Registered nurses (RNs) in Australia earn between $80,000 and $105,000 per year in base salary, depending on state, experience level, and employer. With shift penalties, overtime, and allowances, total earnings for experienced nurses regularly exceed $110,000–$120,000.
Nursing is one of Australia’s most in-demand occupations, with chronic workforce shortages in aged care, rural and remote areas, and specialist units driving ongoing above-inflation wage growth.
Key Takeaways
- Registered nurse (RN) base salary: $80,000–$105,000/year
- Enrolled nurse (EN) base salary: $60,000–$75,000/year
- Nurse practitioner (NP) base salary: $110,000–$145,000/year
- Midwife base salary: $82,000–$108,000/year
- Shift penalties (nights, weekends, public holidays) frequently add $10,000–$25,000/year on top of base
- Highest-paying states: ACT, WA, and QLD (due to enterprise agreements and remote loadings)
Registered Nurse Salary by Experience (2025–26)
| Experience Level | Annual Base Salary |
|---|---|
| Graduate RN (Year 1) | $67,000–$72,000 |
| RN Year 2–3 | $73,000–$80,000 |
| RN Year 4–6 | $82,000–$92,000 |
| Senior RN / Clinical Nurse | $93,000–$105,000 |
| Nurse Unit Manager (NUM) | $108,000–$125,000 |
| Director of Nursing | $130,000–$170,000 |
Ranges reflect public health system rates under state industrial awards. Private sector rates vary by employer.
Nurse Salary by State (RN, Mid-Career)
| State / Territory | RN Annual Base Salary |
|---|---|
| Australian Capital Territory | $96,000–$108,000 |
| Western Australia | $93,000–$107,000 |
| Queensland | $90,000–$104,000 |
| New South Wales | $87,000–$101,000 |
| Victoria | $86,000–$100,000 |
| South Australia | $83,000–$96,000 |
| Northern Territory | $88,000–$105,000 + remote allowances |
| Tasmania | $80,000–$93,000 |
Source: State government enterprise agreements and nursing industry awards, 2025. Base salary only — shift penalties and allowances add significantly to total pay.
Shift Penalties and Allowances
Nurses working shift work receive penalty rates on top of their base pay. Under most state nursing awards and enterprise agreements:
| Shift Type | Penalty Rate |
|---|---|
| Afternoon shift | 115% of ordinary rate |
| Night shift | 115–130% |
| Saturday | 150% |
| Sunday | 200% |
| Public holiday | 250% |
| On-call / recall | Additional allowances apply |
A full-time RN working a rotating roster (including nights and weekends) typically earns $15,000–$25,000 more per year in penalties than their base rate suggests.
Nurse Practitioner Salary
Nurse practitioners are registered nurses who have completed postgraduate education and AHPRA endorsement, allowing them to independently diagnose, prescribe, and manage care.
| NP Level | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Newly endorsed NP | $110,000–$120,000 |
| Experienced NP | $125,000–$145,000 |
| Senior / Lead NP | $145,000–$160,000 |
NPs working in remote and rural areas may receive additional remote area allowances, bringing total remuneration above $160,000.
Superannuation on Nursing Wages
Nursing employers must pay the Superannuation Guarantee (11.5% in FY2025–26) on top of base wages and most allowances. On a $90,000 base salary:
| Amount | |
|---|---|
| Base salary | $90,000 |
| Super (11.5%) | $10,350 |
| Total employment cost | $100,350 |
Public sector nurses in most states also have access to defined benefit or accumulation super funds (e.g. PSS/CSS in ACT, EquipSuper in Victoria), often with higher employer contribution rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for a nurse in Australia?
Graduate registered nurses in Australia typically start on $67,000–$72,000/year in the public health system. With shift penalties for evening and weekend work, total earnings in the first year are often $75,000–$85,000.
Do nurses earn good money in Australia?
Yes, nursing is well-compensated in Australia relative to the median wage, particularly for experienced RNs and nurse practitioners. Total remuneration (base + penalties) for mid-career nurses typically exceeds $100,000. Nurse practitioners earn $110,000–$145,000+.
What state pays nurses the most in Australia?
The ACT, WA, and QLD generally pay the highest base rates under their enterprise agreements. Remote and rural roles in the NT attract additional loadings. However, cost of living differences mean raw salary comparisons can be misleading.
Is there a shortage of nurses in Australia?
Yes. Australia has a significant and worsening nursing shortage, particularly in aged care, rural and regional areas, and specialist units. This is driving above-inflation wage increases and ongoing recruitment from overseas.
Related Guides
- Salary by Occupation Australia
- Average Salary Australia 2025–26
- Nurse Tax Deductions Australia
- Income Percentile Calculator
Salary data sourced from Fair Work Commission, state government enterprise agreements, SEEK Salary Insights, and Hays Australia Nursing Salary Guide 2025. Figures are indicative — actual pay varies by employer, experience, and enterprise agreement. For advice tailored to your situation, speak with a licensed financial adviser or contact the Fair Work Ombudsman.