For Aged Care Workers
Who Is the Best Agency to Work for
in In-Home Aged Care?
There is no single right answer. Traditional agencies, independent platforms and flat-fee platforms all work differently. Here is an honest comparison so you can choose what actually suits you.
The Direct Answer
Three Structurally Different Options
Traditional agencies place you into shifts at an agency-set rate, typically $27 to $35 per hour, while charging the family $85 to $115 per hour. Independent contractor platforms like Mable let you set your own rate and negotiate directly with clients, but the client acquisition and admin work becomes yours. Flat-fee platforms like Nest & Nurture Elder Care give you a fixed, transparent rate of $55 to $120 per hour depending on role, and handle client acquisition for you.
None of these is universally best. The right one depends on whether you value rate control, steady placement, or transparent pay without the admin load.
Side by Side
How the Three Models Compare
Traditional Agency
Agency-set rate
$27-35/hr
Steady shift access. You do not set your rate or typically see the full client charge. The agency manages everything, including the margin.
Independent Platform
e.g. Mable
You set it
Full control of your rate. You negotiate directly with each client and manage your own bookings, scheduling and client relationships.
Flat-Fee Platform
Nest & Nurture Elder Care
$55-120/hr
Fixed transparent rate by role. Client acquisition and matching handled for you. The platform fee is always $20 per hour, never a percentage.
Go Deeper
The Full Breakdown
Who Is the Best Agency to Work for in In-Home Aged Care in Australia?
An honest comparison of traditional agencies, independent platforms and flat-fee platforms.
Read article →
How Much Does an Aged Care Agency Actually Take From Your Pay?
The gap between what families pay and what workers actually receive through a traditional agency.
Read article →
Agency vs Independent Contractor Platform: The Real Difference
What structurally changes between an agency, an independent platform, and a flat-fee platform.
Read article →
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best agency to work for in in-home aged care in Australia?
There is no single best option for everyone. Traditional agencies offer steady shift access at an agency-set rate around $27 to $35 per hour. Independent contractor platforms like Mable let you set your own rate but require you to manage your own client relationships. Flat-fee platforms like Nest & Nurture Elder Care offer a fixed transparent rate of $55 to $120 per hour depending on role, with client acquisition handled for you.
How much does a traditional aged care agency take from worker pay?
Traditional agencies typically charge families $85 to $115 per hour for a support worker and pay the worker $27 to $35 per hour, based on 2026 PayScale data. The difference is the agency margin.
What is the difference between an agency and an independent contractor platform?
An agency sets your pay rate and finds your clients, but you generally do not see the full client-facing charge. An independent contractor platform lets you set your own rate and negotiate directly with clients, but you manage your own client acquisition, scheduling and bookings.
How is Nest & Nurture Elder Care different from both?
Nest & Nurture Elder Care sets a fixed, transparent rate for each role and handles client acquisition and matching, the same as an agency. But the rate is fixed and visible before you accept any booking, with a flat $20 per hour platform fee rather than a hidden percentage margin.
See the Transparent Rate for Yourself
Support Workers keep $55 per hour. Enrolled Nurses keep $80. Registered Nurses keep $120. Fixed, visible, no percentage margin.
Applications take around 15 minutes. We respond within 5 business days.