What is the real Nursing Salary in Australia in 2026? It depends on your role, your state and who employs you. A new registered nurse (RN) in a NSW public hospital starts at about $81,500 a year. The legal minimum under the Nurses Award is lower, at about $63,400.
Many websites show very different numbers, and that confuses people. This guide explains why, and shows what nurses really earn. All pay figures are before tax and are current as of November 2026.
Quick Facts: Nursing Salary in Australia 2026
- The Nurses Award minimum for a new RN is $32.09 an hour, or $1,219.50 a week, from 1 July 2026.
- A first-year RN in NSW public hospitals earns $1,566.70 a week, about $81,500 a year.
- An RN at year 8 or above in NSW earns $2,199.60 a week, about $114,400 a year.
- Median full-time RN earnings are $2,192 a week, based on ABS data from May 2025.
- Aged care RNs get another pay rise from 1 August 2026.
- Night, weekend and public holiday shifts pay extra.
Why Nurse Pay Numbers Look So Different Online
If you search online, you will see starting pay anywhere from $63,000 to $88,000. They are not all wrong. They measure different things. There are three main types of numbers:
- Award minimum: the lowest pay the law allows. Most hospitals pay more.
- Public hospital scale: pay set by each state’s agreement. It is higher than the Award.
- Survey median: what full-time RNs actually earn. It can include extras like shift pay.
Also check the date. Award rates changed on 1 July 2026, and some pages still show older rates.
Nursing Salary in Australia by Role
Here is a simple view of pay by role. The Award column is the legal floor. The public hospital column uses NSW Health rates as an example, because they are published in full. Other states set their own scales.
| Role | Award minimum | Public hospital example (NSW) |
|---|---|---|
| Enrolled nurse (EN) | $30.00/hr (about $59,300 a year) | Year 1: $1,437.60/week (about $74,800) |
| RN level 1, start | $32.09/hr (about $63,400 a year) | Year 1: $1,566.70/week (about $81,500) |
| RN level 1, top step | $38.57/hr (about $76,200 a year) | Year 8+: $2,199.60/week (about $114,400) |
| RN level 2, start | $39.59/hr (about $78,200 a year) | Varies by state and agreement |
| RN level 3, start | $42.93/hr (about $84,800 a year) | Varies by state and agreement |
| Nurse practitioner, year 2+ | $50.86/hr (about $100,500 a year) | Often higher under agreements |
Enrolled Nurse Pay
Enrolled nurses work under the guidance of RNs. The Award starts them at $30.00 an hour. In NSW public hospitals, a first-year EN with a medication qualification earns $1,437.60 a week.
Registered Nurse Pay
RNs move up pay steps as they gain experience. Under the Award, level 1 runs from $32.09 to $38.57 an hour. In NSW public hospitals, pay rises each year until year 8.
Other states publish their own scales. Public hospital starting pay for RNs generally sits between about $78,000 and $88,000. Check your state’s agreement for exact numbers.
Nurse Manager and Nurse Practitioner Pay
Leaders earn the most. Jobs and Skills Australia reports median full-time earnings of $2,658 a week for nurse managers. That is about $138,200 a year. You can see the data on the Jobs and Skills Australia RN page.
Nurse practitioners are advanced clinicians. The Award floor for year 2 and above is $50.86 an hour. Many are paid more under their employer’s agreement.
Award Rates and Shift Pay for Nurses
Shift work is a big part of nurse pay. Here are the Award rates for an RN at level 1, pay point 1, from 1 July 2026:
| Shift type | Pay per hour |
|---|---|
| Ordinary hours | $32.09 |
| Afternoon shift | $36.10 |
| Night shift | $36.90 |
| Saturday | $48.14 |
| Sunday | $56.16 |
| Public holiday | $64.18 |
| Casual (ordinary hours, 25% loading) | $40.11 |
Public hospitals use their own agreements, so their shift rates can differ. Read the full rules on the Fair Work Ombudsman website.
Aged Care Nurse Pay From 1 August 2026
Nurses who work in aged care have their own Award rates. A new increase applies from the first full pay period on or after 1 August 2026. The government’s aged care wage guidance lists the new rates.
| Aged care RN level | Before 1 Aug 2026 | From 1 Aug 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| RN level 1, first year | $39.87/hr | $41.36/hr |
| RN level 1, 1 year plus | $41.90/hr | $43.53/hr |
| RN level 1, 4 years plus | $45.80/hr | $47.40/hr |
| RN level 2, 1 to 3 years | $49.59/hr | $51.26/hr |
These are minimum rates. Your employer may pay more.
What Lifts a Nurse’s Pay Above the Base Rate
Base pay is only the start. These things can raise your yearly income:
- Shift work: nights, weekends and public holidays pay extra.
- Overtime: extra hours are paid at higher rates.
- Speciality: areas like emergency, intensive care, theatre and mental health often need extra skills.
- Location: some regional and remote employers offer higher pay or other benefits.
- Leadership: moving to a senior or manager role lifts your pay band.
- Extra study: a postgraduate course can open higher roles.
- Casual work: casual nurses get a 25% loading under the Award, but have less job security.
Is Nursing a Good Career in Australia?
Jobs and Skills Australia counts about 366,200 registered nurses in Australia. Employment is growing by around 12,600 jobs a year. About 44% of RNs work part-time, so hours can be flexible.
Pay is steady and rises with experience. The work is hard, and shifts can be long. But demand is strong in hospitals, aged care and community health.
Nursing Salary in Australia for International Students
Do you want to earn a nursing salary in Australia after studying here? Here are the main steps:
- Choose a nursing course approved for registration. An RN usually needs a Bachelor of Nursing. An EN usually needs a Diploma of Nursing.
- Apply for your student visa and start your course.
- Complete your classes and clinical placements.
- Apply for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia through AHPRA. You must be registered to work as a nurse.
- Apply for graduate nurse roles.
While you study, student visa holders can usually work up to 48 hours a fortnight when their course is running. Check current rules before you take a job. You can also read about courses on Study Australia.
Nurse Pay FAQs for Australia
How much do nurses earn per hour in Australia?
The Award minimum for a new RN is $32.09 an hour. In NSW public hospitals, a first-year RN earns $41.23 an hour.
Do nurses earn more at night?
Yes. Under the Award, an RN at level 1, pay point 1 earns $36.90 an hour on night shift, against $32.09 for ordinary hours.
Is the Award what hospitals really pay?
No. The Award is the minimum. Public hospitals follow state agreements that pay more.
Why do websites show different nurse salaries?
Some show the Award minimum, some show public hospital scales, and some show survey medians. Others use old rates.
Can an international student work as a nurse?
Not until you finish your course and register with the nursing board. A student visa also limits your work hours.
Start Your Nursing Career in Australia With APG
Choosing the right course and school is the first step to a good nursing salary. Our team can explain course options, entry needs and visa steps in plain words.
Want to do a nursing course and build a career in nursing as an international student? Consult with APG today.
Official pages: Jobs and Skills Australia | NSW Health nurse pay rates | Fair Work Ombudsman
Disclaimer: This blog gives general information only. Pay rates change, and your pay depends on your employer, state and agreement. Always check your own pay guide or contract. Asia Pacific Group are migration agents, not lawyers. Last updated: November 2026.
