Hidden perks of nursing in Australia
Did you know? Nursing in Australia comes with awesome hidden perks!

If you’re a health student in Australia or still deciding what part-time job to pick while studying...
Let me share a fun little secret from my real-life experience 👩‍⚕️ — working as a Personal Care Worker (PCW) in aged care 💙
Yep, it’s the job I’m doing right now, and it pays surprisingly well!

PCW hourly wage in Australia – real payslip from AtomDekNurse
Real example of my PCW payslip as a casual worker – straight from the front lines!

So… how much does a PCW earn in Australia?

Here’s the juicy part. After doing a mix of shifts over the past two weeks, I’ve seen almost every possible pay rate. 👀

💸 Regular Hourly Rates

  • Weekdays: $37.64
  • Saturday: $52.69
  • Sunday: $60.22
  • Night shift (HSE-Night): $42.15
  • Public holidays: $82.80 (!!)

🎁 Extra Bonuses

  • Uniform: $1.23 per shift — it adds up!
  • Laundry: You even get money for doing laundry!

“Honestly, I’ve never been paid for washing my uniform before. Bit shocked — but also love how fair the system is 🫶”

💼 What else does your employer pay for?

  • Superannuation (retirement fund): Extra 11% goes into your super
  • Tax prepayment: Around one-third of your wage, but you might get some back at tax time

Why PCW jobs are kinda special in Australia

Aged care homes never close — even on holidays. That means PCWs are always needed.

In short:

  • You can work every day of the year (if you want!)
  • No quiet seasons
  • Way better job security than many other part-time gigs

📝 A few things I’ve learned

  • I got the job after completing Cert III in Individual Support (Aged Care & Disability) online
  • Studied while on a Working Holiday + COVID visa
  • It became my side hustle to help cover living costs during nursing school

"On a student visa, you’re capped at 48 hrs per fortnight. That limits income, but with good time management, it’s still a life-saver."

💡 Bonus tip

The current minimum wage for casuals in Australia is $29.04/hr.
But as a PCW, you can earn much more — especially on weekends or public holidays!

✨ Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a reliable, well-paid job in the healthcare field, PCW is a strong option.
It’s steady work, with good rates, and always in demand. Just be mindful of time limits if you’re on a student visa!

Hope this post helps anyone curious about aged care work — or who’s on the hunt for a student-friendly side job 💖

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How much does a PCW make per hour in Australia?

As of 2025, rates range from $37–$60 per hour, depending on shift time and day.

What qualifications are needed to become a PCW?

You’ll need a Certificate III in Individual Support (Aged Care or Disability), and a valid Police Check.

Can student visa holders work as a PCW?

Yes — as long as the facility accepts students and you stay within your allowed working hours.

#AtomDekNurse #NursingLifeAustralia #PCWjobs