Nursing Salary in Australia: Award Minimums, Tax, and Super Explained

Nursing Salary in Australia: What the Award Says

When you search for a nursing salary in Australia, the first thing to understand is that most nurses are covered by the Nurses Award 2020, a modern award made by the Fair Work Commission. This award sets legally binding minimum pay rates for nurses and assistants across the health industry. The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes and enforces these rates. The award rates are higher than the national minimum wage, reflecting the skill and responsibility required in nursing roles.

Minimum Rates Under the Nurses Award 2020

The award contains detailed classification definitions and pay points. For a full-time employee working 38 ordinary hours per week, the minimum weekly and hourly rates from the first full pay period on or after 1 August 2026 are as follows:

• 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)
• Enrolled Nurse, Pay Point 1: $1,139.90 per week ($30.00 per hour)
• Nursing Assistant, 1st year: $1,050.70 per week ($27.65 per hour)

These are the minimums. Many nurses are employed under enterprise agreements that pay above award. The Fair Work Ombudsman’s Rate tables include the full list of classifications, including penalty rates for weekends and public holidays.

How the Award Compares to the 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). Every award-free adult employee must receive at least this amount. However, the Nurses Award 2020 sets a higher floor. Even the lowest nursing assistant rate ($27.65 per hour) is above the national minimum. The award also contains an introductory rate (for the first six months in a classification) of $25.74 per hour, which is below the national minimum but permitted under award rules.

It is important to note that juniors, apprentices, and trainees may receive lower rates. For award-free employees, junior percentages apply (e.g., a 17‑year‑old receives 57.8% of the adult rate, or $15.29 per hour). But under the Nurses Award, junior rates are specified separately (e.g., a student enrolled nurse under 21 earns $25.69 per hour).

The Weekly Packet: Tax, Medicare, and Super

When discussing a nursing salary in Australia, the gross figure is only part of the story. Employers must also pay superannuation guarantee of 12% on top of ordinary time earnings. For a full‑time RN Level 1 Pay Point 1 earning $1,219.50 per week, the employer adds an extra $146.34 into the employee’s super fund. That super is not part of take‑home pay but is a compulsory retirement saving.

From the gross weekly salary, tax and the Medicare levy are deducted. Using the 2026‑27 tax rates for a resident with the full tax‑free threshold, a weekly wage of $1,219.50 (annualised to $63,414) would attract an estimated tax of around $260 per week and a Medicare levy of about $24 per week (once annual earnings exceed $30,000). These figures are approximate and exclude the low‑income tax offset, HELP repayments, and salary sacrifice. For a more detailed breakdown, see How the figures work.

Beyond the Award: Enterprise Agreements and Average Earnings

While the award sets the legal minimum, many nurses earn more. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reported in May 2026 that full‑time adult ordinary‑time earnings across all industries were $2,083.70 per week. This survey average includes nurses with experience, higher classifications, and those covered by enterprise agreements. The award minimum for an RN Level 1 Pay Point 1 ($1,219.50) is well below that average, reflecting that most nurses progress through pay points or work in roles with higher classifications.

Enterprise agreements negotiated between employers and unions often provide higher base rates, better penalty rates, and additional allowances. If you are covered by an agreement, the agreement rate applies instead of the award rate. The Fair Work Ombudsman can help you check which instrument covers your employment.

Summary

A nursing salary in Australia is governed primarily by the Nurses Award 2020, which sets minimum rates above the national minimum wage. The weekly packet includes the base salary, plus 12% super paid on top, and then tax and Medicare deductions. Actual earnings vary widely based on classification, experience, and whether an enterprise agreement applies. Use the Rate tables to find the exact minimum for your role, and remember that the award is only the starting point.