What is the minimum nursing salary under the Nurses Award?

The Nurses Award 2020 sets minimum hourly rates for each classification. For example, a Registered Nurse Level 1 Pay Point 1 earns at least $32.09 per hour, plus 12% superannuation. Lower classifications such as Nursing Assistant start at $27.65 per hour. These rates apply from the first full pay period on or after 1 August 2026.

Can a nurse be paid less than the award rate?

No, if the nurse is covered by the Nurses Award, the employer must pay at least the award minimum. However, some nurses may be covered by an enterprise agreement that sets higher rates, or they may be award-free (e.g., certain state public sector employees). Award-free nurses are entitled to the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour, but junior, apprentice, or supported wage rates may apply.

How does superannuation affect nursing salary?

Superannuation is paid on top of the base salary. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of ordinary time earnings. For a Registered Nurse earning $32.09 per hour, the employer must contribute an additional $3.85 per hour into a super fund. This is not part of the take-home pay but is a compulsory retirement saving.

Nursing Salary Guide: Award Coverage vs Award-Free Minimum Rates

The minimum hourly rate for a Registered Nurse Level 1 Pay Point 1 under the Nurses Award is $32.09, well above the national minimum of $26.44.

Understanding the nursing salary floor

When researching a nursing salary in Australia, it is essential to separate the legal minimum from the award rate, the survey average, and any negotiated salary. The national minimum wage, set by the Fair Work Commission, is $26.44 per hour from 1 July 2026. However, most nurses are covered by the Nurses Award 2020, which mandates higher minimums. This guide explains how the award interacts with the national floor and what figures you can rely on.

Legal minimum versus award coverage

The national minimum wage applies to employees who are not covered by a modern award or enterprise agreement. For award-free workers, the adult rate is $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week for 38 hours). Casual workers receive a 25% loading, making the casual minimum $33.05 per hour. Junior, apprentice, and supported wage rates can be lower.

Nurses, however, are almost always covered by the Nurses Award 2020 (MA000034). The award sets minimum pay rates for each classification, from nursing assistant to registered nurse level 5. These rates are significantly higher than the national minimum. If an employer is covered by the award, they must pay at least the award rate, not the national minimum. Enterprise agreements can require even higher rates.

Award rates for nurses

The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes a pay guide for the Nurses Award. The following are some key minimum hourly rates effective from the first full pay period on or after 1 August 2026:

Nursing assistant (1st year): $27.65
Enrolled nurse (pay point 1): $30.00
Registered nurse level 1 (pay point 1): $32.09
Registered nurse level 2 (pay point 1): $39.59
Registered nurse level 3 (pay point 1): $42.93
Registered nurse level 4 (grade 1): $48.99

These are the minimums. Superannuation of 12% is paid on top of these hourly rates. For a full-time registered nurse working 38 hours, the weekly minimum at level 1 pay point 1 is $1,219.50, plus $146.34 in super.

Survey averages and negotiated salaries

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reports average earnings for all employees. In May 2026, full-time adult ordinary-time earnings were $2,083.70 per week. This figure includes nurses but also many higher-paid professionals. It is not a minimum or a guarantee—it reflects the middle of the distribution.

Many nurses earn above the award rate through enterprise agreements, private hospital arrangements, or individual contracts. For example, a registered nurse with several years of experience may be classified at a higher pay point or level. The award provides a ladder of pay points up to level 5, with rates reaching $71.23 per hour for level 5 grade 6.

Casual and part-time considerations

Casual nurses receive a 25% loading on the award hourly rate. For a registered nurse level 1 pay point 1, the casual rate is $40.11 per hour. Part-time nurses are paid pro-rata based on the full-time weekly rate for their classification.

How to check your correct rate

To determine the correct pay floor, first confirm whether the Nurses Award applies. The Fair Work Ombudsman’s Pay and Conditions Tool can help. If the award applies, use the classification definitions in Schedule A of the award to find your pay point. If you are award-free, the national minimum wage applies, but check if a state award or agreement covers you.

For more guidance, see Which minimum wage applies and Rate tables on this site.

Superannuation is extra

All salary figures discussed here are before tax and before super. The super guarantee is a separate employer contribution. From 1 July 2026, it is 12% of ordinary time earnings. For a nurse earning the award minimum of $32.09 per hour, the employer pays an additional $3.85 per hour into super. This is not deducted from the wage.

Summary

The nursing salary floor is set by the Nurses Award, not the national minimum wage. The lowest award rate for a qualified registered nurse is $32.09 per hour, well above the $26.44 national minimum. Survey averages and negotiated salaries are higher again. Always check the specific classification and any applicable enterprise agreement.

For the published floors, see the rate tables and how the figures work.