What is the minimum wage for a theatre nurse in Australia?

The minimum wage for a theatre nurse is set by the Nurses Award 2020, which covers most private‑sector health industry employers. The rate depends on the nurse’s classification – for example, a Registered Nurse Level 1 pay point 1 must receive at least $32.09 per hour (full‑time) from the first full pay period on or after 1 August 2026. Casual employees get a 25% loading on top. If an enterprise agreement applies, it may require a higher rate.

Do theatre nurses get penalty rates for weekends and public holidays?

Yes. Under the Nurses Award 2020, full‑time and part‑time theatre nurses receive penalty rates for work on Saturdays (50% loading), Sundays (75% loading) and public holidays (100% loading). Casual employees also get these penalties on top of their casual loading. The exact penalty rates for each classification are published by the Fair Work Ombudsman.

How does superannuation affect a theatre nurse’s pay?

Superannuation is an employer contribution paid on top of the nurse’s ordinary time earnings. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee rate is 12% of ordinary time earnings. This is not deducted from the nurse’s salary; it is an additional payment made by the employer into a complying super fund.

Theatre nurse salary: award rates and the legal minimum in Australia

The legal minimum for a theatre nurse covered by the Nurses Award 2020 is the applicable registered nurse classification rate, starting at $32.09 per hour for a Level 1 pay point 1 full‑time employee from 1 August 2026.

What is a theatre nurse salary under Australian law?

When searching for a theatre nurse salary, it is important to distinguish between the legal minimum pay floor and what a nurse might actually earn through experience, qualifications, or an enterprise agreement. In Australia, most theatre nurses are classified as registered nurses under the Nurses Award 2020 (MA000034), which is a modern award made by the Fair Work Commission. The award sets minimum hourly rates, penalty rates, and allowances for nurses working in operating theatres and other health settings.

The legal minimum: award rates

The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes a pay guide for the Nurses Award that lists the minimum rates for each classification. For a theatre nurse who is a Registered Nurse Level 1, the minimum hourly rate starts at $32.09 for pay point 1 (full‑time, from the first full pay period on or after 1 August 2026). More experienced RNs at Level 1 can progress through pay points up to $38.57 per hour. A Registered Nurse Level 2 (for example, a nurse with additional responsibilities in theatre) has a minimum range from $39.59 to $41.59 per hour. These rates apply to full‑time and part‑time employees. Casual theatre nurses receive a 25% loading on top of the base hourly rate.

It is critical to note that the award rate is the minimum – an employer cannot pay less. However, an enterprise agreement or individual contract may set a higher rate. The national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour (from 1 July 2026) is a backstop for award‑free employees, but almost all theatre nurses are covered by the Nurses Award, so the award rate is the relevant floor.

How does a theatre nurse salary compare with averages?

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reports that full‑time adult ordinary‑time earnings were $2,083.70 per week in May 2026. A theatre nurse at the RN Level 1 entry point earns $1,219.50 per week (38 hours at $32.09), which is below that national average. However, many theatre nurses progress to higher pay points or Level 2/3 positions, and those with postgraduate qualifications or specialised skills may earn significantly more. The ABS does not publish a separate median for theatre nurses, so any figure beyond the award minima would be an estimate.

Superannuation: an employer payment on top

When discussing a theatre nurse salary, remember that superannuation is an extra payment made by the employer. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of ordinary time earnings. For a full‑time RN Level 1 pay point 1, the employer must contribute an additional $146.34 per week into a super fund. This is not deducted from the nurse’s take‑home pay.

What about negotiated salaries?

Some public hospitals and large private health providers have enterprise agreements that set rates above the award. For example, a theatre nurse with several years of experience might be classified at a higher level or receive a market loading. The award remains the safety net; any agreement must leave the employee better off overall. If you are negotiating a salary, compare the offer against the relevant award classification to ensure it meets the legal minimum.

Where to find more information

For the exact rates that apply to your classification, see the Rate tables page, which summarises the Nurses Award pay points. The Guides section explains how to determine which classification applies to your role. If you are unsure whether you are covered by the award, read Which minimum wage applies. The Fair Work Ombudsman and the Fair Work Commission provide official resources, but this site offers a plain‑language overview.

Summary

A theatre nurse salary in Australia is governed by the Nurses Award 2020. The legal minimum for a registered nurse in an operating theatre starts at $32.09 per hour (Level 1 pay point 1) from 1 August 2026. Actual salaries can be higher due to experience, qualifications, or enterprise agreements. Superannuation of 12% is paid on top. Always check the award classification that matches your duties to ensure you are receiving at least the minimum rate.