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How to Become An Aged Care Service Manager

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What is a Aged Care Service Manager

An Aged Care Service Manager runs aged care facilities and leads the teams that care for older Australians. They set policies, manage budgets, and make sure every resident gets safe, top-quality support. It is a role that blends leadership, heart, and real responsibility.

Day to day, they shape care plans, manage staff, and work with health providers and government bodies. They track budgets, write reports, and make sure the facility meets the Aged Care Quality Standards. Every call they make has a direct impact on residents’ lives.

The Aged Care Act 2024 gives service managers real power and real duty. As key staff in their organisation, they sit at the centre of big decisions about care quality and governance. This is a career for those who want to lead, not just help out.

Australia’s ageing population means this sector is growing fast. Jobs and Skills Australia rates future demand as very strong. For anyone ready to step up in a sector that truly matters, this is a smart career move.

Compare courses and programs in Aged Care

Career Outlook for Aged Care Service Manager

Aged Care Service Managers are in high demand across Australia. Around 22,800 people work in this occupation, with 85% in full-time roles (yourcareer.gov.au, 2025). The median age of the workforce is 46, and women make up 73% of the profession. Full-time workers average around 43 hours per week.

Pay is strong and growing. Median weekly earnings are $2,016, or about $105,000 a year (yourcareer.gov.au, 2025). Future demand is rated as very strong. Australia’s ageing population is driving a sustained need for more service managers. This demand spans residential care, home care, and community aged care settings.

The Aged Care Act 2024 has raised the profile of this role. Service managers are now key personnel with direct responsibility for quality and governance. This means more accountability, but also more recognition and career progression. It is a sector where skilled managers are valued and their impact is clear.

On this Article

Introduction

Average Salaries

Resources

Steps to Become an Aged Care Service Manager

Step 1: Complete the Certificate IV in Ageing Support (CHC33021)

Enrol in the Certificate IV in Ageing Support (CHC33021) at a TAFE or RTO. This takes 6 to 12 months full-time. It covers person-centred care, safe work practices, and supporting people living with dementia. It builds the hands-on knowledge needed to understand direct care work.

Step 2: Build Direct Experience in Aged Care

Work as a personal care worker or team leader in a residential or home care setting. Aim for at least 2 to 3 years in direct care before moving into management. This experience builds empathy, good judgment, and the practical knowledge that service managers use every day.

Step 3: Complete the Advanced Diploma of Community Sector Management (CHC62015)

Enrol in the Advanced Diploma of Community Sector Management (CHC62015) at a TAFE or RTO. This takes 12 to 18 months full-time or up to 2 years part-time. It covers service planning, policy work, workforce management, budget control, and governance. This is a key entry requirement for most aged care service manager roles. Alternatively, complete a Bachelor of Health Administration or Bachelor of Health Management (3 years full-time at university).

Step 4: Meet Aged Care Act 2024 Requirements for Key Personnel

Under the Aged Care Act 2024, all service managers at registered aged care providers are classed as key personnel. They must pass suitability checks set by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission. Review provider duties and quality standards at agedcarequality.gov.au before applying for manager roles.

Step 5: Apply for Roles and Join Ageing Australia

Apply for Aged Care Service Manager roles in residential care, home care, or community aged care. Join Ageing Australia (the national peak body) for access to learning, policy updates, and sector networks. Staying active in the sector keeps skills sharp and builds a strong professional profile.

What does an Aged Care Service Manager do?

An Aged Care Service Manager keeps the whole service running. They develop care policies, manage staff, oversee budgets, and make sure residents get quality support every day. They work with health providers, government bodies, and families to improve services and meet the Aged Care Quality Standards. Every task they handle, from reviewing care plans to running staff meetings, has a direct impact on older Australians’ wellbeing.

Tasks

An Aged Care Service Manager leads aged care facilities and makes sure residents get the best possible care. They handle everything from care planning to staff development to budget management. Their work has a real impact on older Australians every day.

  • Overall direction: provides overall direction and management for the service, facility, or centre
  • Policy development: develops, implements, and reviews policies and standards for clinical and administrative staff
  • Program coordination: coordinates and runs health, welfare, and clinical service programs
  • Resource review: monitors and reviews resources for health, welfare, recreation, and training services
  • Administration: manages budget planning, report preparation, and spending on supplies, equipment, and services
  • Stakeholder liaison: liaises with health providers, boards, and funding bodies to improve service coordination
  • Government advisory: advises government bodies on ways to improve health and welfare services
  • Representation: represents the organisation in negotiations, hearings, and sector forums
  • Staff management: controls the selection, training, and supervision of staff

Skills for Success

Aged Care Service Managers need a mix of leadership, care, and business skills. Strong leadership helps them guide care teams and build a positive workplace. Good communication keeps them linked to staff, residents, families, and outside providers.

Problem-solving is a big part of the job. Each day brings new tests, from care issues to compliance questions to staff matters. Managers also need financial skills to handle budgets and write reports. Above all, empathy and a real commitment to older people make the biggest difference in this role.

Skills & Attributes

  • Leadership and team management
  • Clear verbal and written communication
  • Problem-solving and critical thinking
  • Knowledge of aged care regulations and quality standards
  • Budget planning and financial management
  • Policy development and implementation
  • Staff training and supervision
  • Empathy and person-centred care
  • Organisational and time management
  • Stakeholder and family engagement
  • Understanding of clinical care practices
  • Service quality review and improvement
  • Negotiation and conflict resolution
  • Commitment to continuous professional development
  • Adaptability in a changing regulatory environment

Average Salaries

The average yearly salary for an Aged Care Service Manager in Australia is around $105,000 (yourcareer.gov.au, 2025). This is based on median weekly earnings of $2,016. Entry-level managers earn from about $80,000, while senior managers at large providers can earn $150,000 or more.

min $80 K

max $150 K

av $105 K

About the author

Laura Atkinson - Course Finder Groups
Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.