RN Salary Guide 2026: Award Rates, Median Pay, and What You Take Home
The minimum RN salary under the Nurses Award ranges from $32.09/h for Level 1 Pay Point 1 to $71.23/h for Level 5 Grade 6, while the median full-time RN earns $2,192 per week ($57/h) according to ABS data.
Understanding the RN Salary in Australia
When searching for "rn salary", you're likely looking for the pay rates for registered nurses in Australia. The answer isn't a single figure – it depends on your classification, experience, and whether you work in the public or private sector. This guide breaks down the legal minimum award rates, the median earnings reported by the ABS, and what you can expect to take home after tax and super.
Legal Minimum: The Nurses Award 2020
Most RNs are covered by the Nurses Award 2020, a modern award from the Fair Work Commission. The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes the current pay rates. As of the first full pay period on or after 1 August 2026, the minimum hourly rates for registered nurses range from $32.09 for a Level 1, Pay Point 1 RN to $71.23 for a Level 5, Grade 6 RN. These are the minimums your employer must pay, unless an enterprise agreement or individual contract offers more.
For example, a full-time RN Level 1 Pay Point 1 earns $1,219.50 per week for 38 ordinary hours. A more senior RN Level 2 Pay Point 1 earns $1,504.40 per week. These rates are before tax and do not include superannuation, which your employer pays on top.
It's important to note that the award also covers other nursing roles like enrolled nurses and nursing assistants, with lower rates. For instance, an enrolled nurse at Pay Point 1 earns $30.00 per hour. Always check your classification in the award.
Median Earnings: What RNs Actually Earn
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) provides median earnings data through Jobs and Skills Australia. For registered nurses, the median full-time weekly earnings are $2,192, and the median hourly rate is $57. This is for full-time non-managerial adult employees. This figure is significantly higher than the award minimums, reflecting experienced RNs with higher pay points and possibly overtime or penalties.
However, only 56% of RNs work full-time. Part-time and casual RNs earn less per week but may receive casual loading (25% on top of the base rate). The median gives a good benchmark, but your actual salary will depend on your level, location, and employer.
Tax, Medicare, and Super: What You Keep
Your "rn salary" is typically quoted before tax. From 1 July 2026, the tax rates for residents with the full tax-free threshold apply. Medicare levy is estimated at 2% once your annualised ordinary gross income reaches $30,000. For a full-time RN earning the median $2,192 per week ($113,984 annually), tax and Medicare would reduce take-home pay significantly. Use the ATO's tax calculator for precise figures.
Superannuation is an employer contribution on top of your salary. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of ordinary time earnings. So on a $2,192 weekly salary, your employer pays an additional $263.04 into your super fund. This is not part of your take-home pay but is a valuable benefit.
How to Use This Information
The award rate is the legal floor. Your employer cannot pay less. Many RNs are covered by enterprise agreements that offer higher rates, especially in public hospitals. If you're negotiating a salary, use the award rate as a starting point and the median as a target. Remember that casual employees get a 25% loading instead of paid leave.
For more details, see our Rate tables for award rates and Guides on how to read payslips. You can also check Which minimum wage applies to your situation.
Questions people ask next
What is the minimum RN salary under the Nurses Award?
The Nurses Award 2020 sets minimum hourly rates for registered nurses. For a Level 1, Pay Point 1 RN, the minimum is $32.09 per hour ($1,219.50 per week). Rates increase with level and pay point, up to $71.23 per hour for Level 5 Grade 6. These are before tax and do not include super.
How does the median RN salary compare to the national minimum wage?
According to the ABS, the median full-time RN earns $2,192 per week, which is more than double the national minimum wage of $1,004.90 per week. However, the median reflects experienced RNs; entry-level RNs earn less, starting at award rates.
Is super included in the RN salary figures?
No, superannuation is paid by the employer on top of the salary. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of ordinary time earnings. So a salary of $2,192 per week would attract an additional $263.04 in super contributions.
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