Nurse Salary Sydney: Converting Hourly Rates to Annual Pay Under the Nurses Award
For a Registered Nurse Level 1 Pay Point 1 under the Nurses Award, the hourly rate is $32.09, giving an annual salary of about $63,418 based on 38 hours per week.
Understanding Nurse Salary Sydney: From Hourly to Annual
If you're a nurse in Sydney or considering a nursing role, converting your hourly rate to an annual salary helps you compare job offers and plan your finances. The Nurses Award 2020 () sets minimum pay rates for nurses across Australia, including Sydney. This guide explains how to calculate your annual, fortnightly, and weekly pay, and what to consider for tax and superannuation.
The Standard Full-Time Week: 38 Hours
Under the Nurses Award, a full-time employee is engaged to work 38 hours per week, or an average of 38 hours per week over a roster cycle (). Part-time employees work less than 38 hours, and casual employees receive a 25% loading. For annual conversion, we assume 38 hours per week unless you work part-time or casual.
Nurse Salary Sydney: Example Rates from the Pay Guide
The Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay Guide for the Nurses Award (published July 2026) lists minimum hourly rates for various classifications. For a Registered Nurse Level 1, Pay Point 1, the hourly rate is $32.09, with a weekly rate of $1,219.50 ().
To calculate annual gross pay:
$32.09/hour × 38 hours/week × 52 weeks = $63,418.08 per year
This is the base annual salary before tax and super. For a fortnightly comparison, multiply the weekly rate by 2: $1,219.50 × 2 = $2,439.00 per fortnight.
Casual Loading and Penalty Rates
Casual nurses receive a 25% loading on the minimum hourly rate. For the same classification, the casual hourly rate is $32.09 × 1.25 = $40.11. This loading is paid for all ordinary hours. Overtime and penalty rates (e.g., Saturday, Sunday, public holidays) are then calculated on the casual hourly rate ().
If you are a casual nurse, do not include the casual loading in the base rate you enter into a calculator – the loading is added separately. For example, if you earn $40.11 per hour as a casual, that already includes the 25% loading; your base award rate is $32.09.
Comparing with National Minimum Wage and Average Earnings
The National Minimum Wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week for 38 hours. Casual employees receive $33.05 per hour including the 25% loading. The nurse rates above are well above the minimum, reflecting the skill and responsibility of nursing roles.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (May 2026), full-time adult average weekly ordinary time earnings are $2,083.70 per week, and all employees (including part-time) average $1,579.20 per week. A full-time Registered Nurse Level 1 Pay Point 1 earns $1,219.50 per week, which is below the all-employees average but typical for entry-level nursing. More experienced nurses (e.g., Level 2 or 3) earn higher rates, up to $52.50 per hour for Level 4 Grade 2.
Tax and Superannuation
Your annual gross pay is the starting point for tax and super. The Australian Taxation Office's 2026–27 resident tax rates are:
- Nil on the first $18,200
- 15% on income from $18,201 to $45,000
- 30% on income from $45,001 to $135,000
- 37% on income from $135,001 to $190,000
- 45% on income above $190,000
Plus the Medicare levy of 2% (using 2025–26 single reduction thresholds as 2026–27 thresholds were not confirmed). For a nurse earning $63,418, the estimated tax is about $9,467 plus Medicare $1,268, leaving a take-home of around $52,683 per year. Use our take-home pay tool for a detailed estimate.
Superannuation is paid on top of your salary. The super guarantee is 12% of ordinary earnings, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. For a $63,418 salary, the employer contributes $7,610.16 per year into your super fund. This is not deducted from your pay – it's an additional benefit. Learn more about super and packaging.
Fortnightly and Weekly Pay
Most nurses are paid fortnightly. Your fortnightly gross pay is your weekly rate × 2. For the example above: $1,219.50 × 2 = $2,439.00. Weekly pay is simply the weekly rate. If you are paid monthly, multiply the weekly rate by 4.33 (52 weeks ÷ 12 months).
Using the Hourly to Annual Conversion
Our hourly conversion tool lets you enter your base hourly rate (without casual loading) and see annual, fortnightly, and weekly figures. Remember, the calculation assumes you work 38 hours every week with no unpaid overtime, penalty rates, or allowances. For nurses, penalty rates for weekends and public holidays can significantly increase actual earnings, but they are not included in this base estimate.
Other Considerations for Nurses
- Shiftwork loadings: Afternoon shifts (Monday to Friday) attract a 12.5% loading on the minimum rate ().
- Allowances: Laundry, uniform, meal, on-call, and vehicle allowances are paid separately. See the Pay Guide for current rates.
- Aged care employees: Different rates apply; check the award for details.
For a full list of award rates, see our reference tables or the pay guides section.
Summary
A nurse salary Sydney example: Registered Nurse Level 1 Pay Point 1 at $32.09/hour yields an annual gross of $63,418, a fortnightly gross of $2,439, and a weekly gross of $1,219.50. Super of 12% is paid on top, and tax is deducted according to the 2026–27 scale. Casual nurses add 25% loading. Use our timesheet to calculate your own figures, and always check the Nurses Award for your specific classification.
Open the same rate on the home timesheet. Read the reference tables before treating a figure as your pay.