Nursing Salaries in Australia 2026: Complete Guide to Pay, Specialties and Career Growth
Considering a nursing career in Australia or looking to relocate? Understanding nursing salaries is crucial for making informed decisions. This comprehensive guide provides the latest 2026 salary information for nurses across Australia, backed by official data from Fair Work Australia, state health departments, and verified industry sources.
What you'll learn:
- Current nursing award rates and base salaries
- Specialty nursing pay rates
- Locum nursing pay rates
- Allowances and penalty rates
- International nursing comparision
- How to maximize your earnings
Ready to find your next nursing role?
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Medical
to access high-paying nursing positions across Australia.
Understanding the Nurses Award 2020
The Nurses Award 2020 sets minimum pay rates for nurses in Australia's private sector. It covers Registered Nurses (RN), Enrolled Nurses (EN), Assistants in Nursing, and Nurse Practitioners.
Important: Public sector nurses are covered by state-based enterprise agreements, which often provide higher rates than award minimums.
Classification Levels
Registered Nurses:
- RN Grade 1: Newly registered (Years 1-3)
- RN Grade 2: Experienced (Years 3-4)
- RN Grade 3: Senior nurses (Years 5-8)
- RN Grade 4-5: Management and advanced practice
Enrolled Nurses:
- EN Grade 1: Entry-level
- EN Grade 2: Experienced with additional qualifications
Base Salaries for Registered Nurses (2026)
According to Fair Work Australia's 2026 pay guide, minimum annual salaries for full-time Registered Nurses are:
| Classification | Annual Salary (Min) | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| RN Grade 1 (Year 1) | $70,235 | $33.57 |
| RN Grade 1 (Year 3) | $75,461 | $36.07 |
| RN Grade 2 (Year 1) | $76,580 | $36.61 |
| RN Grade 2 (Year 3) | $82,154 | $39.27 |
| RN Grade 3 (Year 1) | $85,223 | $40.74 |
| RN Grade 3 (Year 3) | $92,446 | $44.19 |
| RN Grade 4 | $95,668 - $103,245 | $45.73 - $49.35 |
| RN Grade 5 | $107,890 - $115,825 | $51.57 - $55.36 |
Source: Fair Work Australia - Nurses Award 2020
Market Reality: While these are minimums, according to
Seek's 2026 Healthcare Salary Report, the average advertised RN salary is
$82,500 per year, with top positions offering $95,000-$110,000+.
Exploring RN opportunities?
Browse Registered Nurse positions with CC Medical today.
Enrolled Nurse Salaries (2026)
According to Fair Work Australia, EN minimum salaries for 2026 are:
| Classification | Annual Salary (Min) | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| EN Grade 1 (Year 1) | $54,230 | $25.92 |
| EN Grade 1 (Year 3) | $58,246 | $27.84 |
| EN Grade 2 (Year 1) | $60,418 | $28.88 |
| EN Grade 2 (Year 3) | $64,856 | $31.00 |
Source: Fair Work Australia - Nurses Award 2020
Average EN market salary:
$58,000-$68,000 per year (Payscale Australia, 2026).
Interested in EN positions?
Explore Enrolled Nurse jobs across Australia.
Specialty Nursing Salaries
Specialist nurses with advanced training command higher salaries:
| Specialty | Average Salary | Top Earners |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse Practitioner | $110,000 - $140,000 | $160,000+ |
| ICU Nurse | $85,000 - $110,000 | $115,000+ |
| Emergency Nurse | $82,000 - $105,000 | $110,000+ |
| Mental Health Nurse | $79,000 - $98,000 | $105,000+ |
| Theatre Nurse | $83,000 - $102,000 | $110,000+ |
| Midwife | $80,000 - $100,000 | $110,000+ |
| Aged Care Nurse | $74,000 - $88,000 | $95,000+ |
| Clinical Nurse Consultant | $95,000 - $120,000 | $130,000+ |
Sources: Seek Healthcare Salary Report 2026, Payscale Australia
Interested in specialty nursing?
Explore specialised nursing positions
with CC Medical.
Locum Nurse Pay Rates
Locum (temporary) nursing offers flexibility and higher hourly rates:
| Nursing Level | Hourly Rate | Daily Rate (8-12hr shift) |
|---|---|---|
| Enrolled Nurse | $35 - $50 | $280 - $600 |
| Registered Nurse | $45 - $65 | $360 - $780 |
| Specialized RN (ICU, ED) | $55 - $75 | $440 - $900 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $70 - $95 | $560 - $1,140 |
Factors affecting rates:
- Urgency: Short-notice placements pay 20-40% more
- Location: Remote areas pay 30-50% more
- Shift timing: Nights/weekends attract penalty rates
- Contract length: Longer contracts offer stability but slightly lower rates
Pros:
- Higher hourly pay (25-40% more than permanent)
- Flexibility to choose when and where you work
- Diverse experience across settings
Cons:
- No paid leave
- Variable income
- Less job security
Ready to explore locum opportunities?
Register for locum positions
with CC Medical.
Allowances and Penalty Rates
Beyond base salary, nurses receive additional payments for shift work and special duties:
| Allowance Type | Rate/Loading | Example (on $40/hr base) |
|---|---|---|
| Afternoon Shift | 12.5% | $45.00/hour |
| Night Shift | 15% | $46.00/hour |
| Permanent Night | 30% | $52.00/hour |
| Saturday | 50% (time & half) | $60.00/hour |
| Sunday | 75% | $70.00/hour |
| Public Holiday | 150% (double time & half) | $100.00/hour |
| On-Call | $35-50 per period | Flat rate |
| Remote Area Allowance | $2,500-$30,000/year | Annual payment |
Source: Fair Work Australia - Nurses Award 2020
Example:
An RN on $79,312 base salary working 2 night shifts per week and 1 Sunday per month can earn an additional $10,000-$15,000 annually through allowances.
International Comparison
How do Australian nursing salaries compare globally? Here's the data (converted to AUD):
| Country | Average RN Salary (AUD) | Cost of Living Index* |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | $82,500 | 100 (baseline) |
| United States | $102,000 | 112 |
| United Kingdom (NHS) | $68,000 | 95 |
| Canada | $78,000 | 98 |
| New Zealand | $72,000 | 93 |
| Ireland | $71,000 | 105 |
*Cost of living index: Australia = 100 baseline
Sources:
Numbeo Cost of Living Index
Why international nurses choose Australia:
- Excellent salary-to-cost-of-living ratio
- High quality of life and work-life balance
- Clear pathway to permanent residency (nursing is on the Skilled Occupation List)
- Strong worker protections and professional development opportunities
International nurse considering Australia?
Learn about visa pathways with CC Medical.
How to Maximize Your Nursing Salary
Want to increase your earning potential? Here are proven strategies:
1. Gain Specialty Qualifications
Postgraduate qualifications can increase salary by 15-30%:
- Graduate Certificate in Critical Care Nursing
- Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing
- Master of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner)
- ROI: A $10,000 qualification can increase salary by $10,000-$20,000/year
2. Consider Regional or Remote Work
- Higher base rates (10-25% more)
- Attraction bonuses ($5,000-$30,000)
- Free or subsidized accommodation
- Example: An RN earning $82,000 in Sydney could earn $105,000+ in regional WA or NT
3. Pursue Leadership Roles
- Clinical Nurse Specialist: +$10,000-$20,000
- Nurse Unit Manager: +$15,000-$30,000
- Nursing Director: +$40,000-$60,000
4. Work Strategic Shifts
- Night shifts: +30% loading
- Weekends: +50-75% loading
- Public holidays: +150% loading
- Impact: Can add $12,000-$18,000/year
5. Consider Locum Work
- 25-40% higher hourly rates
- Flexibility to work more when needed
- Trade-off: No paid leave or job security
6. Negotiate Your Salary
- Research market rates for your specialty
- Highlight qualifications and experience
- Consider total package (salary + super + benefits)
Ready to maximize your earnings?
Speak with a CC Medical consultant
today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for a newly registered nurse in Australia?
The minimum starting salary is $70,235 per year (Fair Work Australia, 2026). However, most employers pay $72,000-$76,000, especially in the public sector.
How much do ICU nurses earn?
ICU nurses earn $85,000-$110,000 per year on average, with experienced nurses in senior positions earning $115,000+.
Are nursing salaries higher in public or private hospitals?
Generally, public sector nurses earn higher base salaries due to enterprise agreements. However, private sector positions may offer more negotiation flexibility.
How much can locum nurses earn?
Locum RNs typically earn $45-$65 per hour ($90,000-$130,000+ annually if working full-time), while specialized locum nurses can earn $55-$75 per hour.
Do international nurses earn the same as Australian-trained nurses?
Yes, once AHPRA registered, international nurses are entitled to the same award rates. Classification and salary depend on experience and qualifications, not training location.
Conclusion
Nursing in Australia offers competitive salaries with excellent career progression. As of 2026:
- Registered Nurses earn $70,235-$115,825+ (award rates) and $82,500 average (market rate)
- Enrolled Nurses earn $54,230-$64,856+ (award rates) and $58,000-$68,000 average (market rate)
- Specialist nurses can earn $85,000-$160,000+
- Allowances can add $10,000-$30,000+ to base salaries
- Regional positions offer significantly higher compensation
Whether you're a newly graduated nurse, experienced specialist, or international nurse planning to work in Australia, opportunities are abundant and compensation is competitive.
Ready to Start Your Nursing Career Journey?
CC Medical specializes in placing nurses across Australia. We can help with:
- Permanent roles in your specialty
- Locum opportunities for flexibility
- Regional positions with higher pay
- AHPRA registration and visa sponsorship
