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Registered Nurse Salary Australia: Weekly, Hourly, and Annual Pay in 2026

The typical registered nurse earns above the national full-time average, with a median full-time salary around $113,984 per year.

This sits $40,752 under the Australian full-time average, about 37.6% below the line. The closest full-time state average is Tasmania. It is off the left edge of the ruler. This close-up only covers full-time state averages.

Week, hour, and a tax sketch

$1,300 a week · $34.21 an hour if spread over 38 hours

About $55,448 after resident income tax and a 2% Medicare levy.

2026–27 resident rates and a 2% Medicare levy. Not a tax assessment.Open the full line

Registered Nurse Salary Australia in 2026

Registered nursing is one of Australia’s largest professions, and pay reflects the skill and responsibility involved. This page breaks down the typical registered nurse salary as a yearly figure, a weekly amount, and an hourly rate, using the most recent data from the ABS, Fair Work, and Jobs and Skills Australia.

Typical Pay: Median Earnings

The best measure of what a registered nurse actually earns is the median full-time weekly earnings. According to the ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025, the median full-time registered nurse earns $2,192 per week. That translates to:

  • Yearly: $2,192 × 52 = $113,984 before tax
  • Hourly (based on a 38‑hour week): $2,192 ÷ 38 = $57.68

The ABS also reports a median hourly figure of $57, which reflects actual hours worked (the average full‑time week for nurses is 41 hours).

How does this compare to the national full‑time adult average? The ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026, puts the national full‑time ordinary‑time average at $2,083.70 per week, or about $108,352 a year. The typical registered nurse earns roughly $5,600 more per year than the average across all full‑time occupations.

Award Minimums: The Legal Floor

All registered nurses are covered by the Nurses Award 2020, which sets minimum weekly and hourly rates. These rates are updated each financial year; the figures below apply from 1 July 2026.

Classification Weekly rate Hourly rate Annual equivalent (×52)
RN Level 1 Pay Point 1 $1,219.50 $32.09 $63,414
RN Level 1 Pay Point 8 $1,465.50 $38.57 $76,206
RN Level 2 Pay Point 1 $1,504.40 $39.59 $78,229
RN Level 3 Pay Point 1 $1,631.20 $42.93 $84,822
RN Level 4 Grade 1 $1,861.70 $48.99 $96,808
RN Level 5 Grade 6 $2,706.90 $71.23 $140,759

Most registered nurses are classified at Level 1 or 2 early in their career, and progress through pay points with experience. The award also includes higher rates for nurses with postgraduate qualifications and for those working in aged care (not shown here).

How Pay Varies by State

While the ABS does not publish state‑by‑state earnings specifically for registered nurses, the national full‑time adult average weekly earnings by state give a sense of regional pay differences. For example:

  • New South Wales: $2,108.80/week (~$109,658/year)
  • Victoria: $2,041.10/week (~$106,137/year)
  • Queensland: $2,039.70/week (~$106,064/year)
  • Western Australia: $2,227.40/week (~$115,825/year)
  • Tasmania: $1,846.30/week (~$96,008/year)
  • Australian Capital Territory: $2,290.20/week (~$119,090/year)

Registered nurse salaries in higher‑cost states like NSW and WA tend to be above the national average, while those in Tasmania and South Australia are below. However, individual employer agreements and enterprise bargains can push pay well above award rates regardless of location.

Full‑Time vs Part‑Time

Only 56% of registered nurses work full‑time, according to the ABS Labour Force Survey. Many work part‑time or casually, which affects their total annual earnings. The median earnings for all employees (including part‑time) would be lower than the full‑time median. For context, the national all‑employees median is about $74,100 per year.

How the Figures Are Set

The national full‑time average comes from the ABS Average Weekly Earnings survey, published twice a year (May and November). The median earnings for registered nurses come from the ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, conducted every two years. Award minimums are set by the Fair Work Commission after annual wage reviews. Place a salary on the line to see how your pay compares, or explore States and territories for regional averages.

Key Takeaways

  • The typical registered nurse earns about $113,984 a year before tax, well above the national full‑time average of $108,352.
  • Award minimums start at $63,414 for entry‑level and exceed $140,000 for senior roles.
  • Pay varies by state, experience, and employer, with many nurses earning above award through enterprise agreements.
  • Use the median figure as a realistic benchmark; your actual pay will depend on your classification, hours, and location.

Questions

What is the average registered nurse salary in Australia?

The median full-time weekly earnings for registered nurses are $2,192, according to the ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025. That works out to about $113,984 a year before tax. This is higher than the national full-time adult average of $108,352. Many nurses earn more than the award minimums, especially at higher classification levels.

How much do registered nurses earn per hour under the award?

Under the Nurses Award 2020, minimum hourly rates range from $32.09 for a Level 1 Pay Point 1 registered nurse to $71.23 for a Level 5 Grade 6. These rates apply to a 38-hour week. Most nurses are paid above the award rate, with the median hourly earnings reported at $57.

Do registered nurse salaries vary by state?

State-specific registered nurse data is not published by the ABS, but the national full-time adult average weekly earnings by state give context. For example, the average in New South Wales is $2,108.80 per week, in Victoria $2,041.10, and in Western Australia $2,227.40. Registered nurse pay may follow similar regional patterns, but actual salaries depend on employer, experience, and classification.

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