How to Become An Aged Care Service Manager
4 Courses
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.
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.
About the author
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.
