How to Set Your Hourly Rate as an Independent NDIS Support Worker (2026-27)
Updated 18 September 2026. Prices and rules checked against the sources linked below on that date.
Setting a rate is the part most new sole traders get stuck at. However, there is nothing to worry about as this guide shows you how to set your rate as an independent support worker from the ground up. Start with your costs, land on an hourly figure, then check it against the price limit.
Quick answer: Work out what you need to earn in a year. Add the costs an employer would normally cover, like super, insurance, and leave. Divide by the hours you can really bill, not the hours you work. That is your rate. Make sure to check it against the 2026-27 price limit for the time of day you work.
What is the NDIS price limit, and is it your rate?
The NDIS Pricing Schedule lists a price limit for each price-controlled support item. The applicable amount depends on the support item, time and location. For Agency-managed and plan-managed supports, providers must stay within the applicable limit. Your rate is the amount you agree with each participant, subject to the rules that apply to their plan and support.
Who the limit applies to depends on how the participant's plan is managed. The rules are in the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits (pages 9 to 10).
- Agency managed: The NDIA pays the provider directly. Only registered providers can be used and they must not exceed the price limits.
- Plan managed: A plan manager pays your invoices from the plan. The plan manager must keep prices within the limits. This applies "regardless of whether the participant purchases the support from a registered or an unregistered provider".
- Self managed: The participant pays you and claims the money back. The rules say these participants "are not subject to the price limits" and that they can use registered or unregistered providers. You'd still have to agree on the price with them first and proceed once both parties are on the same page.
In many cases, an unregistered provider can work with plan-managed and self-managed participants, although some supports require a registered provider. For plan-managed price-controlled supports, the applicable limit is a cap on the invoice. Self-managed participants are not subject to the NDIS price limits, but you must agree on the price in advance.
Source: NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits 2025-26, pages 9 to 10, https://www.ndis.gov.au/media/8096/download?attachment.
Price tables for 2026-27 are at https://www.ndis.gov.au/providers/pricing-and-payments/pricing/pricing-arrangements.
What has to come out of your hourly rate before you get paid?
As a sole trader, your rate pays for everything. Before you keep a dollar, it has to cover super, insurance, as well as unpaid leave. It also covers unpaid admin, training, checks, and any platform costs. And finally, tax comes out of what is left.
Here is the list in plain words.
- Super: An employer pays super on top of wages. The super guarantee rate is 12% for 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027 (ATO). As a sole trader, it is not mandatory to pay it for yourself. The ATO says you "can make personal super contributions" and in fact, many workers choose to.
- Insurance: Public liability and professional indemnity cover. The premium is paid by you.
- Leave: As a sole trader, since you are self-employed, you do not get paid leave. A week off is a week with no income.
- Unpaid time: This includes notes, invoices, messages, travel you cannot claim, and gaps between shifts.
- Training and checks: First aid, CPR, the NDIS Worker Orientation Module, and renewing your NDIS Worker Screening Check.
- Platform costs: A subscription, or a percentage taken from your rate. More on this is discussed below.
- Car and phone: Fuel, servicing, insurance, and your phone plan.
- Tax: Income tax comes out of what is left and money should be set aside from each invoice to cover the tax obligations.
Please be aware that the tax you owe depends on your total income. This article does not tell you what to set aside. Check your own position with the ATO or your own adviser.
Sources: ATO super guarantee rates, https://www.ato.gov.au/tax-rates-and-codes/key-superannuation-rates-and-thresholds/super-guarantee.
ATO super for sole traders, https://www.ato.gov.au/businesses-and-organisations/super-for-employers/work-out-if-you-have-to-pay-super/super-for-sole-traders-and-partnerships.
How many hours a week can you really bill?
The number of hours you can bill is fewer than you work. Billable hours are the hours you can put on an invoice. Travel between participants, notes, invoices, and gaps between shifts are all unpaid. In the example below, a worker who bills 20 hours a week works closer to 27. Ensure you build your rate on the billable number.
Here is one example week. These are example figures, use your own.
| Task | Hours a week |
|---|---|
| Hours on invoices (billable) | 20 |
| Travel you cannot claim | 3 |
| Notes and shift records | 2 |
| Invoicing, messages, bookings | 1.5 |
| Gaps between shifts | 0.5 |
| Hours actually worked | 27 |
Source: example figures for illustration only. Travel claiming rules are in the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits 2025-26, pages 22 to 25, https://www.ndis.gov.au/media/8096/download?attachment.
Then count your weeks. Say you want four weeks of holiday and two weeks for sick days. That leaves 46 working weeks a year. So 20 billable hours a week is 920 hours a year, instead of 1,040.
How do you set your rate as an independent support worker?
Start with what you want to pay yourself for the year, add the yearly costs from the list above, and divide by your billable hours for the year. That gives you the hourly rate you need. Then compare it to the price limit for the hours you work. If it is above, you have three levers: more billable hours, more evening or weekend hours, or a lower pay target.
The table below is an illustration, not advice. The pay figure and the costs are example figures. Make sure you use your own. The only verified inputs are the 12% super rate and the price limits.
Step 1: what the year has to cover
| Item | Yearly figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Pay you want before income tax | $65,000 | Example figure, use your own |
| Super you pay yourself (12% of pay) | $7,800 | Rate: ATO super guarantee, 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027. Paying yourself is optional |
| Public liability and professional indemnity | $1,200 | Example figure, get your own quotes |
| Training and check renewals | $600 | Example figure, use your own |
| Platform subscription | $1,000 | Example figure, check the platform's pricing page |
| Car and phone for work | $3,000 | Example figure, use your own |
| Total the year must cover | $78,600 | Sum of the rows above |
Leave is built into the weeks, not the money. Working 46 weeks instead of 52 gives you six weeks off. Note that income tax is not a row here as it is deducted from the $65,000, and the amount depends on your total income.
Step 2: divide by billable hours
| Billable hours a week | Billable hours a year (46 weeks) | Hourly rate needed | Weekday daytime limit | Saturday limit | Sunday limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 | 690 | $113.91 | $73.58 | $103.54 | $133.50 |
| 20 | 920 | $85.43 | $73.58 | $103.54 | $133.50 |
| 30 | 1,380 | $56.96 | $73.58 | $103.54 | $133.50 |
Source: price limits from the NDIS Pricing Schedule 2026-27, page 5 (Assistance With Self-Care Activities, Standard). Items 01_011_0107_1_1, 01_013_0107_1_1 and 01_014_0107_1_1. https://www.ndis.gov.au/media/8703/download?attachment. Super rate from the ATO. https://www.ato.gov.au/tax-rates-and-codes/key-superannuation-rates-and-thresholds/super-guarantee. All other figures are examples.
What the table tells you
- At 15 billable hours, the rate you need is above every limit in the table except Sunday. On this pay target, 15 hours does not work as weekday work.
- At 20 billable hours, you need about $85 an hour. That is above the weekday daytime limit of $73.58. Billing 20 weekday hours at the limit for 46 weeks brings in $67,693.60. That is $10,906.40 short of the $78,600 target.
- At 30 billable hours, you need about $57 an hour. The weekday limit leaves room. You could charge below the limit and still hit the target.
So a mix matters. Swap five of those 20 hours to Saturday at $103.54 and the year brings in $74,584.40. Closer, but still falls short. That is one reason to bill some evening or weekend hours.
Give it a try by running your own numbers. Change the pay figure, the costs, and the hours to match your circumstances. The method remains the same.
Should you charge different rates for evenings, weekends and public holidays?
You may choose to charge different rates for evenings, weekends and public holidays. The NDIS price limits are higher at those times, reflecting the higher employment costs built into the pricing model. As a sole trader, decide how you value your availability, keep each rate within the applicable limit and agree on it with the participant.
| Time of day | Price limit an hour | Above weekday daytime by |
|---|---|---|
| Weekday daytime | $73.58 | Base rate |
| Weekday evening | $81.07 | $7.49 |
| Saturday | $103.54 | $29.96 |
| Sunday | $133.50 | $59.92 |
| Public holiday | $163.46 | $89.88 |
Source: NDIS Pricing Schedule 2026-27, page 5, https://www.ndis.gov.au/media/8703/download?attachment.
You do not have to charge the full limit at each time. Keep a clear and consistent written price list, then agree on the applicable rate with each participant before providing the support.
Can you charge for travel and cancellations?
Provider travel and short-notice cancellations may be claimed only for eligible support items when all applicable conditions are met and the participant has agreed to the charges in advance. Your service agreement should explain the travel and cancellation terms before the first shift. As at September 2026, the NDIA pricing page still links to the 2025-26 Pricing Arrangements for these detailed claiming rules, so check the current NDIA page before making a claim.
Travel (pages 22 to 25):
- Up to 30 minutes of travel time each way per participant in MMM1 to MMM3 areas. That covers cities and large towns.
- Up to 60 minutes of travel time each way per participant in MMM4 to MMM5 areas. There is no travel-time limit in remote and very remote areas, subject to the applicable NDIS rules.
- Vehicle costs up to $0.99 a kilometre. Tolls and parking may be claimed up to the full amount, with the participant's prior agreement.
Short notice cancellation (pages 26 to 27):
- For eligible support worker support items, less than 7 days' notice may count as a short-notice cancellation.
- You can claim up to 100% of the agreed fee only when all conditions are met, including being unable to find other billable work for that time.
- Claims must comply with the service agreement and current NDIA rules. The NDIA may monitor cancellation patterns.
Source: NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits 2025-26, https://www.ndis.gov.au/media/8096/download?attachment. These are the detailed claiming rules linked on the NDIA pricing page as at September 2026. Check the latest NDIA guidance and the MMM class for your suburb before you claim.
What does a platform fee do to your rate?
A percentage fee takes part of what you earn and lowers what you keep on every hour. Some platforms deduct a percentage of your rate before you are paid. Others charge a flat subscription. The NDIS Commission says fees "vary from platform to platform and they aren't always clear". It wants platforms to "get better at explaining what they are charging for".
Here is the math on one hour at the weekday daytime limit.
| No deduction | 10% deducted from your rate | |
|---|---|---|
| Rate agreed with the participant | $73.58 | $73.58 |
| Taken by the platform | $0.00 | $7.36 |
| You keep | $73.58 | $66.22 |
| Over 920 billable hours a year | $67,693.60 | $60,924.24 |
Source: price limit from the NDIS Pricing Schedule 2026-27, page 5, https://www.ndis.gov.au/media/8703/download?attachment. The 10% is an example deduction for illustration.
That is $6,769.36 a year at 20 hours a week. If you use a platform that deducts a percentage, build your rate first, then check what is left after the deduction.
Solotude takes no commission on your services. You keep your full agreed rate and pay a flat subscription. Put the subscription in your yearly costs, as in Step 1. Then your hourly rate covers it. For more details, check out the Solotude pricing page.
Source: NDIS Commission, platform providers, https://www.ndiscommission.gov.au/rules-and-standards/quality-practice/platform-providers.
When and how should you raise your rate?
Review your rate every 1 July as that is the time when the NDIA publishes the new Pricing Schedule and the limits move. The NDIA says you can use the schedule to inform your prices from 1 July. It also says "Participants must agree to the changes before they are made". So you cannot just send a higher invoice. You notify your participants first and ensure they agree.
Here is a simple way to do it.
- Write the review into your service agreement: One line that says your rates are reviewed each 1 July. Add that you will give written notice of any change.
- Give notice in June: Send the new rate list to each participant or plan manager and ask them to confirm in writing.
- Update the agreement: Keep the signed copy as plan managers will ask for it.
- Check your costs at the same time: Insurance and subscriptions change too. Rebuild your table once a year so that it is up to date.
You do not need the perfect number today. Set a rate you can stand behind, write it down, and review it on 1 July.
Source: NDIA pricing arrangements page, https://www.ndis.gov.au/providers/pricing-and-payments/pricing/pricing-arrangements.
Frequently asked questions
Can I charge more than the price limit to a self managed participant?
Yes. A self managed participant is one who pays you and claims the money back. The Pricing Arrangements say they "are not subject to the price limits" (page 10). But the price must be agreed in advance and written down. Some self managed participants still use the limit as their guide.
Is GST charged on NDIS support?
The Pricing Arrangements say "Many, but not all, NDIA supports are GST-free. If GST is applicable to a support, the price limit is inclusive of GST." (page 40). This means that you do not add GST on top of the limit. Whether you need to register for GST depends on your turnover and other work. Please check the rules on ato.gov.au or ask your adviser.
Do I have to match what other workers charge?
No. Your rate is yours to set. Other workers have different costs, hours and experience. Use your own rate build, not someone else's figure. For plan-managed price-controlled supports, an invoice cannot exceed the applicable limit. If your rate is well below the limit, check that it still covers your costs.
What if a plan manager rejects my invoice for being over the limit?
For a plan-managed price-controlled support, the plan manager must make sure the price does not exceed the applicable limit (page 10). Check that you used the correct support item, time and location. If the invoice is above the applicable limit, correct and reissue it at or below the limit, then update your price list to prevent the same issue.
Should I pay myself super?
It is optional, not mandatory. The ATO says sole traders "don't have to pay super guarantee" for themselves but "can make personal super contributions". The super guarantee rate an employer would pay is 12% for 2026-27 and many sole traders build that into their rate. At the end of the day it is your call, and worth a chat with your adviser.
Can I charge a flat rate for every hour, whatever the day?
You can use a flat rate, provided it stays within the applicable limit whenever a price limit applies. A flat rate is simpler, but it values Sunday work the same as a Tuesday morning. Many workers use two or three rates instead. Whatever you choose, agree on it with the participant and write it in your service agreement.
Where do I find the price limits for my support type?
The NDIS Pricing Schedule 2026-27 lists every support item and its limit. It is on the NDIA pricing arrangements page. https://www.ndis.gov.au/providers/pricing-and-payments/pricing/pricing-arrangements. Find your item and note the limit for each time of day. Keep the page number for your records.
Next steps
Before your first invoice, make sure you have the appropriate business details, insurance, checks and documents for the services you provide. Screening and registration requirements depend on your role, the supports you deliver and the applicable state or territory rules. Our guide, How to Become an NDIS Sole Trader in Australia: A 2026 Guide, walks through each one. If you are deciding between being a registered or unregistered provider, read Registered vs Unregistered NDIS Providers. You can find responses to other common questions in the Solotude FAQs.
Ready to set your rate and start finding participants? Solotude lists you as a verified independent provider in Greater Sydney, and participants message you directly.
Questions? Contact us!