Aged care is one of the fastest-growing employment sectors in Australia, and in 2026, the demand for skilled, compassionate workers has never been greater.
Whether you are a Registered Nurse looking to transition into aged care, an Enrolled Nurse seeking consistent shift availability, or a Personal Care Worker building your career in healthcare, the opportunities in this sector are vast, varied, and genuinely rewarding.
Why Aged Care Is One of Australia's Biggest Job Markets Right Now
Australia’s population is ageing rapidly. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, older Australians aged 65 and over currently make up around 16% of the total population, and that proportion is projected to keep rising significantly in the decades ahead. The 85-and-over age group is among the fastest growing, projected to double by 2042 according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
At the same time, the sector is experiencing a significant workforce shortage. The introduction of the mandatory 24/7 Registered Nurse presence requirement in residential aged care facilities, combined with the rollout of the new Aged Care Act on 1 July 2025, has created an urgent need for qualified nursing staff at every level.
For jobseekers, this means genuine bargaining power, competitive wages, and a real choice of employers and settings.
Types of Aged Care Jobs Available in Australia
Registered Nurse (RN) - Aged Care
RNs in aged care are responsible for clinical leadership, medication management, wound care, care planning, and supporting residents with complex health needs. In residential facilities, the mandatory RN requirement means demand for qualified RNs is higher than ever. Pay typically ranges from $45 to $68 per hour for agency and casual roles.
Enrolled Nurse (EN)
ENs work under the supervision of Registered Nurses to provide direct clinical care to residents. This is a strong entry point into the aged care nursing pathway, with opportunities to upskill toward RN registration over time.
Personal Care Worker (PCW) and Assistant in Nursing (AIN)
PCWs and AINs provide hands-on personal care, assisting with daily living activities, mobility, hygiene, and emotional support. A Certificate III in Individual Support is typically the minimum qualification required.
Dementia Care Specialist
With the prevalence of dementia among aged care residents continuing to rise, there is growing demand for nurses and care workers with specific dementia care training and expertise.
Palliative Care Nurse
Palliative care specialists support residents and their families through end-of-life care. This is one of the most meaningful and most in-demand specialisations in aged care.
Aged Care Manager and Director of Nursing (DON)
For experienced nurses with leadership aspirations, aged care management roles offer strong salaries, strategic responsibility, and the opportunity to shape the quality of care delivered across an entire facility.
Community Care Worker
Not all aged care happens in residential facilities. Community care workers support elderly Australians to live independently at home, providing personal care, companionship, transport, and domestic assistance through Home Care Package providers.
What Qualifications Do You Need for Aged Care Jobs in Australia?
For Personal Care Workers and AINs:
- Certificate III in Individual Support (Aged Care) — the standard minimum requirement
- First Aid certificate
- National Police Check
- Working With Vulnerable People check (state-dependent)
- Flu vaccination (mandatory at most facilities)
For Enrolled Nurses:
- Diploma of Nursing
- Current AHPRA registration as an Enrolled Nurse
- All mandatory training (CPR, manual handling, infection control, etc.)
- National Police Check
For Registered Nurses:
- Bachelor of Nursing or equivalent
- Current AHPRA registration as a Registered Nurse
- Full mandatory training compliance
- National Police Check
- Some roles may require additional post-graduate qualifications for specialist positions
For Internationally Qualified Nurses:
You will need to apply for AHPRA registration through the overseas-trained nurse pathway. From March 2025, a streamlined registration process has been implemented to reduce wait times for eligible overseas nurses, making the pathway faster and clearer than in previous years.
You will need to apply for AHPRA registration through the overseas-trained nurse pathway. From March 2025, a streamlined registration process has been implemented to reduce wait times for eligible overseas nurses, making the pathway faster and clearer than in previous years.
Where Are the Best Aged Care Jobs in Australia in 2026?
Queensland: Growing rapidly on the Gold Coast and outer-Brisbane suburbs, with strong demand also in Townsville and Cairns.
New South Wales: High concentration of facilities in Sydney’s western suburbs and northern beaches. Regional NSW also experiencing significant shortages.
Victoria: Melbourne’s eastern and southeastern suburbs have a dense network of residential facilities, with strong opportunities in Geelong and Ballarat.
Western Australia: Increased investment in aged care infrastructure in Perth, with significant financial incentives for regional WA roles.
Northern Territory: Remote aged care, including Indigenous community care, offers some of the highest pay rates — $80 to $110 per hour for agency RNs — plus accommodation and travel.
Remote and Rural Australia: Consistent demand across the country, with strong financial rewards even for short contracts.
How to Find the Best Aged Care Jobs in Australia
1. Work Through a Specialist Healthcare Recruitment Agency
This is one of the fastest and most effective ways to access quality aged care roles. A specialist agency like MediRec has established relationships with residential aged care facilities, home care providers, and remote care services across Australia. The advantages include:
- Access to roles that are not advertised publicly
- Expert guidance on pay rates and your market value
- Full compliance support to get you job-ready quickly
- Flexibility to choose casual, contract, or permanent work
- A dedicated consultant who advocates on your behalf
2. Search Job Boards
Platforms like Seek, Indeed, and Healthcare Australia regularly list aged care positions. Set up job alerts with keywords like “aged care nurse”, “RN aged care”, and “personal care worker” plus your preferred location.
3. Apply Directly to Providers
Large aged care providers regularly recruit directly. Visiting their careers pages and creating a candidate profile can put you front of mind when vacancies arise.
4. LinkedIn
LinkedIn is increasingly used by aged care recruiters and facility managers. Keep your profile updated with your current qualifications, experience, and a clear headline to attract inbound interest.
5. Professional Networks and Associations
Organisations like the Australian College of Nursing (ACN) and Aged and Community Care Providers Association (ACCPA) can be useful for networking, professional development, and career opportunities within the sector.
How to Stand Out When Applying for Aged Care Jobs
Write a targeted resume. Tailor your resume to aged care specifically. Highlight clinical experience including wound care, medication management, dementia care, palliative care, and care planning.
Get your mandatory training up to date. Facilities will not move forward with candidates whose mandatory training has lapsed.
Get a National Police Check. This is required for all aged care roles and can take time to process. Having one ready speeds up your onboarding significantly.
Prepare for values-based interviews. Aged care employers increasingly use values-based interview questions to assess cultural fit.
Consider specialisation. Nurses with specific qualifications in dementia care, palliative care, or wound management are highly sought after. Even a short course can set you apart.
What to Expect from Working in Aged Care
Aged care is genuinely one of the most fulfilling areas of nursing. Building long-term relationships with residents and their families, making a meaningful difference in someone’s final years, and being part of a team that truly cares – these are experiences that nurses in other settings rarely have the opportunity to build.
The good news is that the industry is changing. The new Aged Care Act, which came into effect on 1 July 2025, alongside increased funding, mandatory staffing requirements, and greater regulatory oversight, is driving improvements in working conditions and care quality across the sector.
Start Your Aged Care Career with MediRec
Whether you are an experienced aged care nurse looking for better-paying shifts, a new graduate exploring your options, or an internationally qualified nurse seeking your first Australian placement, MediRec can help.
Browse our latest aged care jobs today, or get in touch with our nursing recruitment team to find out how we can support your next career move.