Nurses Salary Australia: Award Rates vs the National Minimum Wage

Nurses Salary Australia: Award Coverage and Minimum Rates

When researching the nurses salary Australia landscape, the first thing to understand is that most nurses are covered by the Nurses Award 2020 [MA000034], a modern award made by the Fair Work Commission. This award sets legally enforceable minimum pay rates, penalty rates, and conditions for employees in the health industry. The rates in this guide are from the Fair Work Ombudsman’s Pay Guide, effective from the first full pay period starting on or after 1 August 2026 .

Award Rates 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, the Nurses Award sets much higher minimums. For example:

• Registered nurse – Level 1, pay point 1: $32.09 per hour ($1,219.50 per week)
• Enrolled nurse – pay point 1: $30.00 per hour ($1,139.90 per week)
• Nursing assistant – 1st year: $27.65 per hour ($1,050.70 per week)

These rates are the legal floor for award-covered employees. If an employer does not have an enterprise agreement, they must pay at least these amounts. The award also includes penalty rates for Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays, which are significantly higher .

Casual Loading and Part-Time Pro Rata

Casual employees under the Nurses Award 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. Part-time employees are paid the same hourly rates as full-time employees but work fewer hours; all award conditions apply on a pro rata basis.

Superannuation Is Paid on Top

All employers must pay superannuation guarantee contributions of 12% on ordinary time earnings. This is an additional cost to the employer, not a deduction from the employee’s pay. For a full-time nurse earning the award minimum of $1,219.50 per week, the employer contributes an extra $146.34 per week to the nurse’s super fund.

When an Enterprise Agreement Applies

Some hospitals and health services have enterprise agreements that can set higher pay rates or different conditions. If an enterprise agreement covers the employee, the agreement rates replace the award rates, provided the agreement passes the Better Off Overall Test. Always check your employment contract and any applicable agreement.

Award-Free Nurses

If a nurse is not covered by any award or enterprise agreement (very rare for qualified nurses), the national minimum wage applies. However, the award-free junior rates may apply to nurses under 21 who are not covered by an award. For example, a 19-year-old award-free employee would receive $21.82 per hour (82.5% of the adult minimum).

How the Figures Work

For more detail on how minimum wages are calculated and the difference between award rates and the national minimum, see our How the figures work page. You can also browse Rate tables for other occupations.

Summary

The nurses salary Australia minimum is set by the Nurses Award 2020, with rates ranging from $27.65 per hour for a first-year nursing assistant to over $71 per hour for senior registered nurses. These rates are well above the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour. Always check the specific classification and pay point that matches your role and experience.