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Your Next Career as a Personal Care Assistant Starts Here

Begin Making a True Difference as a Personal Care Assistant

 

Personal Care Assistants (PCAs) are an integral part of assisting individuals with daily living tasks — providing compassion, dignity, and hands-on assistance to those in need.

Whether starting your career in care or wanting to find a more rewarding job, becoming a PCA means the opportunity for worthwhile, stable, and rewarding work in aged care homes, disability services, and home support settings.

Why Be a Personal Care Assistant in Australia?

 

Meaningful Connections: Develop real connections with the individuals you care about, improving their quality of life on a daily basis.

High Demand & Job Security: As Australia’s population ages and there is a greater demand for in-home care, PCAs are in high demand nationwide.

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Flexible Work Options: Select part-time, full-time, or casual work — with day, evening, or overnight shifts to fit your lifestyle.

Pathways to Growth: A PCA position is a great starting point for a career in the healthcare sector, with the potential to move into nursing, aged care management, or community services.

What Does a Personal Care Assistant Do?

 

Personal Care Assistants offer vital support to individuals requiring assistance with daily living activities as a result of age, disability, or illness. They help clients preserve their independence and comfort in residential or home environments.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Assisting with showering, dressing, and grooming
  • Supporting mobility and physical movement
  • Preparing meals and feeding assistance
  • Providing companionship and emotional support
  • Monitoring health and reporting concerns
  • Light housekeeping and ensuring a safe environment

Working as a PCA: Aged Care vs. Community Support

 

Discover the range of settings in which Personal Care Assistants have an impact:

Feature Aged Care Facilities In-Home & Community Care
Work Environment Residential aged care homes Client homes or community settings
Responsibilities Routine daily care, teamwork, shift-based Independent work, diverse tasks, traveling between homes
Pace of Work Structured and regular Flexible and varied
Client Interaction Long-term relationships One-on-one support and home visits

Personal Care Assistant Salary in Australia

Personal Care Assistant Salary in Australia

Salaries for Personal Care Assistants differ according to experience, qualifications, and type of work setting.

Average Salary Ranges:

 

  • Entry-Level (0–2 years): $50,000 – $58,000 per year
  • Mid-Level (3–5 years): $58,000 – $65,000 per year
  • Experienced (6+ years): $65,000 – $75,000+ per year

Additional Benefits:

 

  • Overtime & penalty rates for weekends and night shifts
  • Superannuation contributions and paid leave entitlements
  • Travel allowances for community support workers

Find Your Ideal PCA Job with Hopstep

PCA Job

Hopstep is created to assist care professionals such as yourself in getting the right job, quicker. Whether you are looking for a job in aged care facilities, disability services, or community support work, Hopstep brings you to employers around Australia — with a few taps.
Find jobs that match your experience and area
Swipe and apply easily through the app
Browse flexible work arrangements to fit your timetable
Get matched with top employers in minutes
“Hopstep helped me find a PCA job just five minutes from home — I applied and got the call the next day!”
— Tania, PCA in Brisbane

Career Insights & PCA Resources

FAQs

Eligibility & Training

Do I require qualifications to work as a PCA in Australia?

Yes. The majority of employers require a Certificate III in Individual Support (Aged Care, Disability, or Home & Community).

Can overseas applicants work as PCAs in Australia?

Yes. PCAs can work from overseas with a proper visa and recognition of qualification.

Are police checks necessary?

Yes. Police checks and Working with Children Checks (for certain positions) are required.

Visa & Sponsorship

Can Hopstep assist foreign candidates with applications for PCA roles?

Yes. Hopstep can assist international candidates in being placed with sponsor-receptive employers on a case-by-case basis depending on suitability.

What visa are PCAs able to have in Australia?
  • Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482)
  • Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)
  • Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) (Subclass 186)
How long does it take to process the visa?

Processing times differ. Temporary visas usually take 1–4 months, but permanent visas may take longer.

Work & Salary

What are the typical working hours for PCA roles?

Mornings, evenings, weekends, and overnights may be included in shifts. Flexible and casual jobs are common.

Do PCAs get overtime pay and benefits?

Yes. Shift penalties, overtime rates, annual leave, and superannuation are normal for most PCA jobs.

Can I work as a PCA while I study nursing?

Absolutely. Part-time work as a PCA is an ideal way for many nursing students to gain experience and earn while they study.

Career Growth

What are the long-term career pathways for PCAs?

Many PCAs move into roles like:

  • Enrolled Nurse or Registered Nurse
  • Aged Care Team Leader or Supervisor
  • Disability Support Specialist
  • Community Services Coordinator
Is there a demand for PCAs in Australia?

Yes. As care demands rise across the country, PCAs are one of the most sought-after positions in the healthcare industry.

Start Your PCA Career with Hopstep

Discover a position that aligns with your heart for care and your lifestyle. With Hopstep, progressing to the next step in your PCA career is simpler than ever.

Begin looking for jobs now — aged care, community support, and more.

Find PCA Jobs Today