What is the minimum hourly rate for an enrolled nurse under the Nurses Award 2020?

From the first full pay period on or after 1 August 2026, the minimum hourly rate for an enrolled nurse at pay point 1 is $30.00 per hour (or $1,139.90 per week for a full-time employee). Higher pay points (2 to 5) range up to $31.56 per hour. These rates are set by the Fair Work Commission and enforced by the Fair Work Ombudsman.

How does casual loading apply to an enrolled nurse salary?

Casual enrolled nurses receive a 25% loading on top of the minimum hourly rate. For example, a casual enrolled nurse at pay point 1 would receive $37.50 per hour ($30.00 × 1.25). This loading compensates for the lack of paid leave and other entitlements. Penalty rates for Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays are then calculated on the casual rate.

What penalty rates apply to enrolled nurses?

Under the Nurses Award 2020, penalty rates for enrolled nurses (full-time or part-time) are: Saturday – 50% loading (time-and-a-half), Sunday – 75% loading, and public holidays – 100% loading (double time). These are applied to the ordinary hourly rate. Casual employees receive the penalty on top of their casual-loaded rate.

Enrolled Nurse Salary Guide: Award Rates, Penalties, and the Legal Minimum

The minimum enrolled nurse salary under the Nurses Award 2020 is $30.00 per hour (pay point 1) for a full-time employee, with casual loading of 25% and penalty rates for weekend and public holiday work.

Enrolled Nurse Salary: What the Award Says

If you are looking up the enrolled nurse salary in Australia, the first thing to know is that the legal minimum comes from the Nurses Award 2020 (MA000034), a modern award made by the Fair Work Commission. The Fair Work Ombudsman explains and enforces the award. This guide separates the award minimum from survey averages and negotiated salaries, and explains how casual loading and penalty rates affect your pay.

The National Minimum Wage vs. the Award

For award-free adult employees, the national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week. However, most enrolled nurses are covered by the Nurses Award, which sets higher minimums. The award acts as a safety net: your employer cannot pay less than the award rate, but an enterprise agreement or individual contract can pay more. Superannuation (the super guarantee) of 12% is paid on top of your ordinary time earnings.

Minimum Rates Under the Nurses Award 2020

From the first full pay period on or after 1 August 2026, the minimum weekly and hourly rates for enrolled nurses are:

Pay point 1: $1,139.90 per week / $30.00 per hour
Pay point 2: $1,155.00 / $30.39
Pay point 3: $1,170.40 / $30.80
Pay point 4: $1,187.20 / $31.24
Pay point 5: $1,199.20 / $31.56

These rates apply to full-time employees working 38 ordinary hours per week. Part-time employees are paid pro-rata. The pay point progression is based on experience and qualifications, as defined in the award.

Casual Loading and Penalty Rates

Casual enrolled nurses receive a 25% loading on the minimum hourly rate. For example, a casual at pay point 1 earns $37.50 per hour ($30.00 × 1.25). Penalty rates for weekend and public holiday work are then calculated on the casual rate. The award specifies:

Saturday: 50% loading (time-and-a-half)
Sunday: 75% loading
Public holiday: 100% loading (double time)

For full-time and part-time employees, penalty rates apply to the ordinary hourly rate. These loadings are minimums; some employers may offer higher rates.

Survey Averages and Negotiated Salaries

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) collects earnings data for occupations, but the most recent survey (May 2025) does not provide a median weekly earnings figure for enrolled nurses in the available search results. The Jobs and Skills Australia profile notes that 41% of enrolled nurses work full-time hours, with an average of 41 hours per week for those who do. However, a precise median salary figure is not published in the sources used for this guide. Actual salaries can vary by employer, location, experience, and whether an enterprise agreement applies. Always check your award or agreement for the rate that applies to you.

How to Use This Information

Legal minimum: The award rate is the floor. Your employer must pay at least that.
Casual or permanent: Casual loading and penalty rates can significantly increase your hourly pay.
Enterprise agreements: Some hospitals and health services have agreements that pay above the award. Ask your employer or union.
Tax and super: Super is paid on top of your ordinary earnings. Income tax is deducted by your employer; use the ATO’s tax tables to estimate your take-home pay.

For more detail on how minimum wages work across different industries, see our Rate tables and Guides. If you are unsure which award covers you, use the Which minimum wage applies tool.

Summary

The enrolled nurse salary under the Nurses Award 2020 starts at $30.00 per hour for a full-time employee at pay point 1. Casual employees receive an additional 25% loading, and penalty rates apply for weekend and public holiday work. While the national minimum wage is lower, the award sets the enforceable minimum for this occupation. Always verify your classification and pay point with the Fair Work Ombudsman’s Pay and Conditions Tool or your employer.