Aged Care Nurse Salary: How It Compares to the Legal Minimum

Aged Care Nurse Salary: Understanding the Pay Floor

If you are searching for an aged care nurse salary figure, it is important to know that the legal minimum is set by the national minimum wage, but most aged care nurses are covered by the Aged Care Award, which typically requires higher rates. This guide explains how to check your pay against the legal floor and where to find accurate award rates.

The National Minimum Wage as a Backstop

From 1 July 2026, the adult national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week for a 38‑hour week. Casual employees receive a 25% loading, making the casual minimum $33.05 per hour. These figures apply to award‑free and agreement‑free employees in the national system. However, if you are covered by a modern award (such as the Aged Care Award), the award rate is your minimum, and it is almost always higher than the national minimum.

Award Coverage for Aged Care Nurses

The Aged Care Award 2010 covers most employees working in residential aged care, home care, and community care. This award sets minimum wages for classifications such as Registered Nurse, Enrolled Nurse, and Personal Care Worker. The reference on this site does not include the specific award rates for these classifications. To find the exact aged care nurse salary under the award, you must consult the Fair Work Ombudsman’s Pay Calculator or the award itself. The award rates are updated each year, typically on 1 July, following the Annual Wage Review.

Separating Legal Minimum from Survey Averages

It is important to distinguish between the legal minimum (set by the Fair Work Commission) and survey averages (such as those published by the ABS). The ABS May 2026 data shows full‑time adult ordinary‑time earnings of $2,083.70 per week and all employees average total earnings of $1,579.20 per week. These are market averages, not legal minima. An aged care nurse salary may be above the award rate due to enterprise agreements, experience, or location, but the award rate is the enforceable floor.

Superannuation: An Employer Payment on Top

When discussing pay, remember that superannuation is an employer contribution on top of ordinary time earnings. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12%. For example, if an aged care nurse earns $30 per hour, the employer must also pay $3.60 per hour into a super fund. This is not deducted from the employee’s wage; it is an additional cost to the employer.

How to Check Your Rate

If you are an aged care nurse, start by identifying whether you are covered by the Aged Care Award or an enterprise agreement. If you are award‑free (unlikely in this sector), the national minimum wage applies. For award‑covered employees, the Fair Work Ombudsman provides a Pay Calculator that gives the correct minimum rate for your classification and experience. You can also check the rate tables on this site for general guidance, but always verify with the official source.

When a Higher Rate Applies

A modern award or enterprise agreement can set a higher rate than the national minimum. Many aged care facilities have enterprise agreements that provide above‑award wages. If you are unsure which instrument covers you, ask your employer or contact the Fair Work Ombudsman. Remember that junior employees, apprentices, and trainees may receive lower rates under the award or the Miscellaneous Award if award‑free.

Summary

While this site does not contain a specific aged care nurse salary figure, the legal floor is clear: $26.44 per hour from 1 July 2026. For actual award rates, refer to the Aged Care Award via the Fair Work Ombudsman. Use the guides on this site to understand how pay floors work, and see how the figures work for more detail on the national minimum wage calculations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the legal minimum wage for an aged care nurse?

The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour for adults. However, most aged care nurses are covered by the Aged Care Award, which sets higher minimum rates. The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes the current award rates.

Does the reference give a specific aged care nurse salary figure?

No. The on-site reference only provides the national minimum wage and award backstop rates, not a specific market salary for aged care nurses. For actual award rates, check the Fair Work Ombudsman’s Pay Calculator or the Aged Care Award.

How does superannuation affect an aged care nurse’s pay?

Superannuation is paid on top of ordinary time earnings. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of ordinary time earnings. So if an aged care nurse earns $30 per hour, the employer must also pay $3.60 per hour into super.