Nurse salary Melbourne: Award rates and minimum pay under the Nurses Award 2020

Nurse salary Melbourne: Award coverage and minimum pay

When researching nurse salary Melbourne, the first question is which pay floor applies. Most nurses in Melbourne are national‑system employees covered by the Nurses Award 2020 (MA000034), a modern award set by the Fair Work Commission and enforced by the Fair Work Ombudsman. This award sets minimum hourly and weekly rates for all classifications, from nursing assistants to registered nurses at level 5.

Award rates vs national minimum wage

The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week for a 38‑hour week). However, the Nurses Award rates are substantially higher. For example, a Registered nurse level 1 pay point 1 (entry level) has a minimum weekly rate of $1,219.50 per week ($32.09 per hour). More experienced nurses earn more: level 2 pay point 1 starts at $1,504.40 per week ($39.59 per hour). These award rates are the legal minimum for award‑covered employees in Melbourne.

Casual nurses receive a 25% loading on the minimum hourly rate. For a Registered nurse level 1 pay point 1, the casual rate is $40.11 per hour ($32.09 × 1.25). Penalty rates also apply for Saturday, Sunday, and public holiday work as shown in the Fair Work Ombudsman pay guide.

What about survey averages?

The Australian Bureau of Statistics publishes full‑time adult ordinary‑time earnings for the health sector, but no specific Melbourne‑specific nurse median is available from the search results. Without a defensible figure, we do not invent a median. Actual salaries in Melbourne may be higher than award rates due to enterprise agreements, hospital‑specific arrangements, or market pressure. An enterprise agreement can set a higher rate than the award, but never lower.

Superannuation on top

All pay rates discussed are before tax. Employers must pay superannuation guarantee of 12% on ordinary time earnings. For a full‑time nurse earning the award minimum, that adds about $146 per week into super. This is not take‑home pay but a compulsory retirement contribution.

How to check your pay

Use the Rate tables to compare your classification with the award minimum. The Guides explain how award coverage works. If you are award‑free (rare for nurses), the national minimum wage applies, but junior rates, apprentices, and supported wages may be lower.

Key points

• The Nurses Award 2020 sets minimum pay for nurses in Melbourne.
• Award rates are above the national minimum wage.
• Casual loading is 25% on top of the minimum hourly rate.
• Super is an extra 12% paid by the employer.
• Enterprise agreements can provide higher pay.
• The Fair Work Ombudsman enforces these minimums; the Fair Work Commission sets the award rates.