Menu

  • All Courses
    • Accounting
    • Advertising
    • Aged Care
    • Agile
    • Agriculture
    • Alcohol & Other Drugs
    • Allied Health
    • Animal Care
    • Animal Science
    • Arts
    • Automotive
    • Beauty
    • Blockchain
    • Bookkeeping
    • Building & Construction
    • Business
    • Business Administration
    • Business Development
    • Business Operations
    • Carpentry
    • Celebrancy
    • Change Management
    • Child Care
    • Cloud Computing
    • Coding
    • Community Services
    • Compliance & Risk
    • Conservation & Land Management
    • Counselling
    • Criminal Justice & Psychology
    • Culinary Arts
    • Customer Engagement
    • Cyber Security
    • Dance
    • Data Science & Analytics
    • Dental Assisting
    • Design
    • Digital Marketing
    • Digital Media
    • Disability
    • Dog Training
    • Education
    • Education Support
    • Engineering
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Event Management
    • Eyebrow Specialist
    • Eyelash Extension
    • Fashion Design
    • Finance
    • Financial Planning
    • Government
    • Graphic Design
    • Hairdressing
    • Health
    • Health Admin
    • Health Science
    • Health Services Assistance
    • Herbal Medicines
    • Horse Breeding & Equine Studies
    • Horticulture
    • Hospitality
    • Human Resources
    • Interior Design
    • IT
    • Language
    • Leadership & Management
    • Legal
    • Life Coaching
    • Logistics
    • Makeup
    • Management
    • Manufacturing
    • Marketing
    • Massage
    • MBA
    • Mental Health
    • Microsoft
    • MYOB
    • Nail Technology
    • Natural Therapies
    • Naturopathy
    • Networking
    • Nursing
    • Nutrition
    • Nutritional Medicine
    • Organisational Development
    • Pathology
    • Payroll
    • Pet Grooming
    • Pharmacy
    • Photography
    • Plumbing
    • PMBOK
    • Practice Management
    • PRINCE2®
    • Professional Development
    • Programming
    • Project Management
    • Psychology
    • Real Estate
    • Retail
    • Sales
    • Science
    • Security
    • Small Business
    • Social Media Marketing
    • Social Science
    • Software
    • Sports & Fitness
    • Supply Chain Operations
    • Sustainability
    • Systems Administration
    • Tourism
    • Training & Assessment
    • Travel
    • User Experience Design
    • UX/UI
    • Veterinary Nursing
    • Web Design
    • Web Development
    • Wedding Planning
    • Work Health & Safety
    • Xero
    • Youth Work
    • View All Courses
  • Search Courses
  • Online Courses
  • Education Providers
  • Workforce Training
  • TAFE Directory
  • Student Hub
  • Contact Us
  • About Us

How to Become a Personal Carer: An Enjoyable Job That Fulfils You and Your Clients

To become a personal carer, you need strong social skills and a range of practical abilities in caring for other people. Although not formally required, a qualification like a Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing, Home & Community) (CHC33015) or a Certificate IV in Disability (CHC43115) provide a strong foundation of technical skills and elevate your chances of getting a job.

Find out more about a role as a personal carer, what the job prospects are like and what you need to do to start your dream career.

personal-carer
  • Overview
  • Job Satisfaction
  • Skills
  • How to Become
  • Start Learning
  • Reviews

Personal carer job description
info Where we source our data

Let’s get real. Job information online can often be overly optimistic — conveniently glossing over the raw bits. But when you’re making decisions about your future, you need all the facts.

That’s why we anonymously surveyed personal carers about their job, with hopes of getting an honest insight into what it’s really like.

While we did our best to ensure respondents were Australians and verified their job titles with proof of employment, we can’t guarantee complete accuracy — or that your experiences in the field will reflect theirs. So, we suggest that you take these insights as a guide only and try to talk to people in the field before making an important decision.

Personal carers deliver personalised care to those with disabilities or special needs in their homes. They work under supervision of medical professionals and are responsible for administering medication, monitoring their client’s mental and physical wellbeing and assisting with domestic duties and personal hygiene.
Physical

Physical
info
Based on our career survey data, these are the words that workers would use to describe their jobs.

Cooperative

Cooperative
info
Based on our career survey data, these are the words that workers would use to describe their jobs.

Organising

Organising
info
Based on our career survey data, these are the words that workers would use to describe their jobs.

Tasks and responsibilities for a personal carer

Personal carers provide individualised support to people who have disabilities or special needs. The role can involve anything from assisting with household tasks and personal hygiene requirements to administering medication.

A personal care worker job description can include:

  • Providing home care services, emotional support for clients that have special requirements
  • Monitoring changes to the clients physical and mental health and recording findings
  • Assisting with personal hygiene, showering and personal care
  • Assisting clients with various activities
  • Maintaining the cleanliness and safety of the client's home

Reasons to choose this job
info
Based on our career survey data, these are the factors that workers said were most important to them when choosing this job.

Makes a difference

Makes a difference

As an essential part of the community, personal care workers make a dramatic difference to the wellbeing of vulnerable people. In a role as a personal carer, you facilitate independence for the individuals you work with and allow them to live their best lives.

Read More
Enjoyable

Enjoyable

No day in personal caring is the same as the last. Each client has a unique story to tell and can provide emotional bonds that often turn into lifelong friendships. 

Read More
Flexible hours

Flexible hours

Shift work is extremely common for personal carers. If you’re looking for a flexible job that will give you the work-life balance you crave, this is a perfect career choice.

Read More

Job satisfaction

Overall job satisfaction
info
This overall score combines the critical factors in job satisfaction. It includes fulfilment, stress levels, and opportunities for advancement, based on our career survey data.

Stress level
info
How stressful workers feel their job is, based on our career survey data.

medium

Fulfilment
info
How personally rewarding workers feel their job is, based on our career survey data.

high

Skill level
info
The skill level required to do this job is based on both our career survey data and official data from the Labour Market Information Portal.

medium

Job market trends for a personal carer

Jobs in the support and care sectors aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.

The health care and social assistance industry as a whole is the largest Australian employing industry. As part of this industry and with around 89,000 people employed in care roles in 2020, there’s strong projected growth to 2025.

With 33% of workers in a full-time role, it’s a perfect role for someone wanting flexibility in their career. 

$65,780 Per Year

Median salary
info Where this data comes from

Median salary

We use the median salary over the average because it’s more realistic — unusually high or low salaries don’t skew the median. It shows the true middle point, which is what your typical worker in this job earns.

This figure is from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. It’s the official median full-time adult salary for non-managers, before tax. (Includes salary sacrifice.)

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (cat. no. 6306.0), Customised Report

Projected job growth

Job growth projections, using data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. These calculations were made before COVID-19 and may not accurately reflect the labour market. Use these numbers as a general guide only.

Projected job growth
info Where this data comes from

Median salary

We use the median salary over the average because it’s more realistic — unusually high or low salaries don’t skew the median. It shows the true middle point, which is what your typical worker in this job earns.

This figure is from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. It’s the official median full-time adult salary for non-managers, before tax. (Includes salary sacrifice.)

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (cat. no. 6306.0), Customised Report

Projected job growth

Job growth projections, using data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. These calculations were made before COVID-19 and may not accurately reflect the labour market. Use these numbers as a general guide only.

Pathway options
info
Job pathways are drawn from the Australian Apprenticeships Pathways site.

A job as a personal carer can be perfect for a permanent or long-time career, but it can also be a great starting point and open up opportunities in other roles.

Possible pathways could be:

Junior

  • Personal care assistant

    Most common qualification: Certificate III in Individual Support (CHC33015)

  • Personal carer

    Most common qualification: Certificate III in Individual Support (CHC33015)

  • Home care assistance

    Most common qualification: Certificate III in Individual Support (CHC33015)

  • Residential care worker

    Most common qualification: Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) (CHC33015)

Mid

  • Disability services manager

    Most common qualification: Advanced Diploma of Community Sector Management (CHC62015)

  • Lifestyle coordinator

    Most common qualification: Certificate IV in Disability (CHC43115)

Senior

  • Senior aboriginal community care worker

    Most common qualification: Certificate IV in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care (HLT40113)

  • Care manager

    Most common qualification: Advanced Diploma of Community Sector Management (CHC62015)

Skills you might already have
info
Based on our career survey data, the soft skills that workers said were most needed to do their job well.

Working in a support role for vulnerable people requires a robust set of essential soft skills. These naturally developed interpersonal skill sets create trust and rapport with clients.

Ideal interpersonal carer skills:

Empathetic

Your natural empathy and compassion are a huge asset to a job in personal care. Not only do clients benefit from your genuine care, you also gain real fulfilment and joy in the job.

Read More

Observant

As a personal carer, you need to pick up on any slight changes in a client’s mental or physical state to help them. You also need a keen eye around the client’s home for any hazards.

Read More

Communication skills

Clients with special needs can sometimes have complex communication requirements. Natural patience and good communication skills are essential in a personal carer role.

Read More

Active listening

Sometimes verbal communication can be a challenge for clients. The ability to pick up on body language and other non-verbal cues is key to understanding your clients’ needs.

Read More

Passion for helping others

Your passion and desire to help others achieve independence and reach their goals is your motivation. Getting up and going to work every day is easy and exciting when you’re driven by a desire to help.

Read More

Organisation

In a personal carer role, you are relied on to be on top of all aspects of care your clients require. Having good organisational skills means your client can relax in the knowledge that you have everything under control.

Read More

Time-management

Your client relies on you being where you need to be, on time. For example, your client may have a doctor’s appointment to get to and depends on you to transport them there.

Read More

Hard skills
info
The job-specific skills that workers said were most important, supplemented with data from JobOutlook and online job advertisements.

Vocational training can equip you with a solid foundation in skills and the confidence to work as a personal carer.

Some personal carer skills you need:

First-aid

A first-aid certificate provides you with confidence, skills and procedures to deal with many health emergencies that may happen in your workday.

Read More

Healthcare knowledge

A broad understanding of health procedures and healthy body systems ensures you can assist your client with basic healthcare needs.

Read More

Reporting

A job as a personal carer involves following care plans, keeping clear records and reporting on client condition information. Strong skills in administration and reporting skills are essential to the safety of the client and the efficiency of your service.

Read More

Enabling technologies

Many clients have access to equipment and technology that can assist them in tasks. You must know how these technologies work and teach a client how to use them.

Read More

Safe work practices

A personal carer must know how to operate safely in their work environment to benefit their client, themselves and anyone else around them.

Read More

Support work is the best job in the world. You go to work to hang out with people, and you get to show them life — how cool is that?!

Laura Green
Executive Director, Victoria, ONCALL Group

How to become a personal carer

While you can start work as a personal carer without formal training, many employers require a vocational qualification to consider you for an entry-level position.
  1. Study

    A qualification in individual support or disability through a TAFE or Registered Training Organisation (RTO) provides you with the core practical skills and relevant work experience to begin a career in personal care. An ideal qualification for this role is a Certificate III in Individual Support (CHC33015). Courses can be taken through Australian apprenticeship programs.

  2. Volunteer

    Offering your time to an aged care or disability support facility gives you access to hands-on experience and provides you valuable insight into a role in personal care.

  3. Police check and Working with Children Check

    Most employers and training organisations require you to complete a National Police and Working with Children’s check. These checks are quick, easy and can be processed entirely online.

Explore related qualifications

Completing a course in individual support or disability care helps to establish essential skills for personal carer role:

Certificate III in Individual Support (Aged Care)

Study method In-class Online

This course provides the skills to enter an entry-level position where you can support individuals in residential care, hospitals and community-based settings.

This course includes units in communication and working in health or community services, individualised support, healthy body systems, working with diverse people, and supporting independence and wellbeing.

The average course duration is 35 weeks but can be studied part-time or as part of a traineeship. Course delivery can be a combination of online and in-class formats, and this course includes a mandatory 120-hour work placement unit.

As with most vocational courses, many providers offer payment plans and financial assistance, and fee concessions are available for eligible learners.

Read More

20 providers offer this course

Open Colleges
National College Australia (NCA)
Nepean Industry Edge Training
Insight Training
Health Courses Australia
Melbourne College of Further Education
Angel Institute of Education
Acacia Education & Training
Training Unlimited
Arrow Training
Collaboration Learning
Training Tailor Made
Victorian International Academy
Melbourne City Institute of Education
The Gordon Institute of TAFE
Kirana Colleges
All Health Training
Hammond Institute
Selmar Institute of Education
Royal College of Healthcare

Certificate IV in Disability

Study method In-class Online

in clients’ homes. They facilitate empowerment, independence, community participation, and wellbeing.

Disability support workers with this qualification usually work without direct supervision. They may also be required to supervise or coordinate small teams in a leadership role.

The average course duration is one year but can be studied part-time. Course delivery can depend on the course provider, but many have blended learning formats. This course includes a 120-hour work placement requirement.

Payment plans are available from most providers, and fee concessions are available to eligible learners.

Read More

11 providers offer this course

Open Colleges
National College Australia (NCA)
Nepean Industry Edge Training
Australian Healthcare Qualifications and Training
Phillips Institute
Collaboration Learning
Victorian International Academy
The Gordon Institute of TAFE
Kirana Colleges
All Health Training
Hammond Institute

Related subjects

There are plenty of other roles within healthcare and social assistance that need new, enthusiastic workers over the next few years.

Some other subjects to explore:

Aged Care
Aged Care
Community Services
Community Services
Disability
Disability

Reviews
info How we collect reviews

Reviews are from Australian workers with this job title or a very closely related one.

Is this your job title?

Share your thoughts and help people decide if this job is right for them.

Leave a Review

  • All
  • Positive
  • Negative
Biliana
Sep 24 2021

Very busy schedule but getting to know clients is fun.

What are the best parts of the job?

Talking to people from different backgrounds and learning more about their life and culture.

Read More

What's the most challenging part?

Have to work within a set timeframe and clients are often back-to-back.

Read More
Qualification Diploma
Experience 1-3
Organisation size Self-employed
Emily
Sep 24 2021

Rewarding when I am able to keep clients satisfied.

What are the best parts of the job?

The best part of the job is being able to help people and make a positive impact on their life.

Read More

What's the most challenging part?

Keeping people happy when I can only do so much is sometimes a challenge.

Read More
Qualification Cert III
Experience 10+
Organisation size Self-employed
Hannah
Sep 25 2021

Caring career I enjoy but some residents can be challenging.

What are the best parts of the job?

I care for elderly people in residental aged care with dementia, which is a rewarding role that I enjoy. I take pride in knowing that my career involves helping those in need.

Read More

What's the most challenging part?

Aggressive residents who are unfamiliar with certain carers or don't know where they are. It can be a challenge to calm them and help them feel safe.

Read More
Qualification Cert IV
Experience 5-10
Organisation size 200+ employees
Eliza
Sep 26 2021

Enjoy helping others gain and maintain independence.

What are the best parts of the job?

Knowing that another person can remain living reasonably independently.

Read More

What's the most challenging part?

There are a multitude of unexpected problems that can arise which you can't prepare.

Read More
Qualification None of the above
Experience 5-10
Organisation size Self-employed
Peter
Sep 29 2021

Assisting people is both rewarding and challenging.

What are the best parts of the job?

Making people feel better in their daily lives is the best part of the job.

Read More

What's the most challenging part?

Getting people to listen to you and do what you say without causing a fuss.

Read More
Qualification Professional doctorate
Experience 3-5
Organisation size 20-199 employees
Specialisation Adult care
Chelsey
Sep 29 2021

Helping people overcome illness is rewarding.

What are the best parts of the job?

Seeing people get better from their illness and become more independent in their daily lives.

Read More

What's the most challenging part?

People who carry sickness can be a challenge at times because they require extra attention and care.

Read More
Qualification Bachelor’s degree
Experience 5-10
Organisation size 200+ employees
Specialisation Surgical
Sian
Sep 29 2021

Always helping others.

What are the best parts of the job?

In my role I get to be nice and help people, making a positive change in their lives.

Read More

What's the most challenging part?

I'm not too sure what the challenges of the job are, I enjoy every aspect of it.

Read More
Qualification Cert IV
Experience 1-3
Organisation size 5-19 employees
Victoria
Sep 29 2021

Caring for people is a pleasing career.

What are the best parts of the job?

Taking care of people and improving their quality of life is very rewarding. I love helping others live the best life they possibly can.

Read More

What's the most challenging part?

Dealing with behavioural issues and trying to get some patients to cooperate.

Read More
Qualification Bachelor’s degree
Experience 1-3
Organisation size 200+ employees
1 2 3

Related articles

Becoming a personal carer is a career choice that is both fulfilling and perfectly suited to your personality. Find out more about this incredible industry and access all the information you need to get your dream career started.

How to Ace an Aged Care Job Interview
How to Ace an Aged Care Job Interview
Read More
How to Start a Career in Aged Care
How to Start a Career in Aged Care
Read More
7 Things to Know About a Career in Aged Care
7 Things to Know About a Career in Aged Care
Read More
How to Get an Aged Care Job with No Experience: Pathways and Qualifications
How to Get an Aged Care Job with No Experience: Pathways and Qualifications
Read More
More than Physical Support: A Realistic Look at Aged Care Worker Duties and Skills
More than Physical Support: A Realistic Look at Aged Care Worker Duties and Skills
Read More
7 Best Roles to Work in as an Aged Carer
7 Best Roles to Work in as an Aged Carer
Read More
5 Insights on the Challenges and Rewards of Working in Aged Care
5 Insights on the Challenges and Rewards of Working in Aged Care
Read More
Can I Study an Aged Care Course for Free? How Government Funding Can Help
Can I Study an Aged Care Course for Free? How Government Funding Can Help
Read More
Career Quiz - Child Care/Aged Care
Career Quiz - Child Care/Aged Care
Read More
The Federal Budget and the Opportunities for Young Learners in Australia
The Federal Budget and the Opportunities for Young Learners in Australia
Read More
Make a Difference Day: 8 of the most meaningful careers that will help you make a difference!
Make a Difference Day: 8 of the most meaningful careers that will help you make a difference!
Read More
The Most In-Demand Health Careers for 2020
The Most In-Demand Health Careers for 2020
Read More
Which Aged Care Course Suits Your Career Goals?
Which Aged Care Course Suits Your Career Goals?
Read More
Careers in Aged Care: 8 Things to Know in 2022
Careers in Aged Care: 8 Things to Know in 2022
Read More
4 Healthcare Careers Where You Can Help People Live Fulfilling Lives
4 Healthcare Careers Where You Can Help People Live Fulfilling Lives
Read More
What Jobs Are In Demand In Australia? High Demand Jobs in Every Industry
What Jobs Are In Demand In Australia? High Demand Jobs in Every Industry
Read More
The Great Healthcare Resignation: What It Means for Healthcare & Social Assistance Workers
The Great Healthcare Resignation: What It Means for Healthcare & Social Assistance Workers
Read More
Career Quiz: What Job Should I Do? (Backed by Real Data)
Career Quiz: What Job Should I Do? (Backed by Real Data)
Read More
What Qualification Should You Take On? (New Guide)
What Qualification Should You Take On? (New Guide)
Read More
Career Change Later in Life: 3 Success Stories That Will Inspire You
Career Change Later in Life: 3 Success Stories That Will Inspire You
Read More
24 Most Fulfilling Jobs That Work With Kids: Which Is Your Calling?
24 Most Fulfilling Jobs That Work With Kids: Which Is Your Calling?
Read More
5 Things to Know About Working with People with Disabilities
5 Things to Know About Working with People with Disabilities
Read More
Over 40s Wanted in Disability Care: Here's Why Your Age is a Bonus, Not a Barrier
Over 40s Wanted in Disability Care: Here's Why Your Age is a Bonus, Not a Barrier
Read More
How Newcomers to the Disability Sector can Spark Change in an Entire Industry
How Newcomers to the Disability Sector can Spark Change in an Entire Industry
Read More
4 Disability Support Worker Skills You Need to Make a Difference
4 Disability Support Worker Skills You Need to Make a Difference
Read More
Working in Disability: The Most Rewarding Jobs in the Industry
Working in Disability: The Most Rewarding Jobs in the Industry
Read More
Career Quiz Results: The Carer
Career Quiz Results: The Carer
Read More
Community Development: 5 Reasons this Fulfilling Career is Perfect for You
Community Development: 5 Reasons this Fulfilling Career is Perfect for You
Read More
Who do Social Workers Help: Australian Career Guide
Who do Social Workers Help: Australian Career Guide
Read More
Working With Disabled Children: Everything You Need to Know
Working With Disabled Children: Everything You Need to Know
Read More
Top 5 Medical & Healthcare Industry Trends for 2020
Top 5 Medical & Healthcare Industry Trends for 2020
Read More
7 Rewarding Pathways into a Community Services Career
7 Rewarding Pathways into a Community Services Career
Read More
Becoming a Nurse: Everything You Need To Know
Becoming a Nurse: Everything You Need To Know
Read More
Could a Counselling Course Be Made For You?
Could a Counselling Course Be Made For You?
Read More
The Carer Take the Career Quiz

Job cluster: The Carer
info What are job clusters?

The seven job clusters are sets of closely related jobs that share skills, making it easy to apply skills learned in one career to another.

The idea of the seven job clusters first appeared in a 2016 research report by the Foundation for Young Australians, titled “The New Work Mindset”. Researchers analysed thousands of online job advertisements and found that jobs are more similar than commonly thought — and the skills you gain in one position are easy to bring to another. In fact, they can help you get 13 other closely related jobs.

This model is a great way to think about 21st-century careers, where the average person changes career five times. We’ve used this framework (along with the much-loved Holland Codes model) to build a career quiz.

Why not take it and find out which job cluster feels like home?

A job as a personal carer, working to support and assist vulnerable people is best suited to the career personality of The Carer. 

The Carer employs a humane approach to their work and thrives in positions that work directly with people or animals, requiring empathy and compassion.  

Take the Career Quiz to discover what jobs are a great fit for you.

Learn More

Frequently asked questions

How much does a personal carer earn?

An overview of the salary expectations of a personal carer in Australia are:

Low – $48,465

Median – $54,772

High – $62,261

What makes a good personal carer?

A good personal carer has strong social skills, tons of empathy, and particular skills in caring for vulnerable or older people.

What does a personal carer do?

Personal carers provide support for vulnerable individuals who have disabilities or special needs. Personal carers assist with daily tasks such as administering education, helping with household duties, assisting with hygiene and monitoring their client’s health.

What skills do you need to be a personal carer?

To be a successful personal carer, you must be passionate about helping others and have a caring, empathetic personality. Skills such as good communication and time management are required to be a personal carer, along with the ability to work under pressure and make decisions.

  • Popular Subjects
  • Qualification Levels
  • Government Funded Courses
  • Job Outcomes
  • Accounting
  • Aged Care
  • Agriculture
  • Animal Care
  • Beauty
  • Bookkeeping
  • Business Administration
  • Child Care
  • Community Services
  • Counselling
  • Disability
  • Education
  • Eyelash Extension
  • Health
  • IT
  • Mental Health
  • MYOB
  • Small Business
  • Veterinary Nursing
  • Xero Courses
  • View More
  • Certificate
  • Certificate II
  • Certificate III
  • Certificate IV
  • Diploma
  • Bachelor
  • University
  • Online Courses
  • Short Courses
  • View More
  • Adelaide
  • Brisbane
  • Canberra
  • Melbourne
  • Perth
  • Tasmania
  • Victoria
  • Western Australia
  • View More
  • Aged Care Worker
  • Allied Health Assistant
  • Bookkeeper
  • Business Analyst
  • Childcare Worker
  • Counsellor
  • Data Analyst
  • Dental Assistant
  • Disability Support Worker
  • Dog Groomer
  • Massage Therapist
  • Nail Technician
  • Naturopath
  • Pharmacy Assistant
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Social Worker
  • Support Worker
  • Teachers Aide
  • Youth Worker
  • View More
Copyright © 2022 Training.com.au Contact About Privacy Terms