Average Nurse Salary Australia: Award Rates, Casual Loading and Super Paid on Top
Under the Nurses Award 2020, a full-time Registered Nurse Level 1 Pay Point 1 earns $32.09 per hour, or $63,416 per year based on 38 hours per week for 52 weeks.
Understanding the average nurse salary Australia
When you search for the **average nurse salary Australia, it’s important to distinguish between award minimum rates and actual average earnings. The and the provide the official minimum rates from the Fair Work Ombudsman. The gives the full pay guide for the Nurses Award 2020. These sources are more reliable than recruiter surveys.
How to convert hourly to annual pay
The formula is simple: hourly rate × hours per week × 52 weeks. For full-time nurses, the award states ordinary hours of 38 per week (see ). So a Registered Nurse Level 1 Pay Point 1 at $32.09 per hour earns:
- Weekly: $32.09 × 38 = $1,219.42
- Fortnightly: $1,219.42 × 2 = $2,438.84
- Annual: $1,219.42 × 52 = $63,409.84
This is the minimum annual salary for that classification. Many nurses earn more through higher pay points, allowances, or enterprise agreements.
Award rates for nurses under the Nurses Award 2020
The Nurses Award 2020 (MA000034) covers most nurses and assistants. The summary shows a wide range:
| Classification | Hourly rate | Annual (38h/wk) |
|---|---|---|
| Nursing assistant 1st year | $27.65 | $54,636 |
| Enrolled nurse pay point 1 | $30.00 | $59,280 |
| Registered nurse level 1 pay point 1 | $32.09 | $63,410 |
| Registered nurse level 1 pay point 8 | $38.57 | $76,239 |
| Registered nurse level 2 pay point 4 | $41.59 | $82,194 |
| Registered nurse level 4 grade 2 | $52.50 | $103,740 |
These are minimum rates. The average nurse salary Australia is likely higher, especially for experienced nurses in higher classifications. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reports full-time adult average weekly earnings of $2,083.70 (May 2026), which is about $108,352 per year – a useful benchmark.
Casual loading for nurses
Casual employees get a 25% loading on top of the base hourly rate. For example, a casual Registered Nurse Level 1 Pay Point 1:
- Base rate: $32.09
- Casual loading (25%): $8.02
- Casual hourly rate: $40.11
This loading is paid instead of sick leave, annual leave, and public holiday pay. The page explains that casual loading is added after any shift loadings. When using the [timesheet calculator, you can check the “casual loading option to see the effect.
Superannuation is paid on top
Super guarantee is 12% of ordinary earnings (2026–27), paid by the employer on top of the salary. It is not deducted from the hourly rate. For a nurse earning $32.09 per hour, the super contribution is $3.85 per hour, making the total cost $35.94 per hour. The maximum contribution base is $270,830 per year. This is important when comparing salary packages.
Tax considerations
Tax is calculated on the annual gross salary. For 2026–27, the resident tax rates are:
- $0 – $18,200: nil
- $18,201 – $45,000: 15% on excess
- $45,001 – $135,000: 30% on excess
- $135,001 – $190,000: 37% on excess
- Over $190,000: 45%
Plus Medicare levy of 2% (single threshold $24,276 for 2025–26). For a nurse earning $63,410, the tax would be approximately $9,567 plus Medicare $1,268, leaving about $52,575 after tax. This is an estimate.
Using the timesheet calculator
You can use the timesheet to convert your hourly rate to annual, fortnightly, and weekly figures. The calculator also shows the effect of casual loading and super. For more details on award rates, see the pay guides and reference tables.
Summary
The average nurse salary Australia depends on classification, experience, and whether you are permanent or casual. The Nurses Award 2020 sets minimums, but many nurses earn above these. Always check your award or enterprise agreement. Remember that super is paid on top, and casual loading adds 25% to the base rate. Use the hourly conversion tool to see your own figures.
Open the same rate on the home timesheet. Read the reference tables before treating a figure as your pay.