Understanding the Nursing in Australia Salary: Award Rates vs Minimum Wage

Understanding the Nursing in Australia Salary: Award Rates vs Minimum Wage

When researching a nursing in Australia salary, it is essential to separate the legal minimum from award rates, survey averages, and negotiated salaries. This guide uses current figures from the Fair Work Ombudsman, the Fair Work Commission, and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to help you understand what a nurse should be paid and how to check if an offer meets the legal floor.

Legal Minimum vs Award Rates

The national minimum wage, set by the Fair Work Commission, is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week from 1 July 2026. However, this rate only applies to employees not covered by a modern award or registered agreement. Most nurses in Australia are covered by the Nurses Award 2020 (MA000034), which prescribes higher minimum rates for each classification. The award also includes a backstop: if any award rate falls below the national minimum, the national minimum applies instead. Introductory rates (e.g., for new graduates in some classifications) cannot be less than $25.74 per hour for the first six months.

Nurses Award 2020 Minimum Rates

The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes a pay guide for the Nurses Award. Key minimum hourly rates (from the first full pay period on or after 1 August 2026) include:

• Registered Nurse Level 1, Pay Point 1: $32.09 per hour ($1,219.50 per week)
• Registered Nurse Level 1, Pay Point 8: $38.57 per hour ($1,465.50 per week)
• Enrolled Nurse, Pay Point 1: $30.00 per hour ($1,139.90 per week)
• Nursing Assistant (Certificate III): $29.45 per hour ($1,119.10 per week)
• Nurse Practitioner, 1st year: $49.39 per hour ($1,877.00 per week)

These are the minimum rates for full-time and part-time employees. Casual employees receive a 25% loading on top of the ordinary hourly rate. For example, a casual RN Level 1 Pay Point 1 would earn at least $40.11 per hour. All rates are before tax and do not include superannuation.

Survey Averages and Typical Earnings

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reports average weekly earnings for all employees, but does not publish a specific nursing average in the sources used here. As of May 2026, the ABS reported full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $2,083.70 per week across all industries. This figure is higher than most award minimums for nurses, reflecting that many nurses work under enterprise agreements or have additional qualifications and experience. Without a dedicated nursing survey from the ABS or Fair Work, a precise median or average nursing salary cannot be stated from these sources. For a more accurate picture, consult industry-specific surveys or your employer’s enterprise agreement.

Negotiated Salaries and Enterprise Agreements

A modern award sets the minimum, but many nurses are employed under enterprise agreements that offer higher pay. These agreements are registered with the Fair Work Commission and must pass the “better off overall” test. An individual contract can also exceed the award, but it cannot undercut it. If you are offered a salary, compare it to the relevant award classification and pay point. Use the Rate tables on this site to find the current minimum for your role.

Superannuation: An Employer Payment on Top

Superannuation is a compulsory employer contribution of 12% of ordinary time earnings (from 1 July 2026). This is paid on top of the salary, not deducted from it. For a full-time RN Level 1 earning $1,219.50 per week, the employer adds $146.34 per week to the employee’s super fund. When evaluating a nursing salary, remember that the total remuneration package includes both the cash wage and the super contribution.

How to Check Your Pay

To verify if a nursing salary meets the legal minimum:

1. Identify your classification under the Nurses Award 2020 (e.g., Registered Nurse Level 1, Pay Point 2).
2. Check the current minimum weekly or hourly rate from the Fair Work Ombudsman’s pay guide.
3. Multiply your hours by the rate. If you are casual, add 25%.
4. Compare with your pay slip. If your base rate is below the award minimum, your employer may be underpaying you.

For award-free employees (rare in nursing), the national minimum wage applies. For more guidance, see How the figures work on this site.

Key Takeaways

• The nursing in Australia salary is governed primarily by the Nurses Award 2020, not the national minimum wage.
• Minimum hourly rates for registered nurses range from $32.09 to over $55 per hour depending on level and experience.
• Superannuation of 12% is paid on top of the salary.
• Enterprise agreements and individual contracts can set higher rates, but never lower than the award.
• For a detailed breakdown of all award classifications, visit our Guides.