Registered nurse salary: award rates, medians and state differences
A registered nurse salary in Australia depends on the award classification, the state or territory you work in, and whether you look at the median or the average. The national full‑time adult ordinary‑time average is $2,083.70 a week, or about $108,352 a year (ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). The median full‑time registered nurse earns $2,192 a week, according to the ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (May 2025), which is above that national line. But award minimums and state averages can shift the figure.
Award rates under the Nurses Award
The Fair Work Nurses Award (effective from 1 August 2026) sets minimum weekly pay for registered nurses by level and pay point. For example:
- Registered nurse Level 1, Pay Point 1: $1,219.50 a week
- Registered nurse Level 1, Pay Point 8 and thereafter: $1,465.50 a week
- Registered nurse Level 5, Grade 6: $2,706.90 a week
These rates are the legal minimum. Many nurses are paid above the award, especially in public hospitals or through enterprise agreements. The award also includes penalty rates for weekends and public holidays, which can boost take‑home pay.
How the median compares with the national average
The national full‑time average ($2,083.70) includes all occupations, from CEOs to retail workers. The median for registered nurses ($2,192) is higher, meaning a typical full‑time nurse earns more than the average worker across all jobs. However, the all‑employees median (including part‑time) is about $74,100 a year, or $1,425 a week. Many nurses work part‑time (56% work full‑time hours), so the all‑employees figure is lower.
State differences
The ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026, gives full‑time adult ordinary‑time earnings by state. For example:
- Australian Capital Territory: $2,290.20 a week (about $119,090 a year)
- Western Australia: $2,227.40 a week (about $115,825 a year)
- Tasmania: $1,846.30 a week (about $96,008 a year)
A registered nurse in the ACT or WA may earn more than one in Tasmania, even at the same award level, because of state‑wide wage differences and cost‑of‑living adjustments. The States and territories page shows how each region compares.
Putting your salary on the line
If you are a registered nurse, you can place your salary on the line to see how it compares with the national full‑time average, the median for your occupation, and the minimum wage. The tool uses a 38‑hour week to calculate weekly and hourly rates.
Other factors that affect pay
- Experience and classification: A Level 5 Grade 6 nurse earns more than a Level 1 Pay Point 1 nurse.
- Public vs private sector: The ABS shows male full‑time public sector earnings of $2,399.30 a week, compared with $2,139.50 in private. Female public sector is $2,154.00, private $1,840.80.
- Qualifications: A nurse with a masters degree has a higher entry rate ($1,317.20 a week) than one with a four‑year degree ($1,273.40).
For more detail on how the figures are set, see How the figures are set and the Guides for award summaries.
Summary
A registered nurse salary for a registered nurse is typically above the national line. The median is $2,192 a week, while the average is $2,083.70. But award rates start at $1,219.50 and can reach $2,706.90. Your state and state can move the figure off the line. Use the Job medians page to compare with other occupations.
Registered nurse salary: award rates and state differences
A registered nurse salary depends on award classification, state, and whether you look at median or average. The national full‑time average is $2,083.70 a week. The median for registered nurses is $2,192 a week. The award rates range from $1,219.50 to $2,706.90. State averages vary from $1,846.30 to $2,290.20. A nurse in ACT earns more than one in Tasmania. The median is higher than average. The award rates are minimum. The state differences affect pay.
How to use this page
You can compare your salary with the national line. The tool uses a 38‑hour week. The figures are from ABS, Fair Work, and Jobs and Skills Australia. The minimum wage is $26.44 an hour from 1 July 2026. The tax rates are from the ATO for 2026–27.