Salary for Nurses in Australia: Award Rates, Minimum Pay, and What You Need to Know

Salary for Nurses in Australia: Award Rates, Minimum Pay, and What You Need to Know

If you are researching the salary for nurses in Australia, the first thing to understand is that most nurses are covered by the Nurses Award 2020 [MA000034], a modern award that sets minimum pay rates for different classifications. These rates are updated annually by the Fair Work Commission. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides the official pay guide and award text. and are key sources.

The legal minimum vs the award floor

The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week for a full-time adult employee. However, this is a safety net for award-free and agreement-free employees. Most nurses are covered by the Nurses Award, which sets minimum rates well above the national minimum. For example, a nursing assistant in their first year earns at least $27.65 per hour under the award, while a Registered Nurse Level 1 Pay Point 1 earns $32.09 per hour. The award backstop ensures no award rate falls below the national minimum. Introductory rates for the first six months of employment are $25.74 per hour, but these apply only in limited circumstances.

Award rates for nurses

The Nurses Award 2020 classifies nurses into several categories: nursing assistants, enrolled nurses, registered nurses (levels 1 to 5), nurse practitioners, and occupational health nurses. Each classification has multiple pay points based on experience and qualifications. The Fair Work Ombudsman's pay guide lists the following minimum hourly rates (as of 1 August 2026):

• Nursing assistant (1st year): $27.65/h
• Enrolled nurse pay point 1: $30.00/h
• Registered nurse level 1 pay point 1: $32.09/h
• Registered nurse level 2 pay point 1: $39.59/h
• Registered nurse level 3 pay point 1: $42.93/h
• Registered nurse level 4 grade 1: $48.99/h
• Registered nurse level 5 grade 1: $49.44/h
• Nurse practitioner 1st year: $49.39/h

These are minimum rates. Many nurses are employed under enterprise agreements that pay above the award. Penalty rates for Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays also apply on top of the base rate.

How superannuation fits

Employers must pay superannuation guarantee contributions of 12% on top of ordinary time earnings. This means the total employment cost is higher than the hourly rate. For example, a registered nurse earning $32.09 per hour costs the employer an additional $3.85 per hour in super, making the total $35.94 per hour. Super is paid quarterly and is separate from your salary.

Survey averages and negotiated salaries

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) publishes average weekly earnings for all employees: $1,579.20 per week as of May 2026. However, this is a broad average across all industries. For nurses, actual salaries vary widely by classification, experience, location, and sector (public vs private). The ABS also reports average weekly earnings for the health care and social assistance industry, but individual nurse salaries depend on your specific role. Enterprise agreements in public hospitals often set higher rates than the award. Private hospitals may also offer above-award rates to attract staff. If you are negotiating a salary, remember that the award is the minimum – you can always ask for more.

Which pay floor applies to you?

To determine your correct pay floor, check whether you are covered by the Nurses Award. If you work in a hospital, aged care, or community health setting, you are likely covered. If your employer has an enterprise agreement, that agreement may set higher rates. If you are award-free (rare for nurses), the national minimum wage applies. For more guidance, see Which minimum wage applies and Rate tables on this site.

Key takeaways

• The salary for nurses in Australia is primarily governed by the Nurses Award 2020, with minimum hourly rates from $27.65 to over $71.
• The national minimum wage of $26.44/h is a backstop, not the typical nurse rate.
• Superannuation of 12% is paid on top of your ordinary time earnings.
• Enterprise agreements and individual contracts can set higher rates.
• Always check the Fair Work Ombudsman's pay guide for the most current award rates.

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