Meta Title: Aged Care Jobs in Australia | Careers, Requirements & Opportunities
Meta Description: Looking for aged care jobs in Australia? Learn about personal care worker, support worker, nursing and home care jobs, qualifications, screening requirements and how to start your career.
Focus Keyword: aged care jobs in Australia
Aged Care Jobs in Australia
Aged care is one of Australia’s important care and support sectors, offering career opportunities for people who want to make a positive difference in the lives of older Australians.
Aged care workers can work in residential aged care facilities, home care, community services and other care settings. The sector includes personal care workers, support workers, nurses, allied health professionals and a range of non-clinical roles. The Australian Government says there are around 456,000 aged care workers across Australia.
If you are looking for a rewarding career with opportunities to develop your skills, aged care jobs in Australia can be an excellent option.
What Types of Aged Care Jobs Are Available?
There are many different roles available within the Australian aged care sector.
1. Personal Care Worker
Personal Care Workers, often called PCWs, provide practical assistance to older people with everyday activities. Duties may include helping with personal hygiene, dressing, mobility, meals and other daily needs.
This is one of the most common entry points into an aged care career.
2. Aged Care Support Worker
Support workers assist older people with daily activities and help them maintain independence and quality of life.
Depending on the position, support workers may work in residential facilities, community settings or clients’ homes.
3. Registered Nurse
Registered Nurses can build a career in aged care by providing clinical care, monitoring residents, administering medications and working with other healthcare professionals.
Registered nurses in Australia must have the appropriate nursing qualification and registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
4. Enrolled Nurse
Enrolled Nurses can also work in aged care and provide nursing care under the direction of a Registered Nurse.
A Diploma or Advanced Diploma in Nursing can provide a pathway into enrolled nursing, followed by the required professional registration.
5. Home Care Worker
Home care workers support older people in their own homes. Depending on the position, duties can include personal care, household assistance, transport, meal preparation and companionship.
Home care can be particularly attractive to workers who enjoy working directly with clients in the community.
6. Allied Health and Other Aged Care Roles
Aged care organisations also employ allied health professionals and assistants, as well as workers in administration, cleaning, gardening, catering, transport and other support services.
What Qualifications Do You Need for Aged Care Jobs?
The qualification requirements depend on the role and employer.
Some entry-level aged care positions may not currently have a minimum qualification requirement. However, many employers and roles require formal training or qualifications.
A Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) is a common qualification for people entering personal care and support work. Other qualifications may be appropriate depending on your chosen career path.
For nursing positions, formal nursing qualifications and professional registration are required.
Before applying for a job, check the individual employer’s qualification and experience requirements.
Aged Care Worker Screening Requirements
Worker screening is an important requirement for people working in aged care.
Under current arrangements, aged care workers must undergo a screening process to receive clearance to work in the sector. Depending on the circumstances, this may involve a police certificate or an NDIS Worker Screening Check.
Employers may also have additional requirements depending on the role, state or territory and workplace. These can include vaccination requirements or other checks.
Always check the current requirements before starting work.
Skills Employers Look For
Qualifications are important, but aged care employers also look for strong personal and professional qualities.
Some valuable skills include:
- Compassion and empathy
- Good communication
- Patience
- Respect for older people
- Reliability and punctuality
- Teamwork
- Ability to follow care plans and workplace procedures
- Basic computer and documentation skills
- Ability to maintain privacy and confidentiality
- Commitment to safe, high-quality care
Aged care workers are expected to treat older people with dignity and respect and support their rights and choices under Australia’s current aged care framework.
Why Choose a Career in Aged Care?
A career in aged care can be rewarding because your work has a direct impact on people’s everyday lives.
There are also different employment arrangements and work environments across the sector. Australia’s 2024 Aged Care Worker Survey found that many respondents worked permanent part-time hours, while 65% reported being satisfied working in aged care.
Other potential benefits include:
- Opportunities to build a long-term career
- Part-time and full-time employment opportunities
- Opportunities to specialise
- Training and professional development
- The chance to build meaningful relationships with clients
- Career pathways from support roles into further study and professional roles
Aged Care Jobs for International Workers
People from overseas who are interested in working in Australia’s aged care sector should carefully check whether they meet Australian employment, qualification, registration and visa requirements.
Internationally qualified nurses may need to meet Australian registration requirements before working as nurses. Other aged care roles may have different qualification and employment requirements.
If you are considering migration to Australia through an aged care-related occupation, check the latest information from the Australian Government and the relevant professional or registration authority before making decisions.
How to Find Aged Care Jobs in Australia
When searching for aged care jobs, consider the type of work environment you prefer.
You can look for opportunities in:
- Residential aged care facilities
- Home care providers
- Community care organisations
- Hospitals and health services
- Private care organisations
- Government and not-for-profit providers
Search using terms such as:
“aged care jobs Australia”
“personal care worker jobs Australia”
“aged care support worker jobs”
“home care worker jobs Australia”
“aged care nurse jobs Australia”
“Certificate III aged care jobs”
How to Apply for an Aged Care Job
A strong application can help you stand out from other candidates.
Step 1: Prepare Your Resume
Highlight your qualifications, previous care experience, customer service experience, volunteer work and relevant skills.
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
Depending on the position, you may need evidence of qualifications, identity documents, screening clearance, vaccination records, references and other employment documents.
Step 3: Apply for Suitable Positions
Read the job advertisement carefully and apply only when you meet the employer’s key requirements.
Step 4: Prepare for the Interview
Be ready to explain why you want to work in aged care and give examples of how you would demonstrate compassion, patience, communication and respect.
Step 5: Complete Required Checks
Successful applicants may need to complete screening and other employer requirements before commencing employment.
The New Aged Care Act and Workers
Australia’s new Aged Care Act started on 1 November 2025 and introduced significant changes to the aged care system.
The new framework places greater emphasis on the rights of older people, quality and safety, worker screening and protections for workers who raise concerns.
For people working in aged care, understanding their responsibilities under the current legislation is an important part of providing safe and respectful care.
Start Your Aged Care Career
If you enjoy helping people and want a career where your work can make a meaningful difference, aged care could be a strong career choice.
There are opportunities for people at different stages of their careers, from entry-level support roles through to nursing, allied health and management positions. The Australian Government continues to focus on building a skilled, valued and supported aged care workforce.
Start by identifying the role you want, checking the qualification requirements, completing the appropriate training and preparing a professional resume.
Looking for aged care jobs in Australia? Start your job search today and take the next step toward a rewarding career in aged care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is aged care a good career in Australia?
Yes. Aged care offers a range of roles and career pathways, including personal care, support work, nursing and allied health. It can be particularly suitable for people who enjoy helping and supporting others.
Do I need a qualification to work in aged care?
Not every entry-level role has the same qualification requirements. However, many employers and positions require formal qualifications. A Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) is a common pathway for people entering personal care and support work.
Do aged care workers need a police check?
Aged care workers must undergo the applicable worker screening process. Current arrangements include a police certificate or, in relevant circumstances, an NDIS Worker Screening Check.
Can nurses work in aged care?
Yes. Registered Nurses and Enrolled Nurses can work in aged care, subject to the relevant qualifications and professional registration requirements.
Where can I work as an aged care worker?
Aged care workers can work in residential aged care, home care and community-based services, as well as other organisations providing care to older Australians.