What is the minimum wage for a clinical nurse consultant in Australia?

The minimum wage depends on the classification under the Nurses Award 2020. A clinical nurse consultant is usually classified as a Registered Nurse Level 4 or Level 5. As of 1 August 2026, the minimum hourly rate for RN Level 4 Grade 1 is $48.99, and for RN Level 5 Grade 1 it is $49.44. Higher grades within each level pay more. These rates are set by the Fair Work Commission and enforced by the Fair Work Ombudsman.

Does the clinical nurse consultant salary include superannuation?

No, the award rates shown are base rates before super. Employers must pay an additional 12% superannuation guarantee on top of ordinary time earnings. For example, on a $48.99 hourly rate, the employer contributes about $5.88 per hour to super. The total employment cost is higher than the base rate.

Can a clinical nurse consultant be paid more than the award rate?

Yes. The award sets the legal minimum. Many employers pay above the award through enterprise agreements, individual contracts, or state-based arrangements. The actual salary can be negotiated and often reflects experience, qualifications, and location. Always check your employment contract or agreement for the applicable rate.

Clinical Nurse Consultant Salary: Award Minimums and How They Compare

Under the Nurses Award 2020, a clinical nurse consultant (typically RN Level 4 or 5) has a minimum hourly rate ranging from $48.99 to $71.23, well above the national minimum wage of $26.44.

Understanding the Clinical Nurse Consultant Salary

If you are searching for a clinical nurse consultant salary, the first step is to identify the correct legal pay floor. In Australia, most clinical nurse consultants are covered by the Nurses Award 2020 (MA000034), which sets minimum rates for registered nurses at different levels and grades. The term "clinical nurse consultant" is not a separate classification in the award, but it typically corresponds to Registered Nurse Level 4 (sometimes called Clinical Nurse) or Level 5. The Fair Work Ombudsman’s pay guide and the Fair Work Commission’s database provide the current minimum rates.

Award Minimums vs the National Minimum Wage

The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a full-time adult employee. However, award-covered employees must be paid at least the rate specified in their award, which is almost always higher. For a clinical nurse consultant, the award minimum is significantly above the national floor. For example, the lowest rate for a clinical nurse consultant (RN Level 4, Grade 1) is $48.99 per hour, which is 85% above the national minimum. The highest rate in the award for a clinical nurse consultant role (RN Level 5, Grade 6) is $71.23 per hour.

These award rates apply from the first full pay period on or after 1 August 2026, following the Annual Wage Review 2026. The Fair Work Commission sets these rates, and the Fair Work Ombudsman provides guidance and enforcement.

How Superannuation Affects the Total Package

When discussing a clinical nurse consultant salary, remember that superannuation is paid on top of the base rate. The Superannuation Guarantee requires employers to contribute 12% of ordinary time earnings to a super fund. So on a $48.99 hourly rate, the employer pays an extra $5.88 per hour into super. The total employment cost is $54.87 per hour. This is separate from any penalty rates, allowances, or overtime.

Comparing Award Rates with Survey Averages

The award rates are legal minimums. Actual salaries for clinical nurse consultants can be higher, especially in hospitals with enterprise agreements or in high-demand specialties. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reports average weekly earnings for full-time adult employees at $2,083.70 per week (May 2026), but this is a broad average across all occupations. A clinical nurse consultant’s salary is likely above that average due to the skill level. However, this site does not publish a specific median or average for this role because reliable, current public data is not available from the ABS or ATO at that level of detail. Always check your own pay slip against the award classification and any applicable agreement.

Practical Check: Is Your Rate Correct?

To verify your clinical nurse consultant salary, follow these steps:

Find your classification in the Nurses Award 2020 – look for RN Level 4 or Level 5 and the correct grade.
Compare your hourly base rate to the award minimum. If you are paid less, your employer may be underpaying you.
Check if an enterprise agreement applies – it can set higher rates but cannot go below the award.
Confirm that super is being paid on top of your base rate.

For more details on how pay floors work, see our guides and rate tables.

Important Caveats

The national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour applies only to award-free and agreement-free employees. Most clinical nurse consultants are covered by the Nurses Award, so the award rate is the relevant minimum. Junior rates, introductory rates, and supported wages do not apply to qualified clinical nurse consultants. The award also includes penalty rates for weekend and public holiday work, which are not reflected in the base rates shown here.

If you are unsure about your classification or pay, contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for free advice. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice.