Average Nurse Salary Australia: Award Rates and Minimum Pay Guide

Understanding the average nurse salary in Australia

When searching for the "average nurse salary australia", it is important to separate the legal minimum from typical earnings. The Nurses Award 2020 (MA000034) sets minimum rates for most nurses, from nursing assistants to nurse practitioners. These rates are updated annually by the Fair Work Commission. The national minimum wage for adults is $26.44 per hour (from 1 July 2026), but award rates for nurses are significantly higher.

Award rates under the Nurses Award 2020

The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes the full award, including classification definitions and penalty rates. For a full‑time employee (38 hours per week), the minimum weekly and hourly rates are:

• Nursing assistant (1st year): $1,050.70 per week / $27.65 per hour
• Enrolled nurse (pay point 1): $1,139.90 per week / $30.00 per hour
• Registered nurse Level 1, pay point 1: $1,219.50 per week / $32.09 per hour
• Registered nurse Level 5, grade 6: $2,706.90 per week / $71.23 per hour

These rates apply to full‑time and part‑time employees. Casual employees receive a 25% loading on top of the minimum hourly rate. Penalty rates for Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays are also specified.

How the average compares to the floor

The "average nurse salary" often quoted in media may include overtime, allowances, and location‑based payments. The ABS reports that full‑time adult ordinary‑time earnings across all occupations were $2,083.70 per week in May 2026. However, nurses’ actual earnings can be higher or lower depending on their role and experience. The award rates above are the legal minimum; many nurses are covered by enterprise agreements that pay more.

Superannuation and other payments

Employers must pay superannuation of 12% on top of ordinary time earnings. This is not included in the hourly or weekly rates shown. When comparing a job offer, remember that super is an additional cost to the employer and a benefit to you.

What if you are not covered by the award?

Most private‑sector nurses are covered by the Nurses Award 2020. If you are award‑free (rare for nurses), the national minimum wage applies. However, junior rates, apprentice rates, and supported wages may be lower. The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum; the Fair Work Ombudsman enforces it.

For more details, see our Which minimum wage applies guide or the Rate tables for all award classifications.

Three things to remember

1. Check your classification – Use the award definitions to find your correct pay point.
2. Penalty rates apply – Weekend and public holiday work attract higher rates.
3. Agreements can raise pay – Enterprise agreements often set higher rates than the award.

For a deeper look at how figures are calculated, visit How the figures work.