How to set your hourly rate as an independent support worker
Set your independent support worker hourly rate with confidence: anchored by NDIS price limits and SCHADS, what your rate must cover, and how to avoid under-charging.
The two anchors your rate sits between
Why you should never just charge the ceiling
What your rate has to cover
A step-by-step way to land on your number
Different rates for different shifts
Pricing confidently without apologising
Where to check the current numbers
Common rate-setting mistakes to avoid
Frequently asked questions
What is a fair hourly rate for an independent support worker?
A fair rate sits below the relevant NDIS price limit (your ceiling for plan-managed clients) and comfortably above the equivalent SCHADS employee wage (your floor), while covering your super, tax, insurance, unbillable time and leave. There is no single correct number — build it up from your costs and check it against…
Can I charge more than the NDIS price limit?
For plan-managed participants, no — a plan manager cannot pay above the price limit for that support item, so it is a hard cap. Self-managed participants have more flexibility in theory, but the price limits remain the sensible reference everyone expects you to respect. Always work from the current published limits.
Should I charge the maximum NDIS price limit?
You can, but many independents deliberately price a margin below the cap. It makes you attractive to participants stretching their plans and builds loyalty, while still covering your costs. Charging the ceiling is allowed; charging a fair, sustainable rate below it is often the smarter long-term choice.
Do I need different rates for weekends and evenings?
It is normal to. NDIS price limits are higher for evenings, weekends and public holidays, so setting matching rates for those shifts is expected. Keep a baseline weekday daytime rate and separate rates for each higher band, and list each as its own invoice line matching the time worked.
Where do I find the current NDIS price limits?
In the official NDIS pricing arrangements and price limits document on ndis.gov.au, which is updated periodically. For the wage benchmark, check the SCHADS Award via the Fair Work Ombudsman. Both change over time, so always confirm the current figures before setting or raising your rate rather than relying on older…