Careers in aged care in New Zealand: demand, pay and pathways

New Zealand is getting older, and that is changing the job market. More older people means more need for skilled, caring people in rest homes, hospitals and home support. If you are thinking about a career in aged care, or you already work as a caregiver and want to grow, this guide explains what the work looks like, how pay is set and where the pathways lead.

Key takeaways

• Stats NZ expects around one million people aged 65 and over to be living in New Zealand by 2028.
• Careerforce says more than 33,000 people work in aged care, and expects demand to grow by roughly 50 to 75 percent over the next 15 years.
• Under the care and support workers pay equity settlement, minimum pay rises with your qualification level, from Level 0 up to Level 4.
• Most entry roles do not need a qualification, but training is expected and is the main way to move up.
• Pathways lead to senior support worker, team leader, trainer and, with further study, enrolled or registered nursing.

Why aged care workers are in demand

Stats NZ projects that the number of people aged 65 and over will reach about one million by 2028. People are living longer, and many want to stay in their own homes for as long as they can. That creates demand in two places: residential care (rest homes, hospital-level care and dementia units) and home and community support.

Careerforce, the organisation that has long supported workplace training in the care sector, says more than 33,000 people work in aged care. It expects demand for these workers to grow by roughly 50 to 75 percent over the next 15 years, driven by population growth. In practical terms, that means steady work, a wide choice of employers and real chances to step up into senior roles.

What the job involves

Aged care roles go by many names: caregiver, healthcare assistant, support worker, home care support worker, nurse aide and activities coordinator. The day-to-day work usually includes:

• helping people with personal care, such as showering, dressing and eating
• supporting mobility and helping to prevent falls
• noticing changes in a person’s health or mood and reporting them
• following care plans and keeping accurate notes
• supporting people living with dementia
• spending time with residents and their whānau, and helping with activities

It is practical, people-focused work. Good communication, patience, respect for different cultures and a steady approach under pressure matter as much as technical skills.

How pay works: the pay equity settlement

In 2017, a pay equity settlement changed how care and support workers are paid in aged residential care, home and community support, and disability residential services. Under the settlement, minimum pay depends on your qualification level. Workers employed before 1 July 2017 could instead be placed by length of service.

Always check the current rates with your employer or Health New Zealand, as funding and rates can change. Pay equity law has changed in recent years, so it is worth keeping an eye on official updates.

Training pathways

Most entry-level roles do not require a qualification before you start. You will usually train on the job, and many employers support staff to study while they work. Common steps include:

• New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Level 2): a starting point, often completed in about seven months.
• Level 3 (Health Assistance or Support Work): builds core skills, usually around 12 months.
• Level 4 (Advanced Care and Support): for experienced workers taking on more responsibility, around 20 months.

At TIN, we offer the CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support, delivered by AIBT (Australia Institute of Business and Technology, RTO 41138). It is studied online over about 26 weeks and includes at least 120 hours of work placement in your aged care workplace. It is designed for people already working in a New Zealand aged care facility with workplace support. The qualification is aligned with NZQCF Level 4 for pay equity purposes only; it is not a New Zealand qualification. TIN’s course page lists upcoming intakes on 9 November and 7 December 2026, so confirm with TIN before you plan around a date.

If you are new to care work, ask us about the CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support.

Where a career in aged care can lead

Aged care is not a dead end. Experience and qualifications open up options such as:

• Senior support worker or team leader: guiding other staff and overseeing care on a shift.
• Trainer or assessor: helping new workers learn and gain qualifications.
• Specialist roles: for example dementia care, palliative care or activities coordination.
• Nursing: the New Zealand Diploma in Enrolled Nursing (Level 5) is usually 18 months full-time. Graduates sit the Nursing Council’s State Final Examination and can then apply to register as an enrolled nurse. Some go on to a nursing degree and registered nurse practice.

Many people start as caregivers and build a long career, one step at a time.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a qualification to start working in aged care?

Usually not. Most entry roles train you on the job. A qualification helps you move up the pay scale and take on more responsibility.

How much do aged care workers earn in New Zealand?

Under the pay equity settlement, minimum rates published for 1 April 2025 ranged from $23.50 an hour with no relevant qualification to $28.25 an hour at Level 4. The adult minimum wage is now $23.95. Check current rates with your employer.

Does the CHC43015 Certificate IV count for pay equity?

TIN’s CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support is aligned with NZQCF Level 4 for pay equity purposes only. It does not award a New Zealand qualification. Talk to your employer about how they recognise it.

Can I study while I work?

Yes. Many aged care qualifications are designed for people in work. TIN’s CHC43015 is studied online, with placement hours completed in your own aged care workplace.

Take the next step

Thinking about a career in aged care, or ready to grow in the job you already have? Talk to the team at TIN about the CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support or the CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support. Call 021 081 75976, email admin@tin.ac.nz or send us a message through our contact page. You can also read more on the CHC43015 course page.

Sources

• Stats NZ – One million people aged 65+ by 2028
• Careerforce – Aged care sector
• Care and Support Workers (Pay Equity) Settlement Act 2017 – legislation.govt.nz
• Lifewise – Care and Support Workers Pay Rates 2025 (PDF)
• Employment New Zealand – Minimum wage is increasing on 1 April 2026
• Whitireia and WelTec – New Zealand Diploma in Enrolled Nursing (Level 5)
• TIN – CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support