Anaesthetic Nurse Salary: Award Rates, Casual Loading, and Super Paid on Top
Under the Nurses Award 2020, a Registered Nurse Level 1 pay point 1 earns $32.09 per hour, or $1,219.50 per week for 38 hours, with casual loading and super paid on top.
Understanding the Anaesthetic Nurse Salary Under the Nurses Award 2020
If you are an anaesthetic nurse or considering the role, knowing your minimum pay is essential. Anaesthetic nurses are typically classified as Registered Nurses under the Nurses Award 2020 (MA000034), which sets minimum hourly rates, penalty rates, and allowances. This article explains how to convert those hourly rates into annual, fortnightly, and weekly figures, and covers casual loading and superannuation paid on top.
The Award Rate for Registered Nurses
The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes a pay guide for the Nurses Award 2020, updated after each Annual Wage Review. For the period starting 1 August 2026, the minimum hourly rate for a Registered Nurse Level 1 pay point 1 is $32.09 per hour. This rate applies to full-time and part-time employees working ordinary hours. Higher pay points and levels (e.g., Level 2, Level 3) attract higher rates, reflecting experience and responsibility. An anaesthetic nurse with additional qualifications may be classified at a higher level, so check your classification with your employer.
Calculating Annual Pay from an Hourly Rate
To estimate your annual gross pay, use the formula:
Annual gross = hourly rate × hours per week × 52
For a full-time anaesthetic nurse working 38 hours per week (the standard under the award ), the calculation is:
$32.09 × 38 × 52 = $63,409.84 per year
This assumes the same rate every week, with no unpaid overtime, penalty rates, or allowances. If you work part-time, adjust the weekly hours accordingly. For example, a part-time nurse working 30 hours per week would earn $32.09 × 30 × 52 = $50,060.40.
Fortnightly Pay
Many nurses are paid fortnightly. Multiply the weekly amount by 2:
$1,219.50 per week × 2 = $2,439.00 per fortnight
This is before tax and any deductions.
Casual Loading and Superannuation
Casual Loading
If you work as a casual anaesthetic nurse, you are entitled to a 25% loading on the minimum hourly rate (clause 11.1 of the award). For the RN Level 1 pay point 1:
$32.09 × 1.25 = $40.11 per hour (casual rate)
This loading compensates for not receiving paid sick leave or annual leave. When calculating annual pay for a casual, use the casual hourly rate in the formula. For 38 hours per week: $40.11 × 38 × 52 = $79,257.36 per year.
Superannuation Paid on Top
Superannuation is not included in the hourly rate. Under the award and the Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992, employers must contribute at least 12% of ordinary earnings (from 1 July 2026) to a complying super fund. This is paid on top of your gross wages.
For a full-time RN Level 1 pay point 1:
- Weekly wage: $1,219.50
- Super contribution (12%): $146.34
- Total cost to employer: $1,365.84 per week
The super guarantee has a maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year (2026–27). If your ordinary earnings exceed that, the employer’s obligation is capped.
Comparing with the National Minimum Wage and ABS Averages
The National Minimum Wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week for 38 hours). An anaesthetic nurse’s award rate of $32.09 is well above that, reflecting the skilled nature of the work.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (May 2026), full-time adult average weekly ordinary time earnings are $2,083.70 per week. A full-time RN Level 1 pay point 1 earns $1,219.50, which is below that average, but higher pay points (e.g., RN Level 2 or 3) can exceed the average. Use our reference tables to compare classifications.
Tax and Take-Home Pay
For the 2026–27 financial year, the resident tax rates are:
- Nil on the first $18,200
- 15% on income between $18,201 and $45,000
- 30% on income between $45,001 and $135,000
- 37% on income between $135,001 and $190,000
- 45% on income above $190,000
Plus a 2% Medicare levy (based on 2025–26 single thresholds). For a full-time RN Level 1 pay point 1 earning $63,409.84:
- Tax on $63,409.84: $4,567 (15% on $18,201–$45,000) + $5,522.95 (30% on $45,001–$63,409.84) = $10,089.95
- Medicare levy (2%): $1,268.20
- Estimated take-home pay: $63,409.84 – $10,089.95 – $1,268.20 = $52,051.69 per year (approx. $1,001.00 per week)
This is an estimate; your actual tax may vary with offsets or deductions. See our take-home pay page for more details.
Using the Timesheet Calculator
Our timesheet tool lets you enter your base hourly rate and optionally add 25% casual loading. It then calculates weekly, fortnightly, and annual gross pay, plus estimated tax and super. Remember: super is paid on top, so the calculator shows your gross wages separately from the employer’s super contribution.
For more award-specific rates, visit our pay guides page. If you are comparing job offers, our job pay topic can help.
Summary
An anaesthetic nurse salary under the Nurses Award 2020 starts at $32.09 per hour for a Level 1 RN. Multiply by 38 hours and 52 weeks to get $63,409.84 annually. Casual loading adds 25%, making the casual rate $40.11 per hour. Superannuation of 12% is paid on top. These figures are minimums; actual pay may be higher based on experience, shift penalties, or enterprise agreements.
Open the same rate on the home timesheet. Read the reference tables before treating a figure as your pay.