If you are arranging support privately, one of the first questions is usually how much a carer will charge.
The short answer is that there is no single hourly rate for every private carer. Costs can vary depending on the type of support, the worker’s experience, the length of the shift, when the support is delivered, and whether the role includes things like personal care, transport or overnight support. On Careseekers, workers are independent, set their own rates, and you can negotiate directly with them to agree on a rate that fits your needs and budget.
What do private carers usually help with?
Private carers can support with a wide range of in-home and community-based needs.
That may include personal care, domestic assistance, transport, respite, social support and other everyday help at home. These are all recognised aged care support types in the current My Aged Care service information and the Support at Home service list.
Why private carer rates vary
Private care is not one single service, so private care rates are not one-size-fits-all either.
A worker providing companionship or help around the house may charge differently from a worker providing hands-on personal care or more involved daily support. Rates can also be affected by experience, qualifications, the timing of the shift, and whether the support is regular or ad hoc. On Careseekers, rates are set by workers based on their skills and experience, and the platform allows direct negotiation.
Private care gives you more flexibility on price
One of the main differences with private care is flexibility.
When you arrange support privately through Careseekers, you can speak directly with workers and negotiate the hourly rate. That gives you more control over the arrangement and helps you compare the support being offered against your budget. Careseekers’ pricing guidance also notes that transport costs and other community-based expenses may need to be discussed separately depending on the role.
Private care and funded care are not always priced the same
Private rates and funded rates are not always the same.
If support is funded through Support at Home, providers continue to set their own prices, but price caps will apply from 1 July 2026 and prices must be reasonable and transparent. Participant contributions may also apply for some Support at Home services. That means a privately arranged support relationship can look different in both pricing and flexibility from a provider-managed funded arrangement.
What should you compare besides the hourly rate?
Hourly rate matters, but it should not be the only thing you compare.
It also helps to look at:
- the type of support included
- the worker’s experience
- whether personal care is involved
- whether you need weekends, evenings or overnight support
- whether the arrangement is regular or occasional
- whether the worker feels like the right fit
Sometimes a slightly higher rate makes more sense if the worker has the right background, availability and consistency for the support you need.
How we help you compare private carer costs
On Careseekers, you can:
- browse worker profiles
- view rates
- compare experience and qualifications
- speak directly with workers
- negotiate directly to agree on a rate
Because our workers are independent, you get more visibility over who is providing support and what the arrangement looks like before you commit.
Frequently asked questions
Is there one standard hourly rate for private carers?
No. Private carer rates vary depending on the type of support, the worker’s experience, the timing of the shift and the overall arrangement.
Can I negotiate rates directly with a private carer?
Yes. Careseekers, you can negotiate directly with workers to agree on a rate that suits the support you need and your budget.
Are private carers more affordable than agency care?
Sometimes they can be, but it depends on the type of support, the rate agreed, and what is included in the arrangement. It is best to compare value, fit and flexibility, not just price.
Do weekend or overnight shifts cost more?
They often can. Timing, shift structure and the type of support involved can all affect the rate.
Can I still use funding with a private worker?
Sometimes, depending on the arrangement. Support at Home providers set their own prices, and government price caps begin from 1 July 2026.
Ready to compare private care options?
If you are looking for flexible support at home, we make it easier to compare workers, understand rates and negotiate directly to find an arrangement that suits you.
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