin and unpaid leave that an employer would otherwise pay. Compare your estimated take-home wage — not your invoiced rate — to an employed role for a fair comparison.
What percentage of my rate should I keep for myself?
There is no fixed figure. After setting aside tax (many use roughly 25–30% as a rule of thumb), super, insurance and running costs, what remains is your wage. Model your own numbers with an accountant, because it depends on your hours, costs and how much super you choose to contribute.
Why is my take-home lower than my hourly rate suggests?
Because your rate is business revenue, not salary. Tax, superannuation, insurance, unbillable admin and travel, training and unpaid time off all come out first. A high rate with lots of empty gaps in your week can earn less than a modest rate with a full, stable roster.
How many hours a week can an independent support worker bill?
It varies widely. Realistic billable hours are lower than your available hours once you account for travel, admin, cancellations and quiet patches. Utilisation — keeping your roster full — usually affects annual income more than your hourly rate does, so track your actual billable hours honestly.
Do I get paid for holidays or sick days as an independent?
No. As a sole trader you have no employer-paid annual or sick leave, so every day off is a day with no income. Build a buffer for quiet weeks and time off into your rate and savings, and plan your year around fewer working weeks than a salaried employee would have.