Nursing Salary Australia: Award Rates and Minimum Pay Under the Nurses Award

Nursing salary Australia: award rates and the national minimum

When researching nursing salary Australia, the first thing to understand is that most nurses are covered by the Nurses Award 2020 (MA000034), which sets minimum pay rates that are significantly higher than the national minimum wage. The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage, while the Fair Work Ombudsman explains and enforces it. The award rates apply from the first full pay period on or after 1 August 2026.

Award classifications and minimum rates

The Nurses Award includes several classifications, each with multiple pay points. For full-time and part-time employees working 38 ordinary hours per week, the minimum weekly and hourly rates are as follows (source: Fair Work Ombudsman pay guide):

• Nursing assistant (1st year): $1,050.70 per week / $27.65 per hour
• Enrolled nurse (pay point 1): $1,139.90 per week / $30.00 per hour
• Registered nurse level 1 (pay point 1): $1,219.50 per week / $32.09 per hour
• Registered nurse level 2 (pay point 1): $1,504.40 per week / $39.59 per hour
• Registered nurse level 3 (pay point 1): $1,631.20 per week / $42.93 per hour

These rates are the legal minimum. Many nurses earn more under enterprise agreements or individual contracts. The award also specifies penalty rates for Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays, which can increase pay further.

Casual loading

Casual nurses receive a 25% loading on the minimum hourly rate. For example, a casual Registered Nurse level 1 pay point 1 would earn $40.11 per hour. This loading is in lieu of paid leave entitlements. The casual hourly rate is calculated as the minimum hourly rate multiplied by 1.25.

Superannuation

Employers must pay superannuation guarantee contributions on top of the nurse’s ordinary time earnings. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee rate is 12%. This means the total cost to the employer is higher than the base salary. For a full-time RN level 1 pay point 1 earning $1,219.50 per week, the employer would also contribute about $146.34 per week in super.

Comparison with the national minimum wage

The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for adults not covered by an award. The lowest award rate for a nursing assistant (1st year) is $27.65 per hour, already above the national minimum. However, the national minimum serves as a backstop: if an award classification rate were ever lower, the national minimum would apply. This does not happen for nurses under the current award.

How enterprise agreements affect nursing salary Australia

Many public hospitals and large private healthcare providers have enterprise agreements that set higher pay rates than the award. These agreements are registered with the Fair Work Commission and must pass the better-off overall test. When comparing nursing salary Australia, it is important to check whether the employer is covered by an enterprise agreement, as the pay may be significantly higher than the award minimum.

Using the pay guides

The Fair Work Ombudsman provides downloadable pay guides that summarise the current award rates. You can also use the Rate tables on this site to see how different classifications compare. For a full explanation of how minimum wages are determined, see our How the figures work page.

Key points to remember

• The Nurses Award sets the legal minimum for most nurses.
• Casual loading of 25% applies to casual employees.
• Superannuation is paid on top of the base rate.
• Enterprise agreements can set higher rates.
• The national minimum wage is a floor, but award rates are higher for nurses.

For more detailed guidance on which minimum wage applies to your situation, visit our Which minimum wage applies page.