A Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care sits above the Cert III in the Australian Qualifications Framework and is required for room leadership roles in centre-based settings. It covers curriculum design, professional practice, leadership of other educators and more complex aspects of child development and family engagement.
What a Diploma earns in centre-based work
Under the Children's Services Award, a Diploma-qualified educator at Level 5 earns from approximately $33 to $35 per hour at the award minimum from March 2026. Room leaders and educational leaders at centres may earn above this under enterprise agreements. The ceiling in most centre environments for a Diploma-qualified educator is around $38 to $42 per hour, reserved for senior leadership positions.
What a Diploma earns in in-home childcare
Through Nest & Nurture Little Ones, a Diploma-qualified carer earns the same hourly rates as a Cert III carer -- $40 per hour for one child, rising by $20 per hour for each additional child. The pay difference from a Cert III on the platform is not in the hourly rate. It is in the families who actively seek a diploma-qualified carer and are willing to pay the family rate to access that level of professional expertise.
What diploma-qualified carers typically work with
Families seeking diploma-qualified in-home carers often have specific requirements: a child with developmental delays or additional needs who benefits from an educator with deeper knowledge of the Early Years Learning Framework, a family following a specific educational philosophy such as Montessori or Reggio Emilia, or parents who simply want the most qualified professional available for their children.
The income comparison for diploma holders
- Centre room leader, Diploma, award rate: from $33 to $35 per hour
- Centre educational leader, enterprise agreement: up to $38 to $42 per hour
- In-home carer, 1 child, Nest & Nurture Little Ones: $40 per hour
- In-home carer, 2 children: $60 per hour
- In-home carer, 3 children: $80 per hour
Your diploma on your profile
When you apply to Nest & Nurture Little Ones, your qualification level is verified and displayed on your carer profile. Families searching for a specific qualification level can filter by it. Your Diploma is not just a compliance checkbox -- it is a visible differentiator that attracts families who specifically want that level of training.
Ready to Apply?
Upload your Diploma certificate, WWCC, police check, first aid certificate and pertussis record. Applications take around 15 minutes. We respond within 5 business days.
Qualified early childhood educator? Join Nest and Nurture Little Ones
One family at a time. Set your own hours. From 40 dollars per hour. Wednesday pay. We review every application within 5 business days.
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