Salary of Nurse in Australia per Hour: Where Does It Sit?
The exact hourly rate for a nurse in Australia is not published in the Average line index. However, we can place this question against the national full-time average to understand where a nurse's pay might sit relative to the broader workforce. The national full-time adult ordinary-time average, as measured by the ABS Average Weekly Earnings for May 2026, is $2,083.70 per week, which equates to about $108,352 per year on a 38-hour week. This figure serves as the line for comparison.
The National Full-Time Average and Medians
The full-time median salary, from the ABS Employee earnings survey for August 2025, is about $90,532 per year. This median is lower than the average because high earners pull the average up. For all employees (including part-time and casual), the median is about $74,100 per year. These medians provide a different perspective: a nurse working full-time might expect to earn above the all-employees median but could be near or above the full-time median depending on experience and location.
The national minimum wage, set by Fair Work from 1 July 2026, is $26.44 per hour, $1,004.90 per week, or about $52,255 per year on a 38-hour week. Award minimums rose by 4.75% from that date. Nurses are typically covered by the Nurses Award 2020 or enterprise agreements, which set higher minimum rates than the national minimum wage. Therefore, a nurse's hourly rate is almost certainly above the national minimum wage, but the exact figure depends on classification, experience, and the specific award or agreement.
State Differences Can Move the Figure
One reason a nurse's salary might differ from the national line is the state or territory where they work. The ABS Average Weekly Earnings data for May 2026 shows state full-time averages ranging from about $96,008 in Tasmania to $119,090 in the Australian Capital Territory. For example:
- New South Wales: about $109,658 per year
- Victoria: about $106,137 per year
- Queensland: about $106,064 per year
- South Australia: about $102,450 per year
- Western Australia: about $115,825 per year
- Tasmania: about $96,008 per year
- Northern Territory: about $103,173 per year
- Australian Capital Territory: about $119,090 per year
These state averages reflect the overall labour market, but individual occupations like nursing can be influenced by local demand, cost of living, and state-based public sector wages. For instance, a nurse working in the ACT, where the public sector is large, might earn closer to the state average, while a nurse in Tasmania might earn less. However, without specific nurse data, we can only note that state averages provide a context. For more details, see States and territories.
Awards and Enterprise Agreements
Nurses in Australia are covered by the Nurses Award 2010 (recently updated) or by enterprise agreements negotiated between employers and unions. The award sets minimum rates for different classifications, such as enrolled nurse, registered nurse, and nurse practitioner. These rates are typically higher than the national minimum wage. For example, a registered nurse with a few years of experience might earn around $35–$45 per hour under the award, but this is an estimate based on common knowledge, not from the on-site notes. Since the on-site notes do not provide specific award rates, we cannot give a precise figure. The key point is that the award or agreement will set the minimum, and many nurses earn above that through allowances, penalties, or enterprise agreements.
The Gender Pay Gap
The ABS data shows men's full-time ordinary-time average is about $113,412 per year, while women's is about $100,594. Nursing is a female-dominated profession, so the gender pay gap might affect the overall average for nurses if the workforce is predominantly female. However, without specific nurse data, we can only note that the national averages differ by gender.
Tax Implications
The 2026–27 resident tax rates are: nil up to $18,200; 15% from $18,201 to $45,000; 30% from $45,001 to $135,000; 37% from $135,001 to $190,000; and 45% above $190,000. Plus a 2% Medicare levy (reductions may apply). A nurse earning around the national average of $108,352 would be in the 30% tax bracket. This is relevant for take-home pay but does not affect the gross salary comparison.
How the Figures Are Set
The national full-time average is calculated by the ABS from employer surveys of ordinary-time earnings for full-time adult employees. It does not include overtime, bonuses, or part-time workers. The median figures come from the ABS Employee Earnings and Hours survey, which collects data from employees. The minimum wage is set annually by Fair Work after a review. For more on how these figures are determined, see How the figures are set.
Placing a Salary on the Line
If you are a nurse and want to see how your salary compares to the national average, you can Place a salary on the line using the tool on this site. Enter your annual salary before tax, and the tool will show your weekly and hourly equivalent on a 38-hour week, plus the distance from the full-time average. This can help you understand where you stand relative to the national line.
Conclusion
While the exact hourly rate for a nurse in Australia is not available in this index, we can use the national full-time average of about $108,352 per year as a benchmark. State differences and award coverage mean that a nurse's pay can vary significantly. The national minimum wage provides a floor, but nurses typically earn above that. To get a precise comparison, use the site's tool with your own salary.