Salary of a Nurse in Australia: Award Rates vs National Minimum Wage

Understanding the salary of a nurse in Australia

When you search for the salary of a nurse in Australia, you will find a range of figures. This is because a nurse's pay depends on their classification, experience, whether they work in aged care or another setting, and whether they are covered by a modern award or an enterprise agreement. The legal minimum is set by the Fair Work Commission, but most nurses are covered by the Nurses Award 2020, which provides higher minimum rates.

The legal minimum vs the award rate

The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week) for an adult employee not covered by an award or agreement. However, the Nurses Award 2020 applies to most nurses in the health industry. Under this award, the minimum hourly rate for a Registered Nurse Level 1 Pay Point 1 is $32.09 per hour ($1,219.50 per week) as of the first full pay period on or after 1 August 2026. This is the award rate – a higher floor than the national minimum. The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes the official pay guide for the Nurses Award, which lists rates for all classifications.

How the award rates are structured

The Nurses Award 2020 includes many classifications: nursing assistants, enrolled nurses, registered nurses at various levels, nurse practitioners, and occupational health nurses. Each classification has multiple pay points based on experience. For example, a Registered Nurse Level 1 Pay Point 8 and thereafter earns $38.57 per hour, while a Registered Nurse Level 4 Grade 3 earns $55.57 per hour. These rates are the minimum that must be paid under the award. An enterprise agreement can set higher rates, but never lower.

What about survey averages?

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) publishes average earnings data. In May 2026, full-time adult ordinary-time earnings were $2,083.70 per week, and all employees average total earnings were $1,579.20 per week. These are broad averages across all industries, not specific to nursing. They include overtime, bonuses, and higher-paid roles. A nurse's actual salary may be above or below these averages depending on their role and hours.

Superannuation is on top

When discussing pay, remember that employers must pay superannuation guarantee of 12% on top of ordinary time earnings. For a nurse earning $32.09 per hour, the employer pays an extra $3.85 per hour into super. This is not deducted from the hourly rate.

Practical check: comparing an hourly rate

If you are a nurse or employer, you can check whether a pay rate meets the legal minimum. First, identify the correct classification under the Nurses Award. Then compare the hourly rate to the award rate for that classification. If the rate is below the award, the employer may be underpaying. If there is no award coverage (rare for nurses), the national minimum wage applies. For more on which minimum applies, see our Which minimum wage applies guide. You can also browse Rate tables for award and national minimum rates.

Factors that can increase pay

Penalty rates for Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays are set out in the award. For a Registered Nurse Level 1 Pay Point 1, Saturday rate is $48.14 per hour, Sunday $56.16, and public holiday $64.18. Casual employees receive a 25% loading on top of the minimum hourly rate. Shift allowances and overtime also apply. Enterprise agreements often provide higher base rates or better penalties.

The role of the Fair Work Commission and Ombudsman

The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage and makes modern awards like the Nurses Award. The Fair Work Ombudsman explains and enforces these rates. If you are unsure about your pay, the Ombudsman's Pay and Conditions Tool can help calculate entitlements.

For a deeper look at how pay floors are determined, see our How the figures work page. And for more topics related to wages, visit Topics.

Summary

The salary of a nurse in Australia is governed by the Nurses Award 2020 for most employees. The minimum hourly rate for a typical registered nurse is $32.09, well above the national minimum wage of $26.44. Actual earnings can be higher due to experience, penalties, or enterprise agreements. Always check the award classification and any applicable agreement to ensure correct pay.