It's one of the first questions people ask — and a fair one. The honest answer is that a support worker's cost depends on several factors, so the best figure is a clear quote for your situation. Here's what actually drives the price.
What affects the cost
- Type of support. Straightforward companionship or everyday help is usually costed differently to more involved support.
- When it happens. Weekdays, evenings, weekends and public holidays are commonly priced differently.
- How often and how long. Regular ongoing support can differ from occasional one-off visits.
- Travel and location. Where you are in Perth and any travel involved can be a factor.
- How it's funded. Privately arranged support and NDIS-funded support can work differently.
A rough guide to the numbers
Exact rates vary, but for context in 2026: for NDIS-funded support, the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits (the "price guide") cap standard weekday daytime support at around $70 per hour — that's the maximum a provider can charge, not what the worker takes home. Privately arranged (non-NDIS) support is often more affordable than agency rates, because you're not paying an agency's overheads. Evenings, weekends and public holidays are usually charged at higher rates. Because it depends on your situation, the clearest figure is always a quick quote.
NDIS price limits are reviewed periodically — always check the current NDIS Pricing Arrangements for exact figures.
Three ways to arrange support — and how each affects cost
An independent support worker
You arrange support directly with one independent worker. There's no agency margin and no platform fee, so it's often the most cost-effective option — and you get the same familiar person each visit. You agree the rate directly, so there are no surprises.
An online platform (for example, Mable)
Platforms let you browse and book independent workers online. The worker sets their own rate, and the platform typically adds a service fee for the person receiving support (around 8% at the time of writing — check the platform's current terms). It's convenient, but that fee sits on top of the worker's rate, and you may not always get the same person.
An agency or provider
An agency employs a pool of workers and handles the admin. That structure usually costs more per hour, and you may see a different worker from one visit to the next.
Where the NDIS fits in
If your support is NDIS-funded, how you can spend your budget depends on how your plan is managed. Self-managed and plan-managed participants can choose an independent worker — not just registered agencies — which can stretch a budget further. Your plan manager or support coordinator can help you understand your limits.
How to get a clear answer
Rather than a one-size-fits-all rate, the simplest path is a quick conversation about what you need, when, and how often — then you get a clear, honest quote with no pressure. Get in touch and I'm happy to talk it through.
This is general information only, not financial advice, and isn't a quote. Rates, NDIS price limits and platform fees change over time — always confirm current figures.
Key takeaways
- For NDIS support in 2026, the price guide caps standard weekday rates at around $70/hour.
- Independent workers avoid agency margins and platform fees, so they're often the most affordable.
- Online platforms add a service fee (around 8%) on top of the worker's own rate.
- Evenings, weekends and public holidays cost more; the clearest figure is a quick quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a support worker cost per hour in Perth?
It depends on the type of support, the days and times, how often it's needed, travel, and whether it's private, NDIS-funded or booked through a platform. For NDIS support in 2026 the price guide caps standard weekday support at around $70/hour; private arrangements are often lower. The clearest answer is a quote for your situation.
Is an independent support worker cheaper than an agency or Mable?
Often, yes. An independent worker has no agency margin and no platform service fee, so more of what you pay goes to the actual support. Platforms add a fee (around 8% at the time of writing) on top of the worker's rate, and agencies carry higher overheads. You also get the consistency of the same familiar person.
How do NDIS support worker rates work?
For NDIS-funded supports, the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits set the maximum prices that can be charged, reviewed periodically. How it applies depends on your plan and how it's managed — self-managed and plan-managed participants can choose an independent worker.
Do weekends and public holidays cost more?
Usually, yes. Support on evenings, weekends and public holidays is commonly charged at higher rates than standard weekday daytime support. If you'll need regular weekend support, ask for those rates specifically when you get a quote.
Related articles
Explore the support: Private & Independent Support and NDIS Support — or find support in your part of Perth.
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