Fazlur Rahman
Australian nurses earn Award minimum rates around AUD $68,000 to $94,000 per year depending on Grade and experience, based on the Nurses Award (MA000034) as updated by the Fair Work Commission. With shift penalties and overtime, public-sector nurses commonly earn AUD $95,000 to $130,000 in total compensation. Senior nurses and nurse practitioners clear AUD $130,000 to $180,000+.
State-level EBAs typically pay above Award rates. Victoria's Nurses and Midwives (Victorian Public Sector) EBA, the NSW Health Nurses and Midwives EBA, and the Queensland Health Nurses EBAs each set premium pay rates for their respective state health services.
Data last verified September 2026 from Nurses Award MA000034, ABS Labour Force Survey (2024-2025), and state-level EBA public summaries.
At a glance
- Nurses Award minimum rates run AUD $68,000 to $94,000 per year by Grade.
- Total compensation with shift penalties typically reaches AUD $95,000 to $130,000.
- Senior NPs and clinical specialists clear AUD $130,000 to $180,000+.
- 3% to 5% annual rate increases expected through 2027.
Nurses Award rates by Grade
The Nurses Award (MA000034) defines pay scales by Registered Nurse Level (Level 1 to Level 8). Level 1 represents entry-level registered nurse. Level 8 represents senior clinical or management roles.
| Grade | Typical experience | Approximate weekly rate (AUD) | Approximate annual base |
|---|---|---|---|
| RN Level 1 | Entry year | $1,300 to $1,450 | ~$68,000 to $75,000 |
| RN Level 2 | 1 to 2 years | $1,400 to $1,600 | ~$73,000 to $83,000 |
| RN Level 3 | 3 to 4 years | $1,550 to $1,750 | ~$80,500 to $91,000 |
| RN Level 4 | Senior nurse | $1,700 to $1,900 | ~$88,500 to $99,000 |
| RN Level 5 | Clinical specialist | $1,850 to $2,100 | ~$96,000 to $109,000 |
| Nurse Practitioner | Senior clinical | $2,500 to $3,500 | ~$130,000 to $180,000+ |
Total compensation with shift penalties
The Award minimums are baseline. Public-sector nurses earn meaningfully more through shift penalties, weekend rates, and overtime. Total compensation with shift penalties (10% to 30% above base) and reasonable overtime commonly reaches AUD $95,000 to $130,000. Senior nurses and nurse practitioners often clear AUD $130,000 to $180,000+ with allowances and reasonable overtime.
Frequently asked questions
(See FAQs above for the questions and answers.)
Methodology
Salary figures draw on Nurses Award MA000034, ABS Labour Force Survey (2024-2025), and state-level EBA public summaries. Total compensation estimates include shift penalties and overtime typical for public-sector nursing. Currency is AUD throughout.
Verify current postings on employer career sites and state health department websites. EBA terms vary by state and health service.
Nurses Award MA000034 minimums update annually via the Fair Work Commission Annual Wage Review. The 2025-2026 Review delivered 3.5% to 4% increases to modern award minimums. State-level EBAs typically deliver 3% to 5% annual increases above Award. Public-sector nurses also receive 11.5% to 12% superannuation plus penalty rates for evening, night, and weekend shifts. The Fair Work Commission decision to expand the Aged Care Award requirements has created additional nursing roles in aged-care settings, with rates typically aligned to public-sector EBA outcomes. Migration priority for nurses continues under the Skilled Migration pathway with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia handling skills assessment.
The public-sector nurse pay structure typically involves base pay plus penalty rates of 10% to 30% for evening, night, and weekend shifts; 50% plus for public holidays; and overtime at 150% to 200%. Total compensation for a full-time RN with reasonable overtime commonly reaches AUD $95,000 to $130,000 per year. Nurse practitioners earning at Level 5 and above often clear AUD $150,000 to $200,000 with shift penalties and reasonable on-call allowances. The Nurses Award minimums update annually through the Fair Work Commission Annual Wage Review. The 2025-2026 review delivered a 3.5% increase to modern award minimums. Most public-sector nurses also receive 11.5% to 12% employer superannuation contributions plus accumulated personal leave, annual leave loading of 17.5%, and salary packaging benefits at some employers.
The Australian nursing workforce structure includes Enrolled Nurses (ENs, two-year Diploma of Nursing qualification), Registered Nurses (RNs, three-year Bachelor of Nursing), Nurse Practitioners (NPs, Master of Nursing plus endorsement), and Clinical Nurses with specialty certifications. ENs typically earn AUD $1,000 to $1,200 weekly base with similar penalty rates. RNs earn at the Award Grade structure documented above. NPs earn at Award Level 5 and above, often reaching AUD $130,000 to $200,000 with reasonable overtime. Specialty certifications (ICU, emergency, midwifery, mental health) earn premium rates of 5% to 15% above base. Public-sector nurses also enjoy study leave provisions, continuing professional development support, and structured career progression pathways through state health department frameworks.
Migration pathways for overseas-trained nurses to Australia include the AHPRA skills assessment pathway, the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) for some countries, and direct registration for nurses from comparable health systems. Singapore, Ireland, UK, and New Zealand-trained nurses have historically been able to register quickly. Indian, Filipino, and Chinese-trained nurses face longer assessment timelines. The Skilled Migration program maintains nurses on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), supporting permanent residency pathways. Recent federal government investments in nursing pathways have expanded scholarships and bridging programs for international applicants.
