How is annual pay calculated from an hourly rate for nurses?

Annual pay is calculated as hourly rate × hours per week × 52. For a full-time nurse under the Nurses Award, ordinary hours are 38 per week. For example, a Registered Nurse Level 1 Pay Point 1 at $32.09/hour gives $32.09 × 38 × 52 = $63,414. This assumes the same rate every week with no overtime, penalties, or allowances.

What is the casual loading for nurses under the Nurses Award?

Casual employees under the Nurses Award receive a 25% loading on the minimum hourly rate. For a Registered Nurse Level 1 Pay Point 1, the casual hourly rate is $32.09 + 25% = $40.11. This loading is paid instead of entitlements like paid leave. Superannuation is paid on top of the casual rate.

How does the Nurses Award compare to the National Minimum Wage?

The National Minimum Wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour for full-time employees ($1,004.90 per week for 38 hours). Most nurses are covered by the Nurses Award 2020, which sets higher minimum rates. For example, an Enrolled Nurse Pay Point 1 earns $30.00 per hour, well above the national minimum. Always check the award for your classification.

Nurses Salary Australia: Award Rates vs National Minimum Wage

A Registered Nurse Level 1 Pay Point 1 earns $32.09 per hour under the Nurses Award, or $1,219.50 per week for 38 hours, equating to about $63,414 per year before tax and super.

Understanding Nurses Salary Australia

When researching nurses salary Australia, it's important to distinguish between the National Minimum Wage and the award rates that apply to most nursing roles. The Nurses Award 2020 [MA000034] sets minimum pay and conditions for nurses and midwives across Australia. This guide explains how to convert hourly rates to annual salary, what casual loading means, and how superannuation and tax affect your take-home pay.

National Minimum Wage vs Award Rates

The National Minimum Wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week for a 38-hour week (). However, nurses are almost always covered by the Nurses Award, which provides higher minimum rates. For example, a Registered Nurse Level 1 Pay Point 1 earns $32.09 per hour, while an Enrolled Nurse Pay Point 1 earns $30.00 per hour (). These award rates are the legal minimums; many nurses earn more through enterprise agreements or individual contracts.

Calculating Annual Pay from an Hourly Rate

The standard formula is: hourly rate × hours per week × 52. For full-time nurses under the Nurses Award, ordinary hours are 38 per week. Using a Registered Nurse Level 1 Pay Point 1 as an example:

Hourly rate: $32.09
Weekly pay: $32.09 × 38 = $1,219.50
Fortnightly pay: $1,219.50 × 2 = $2,439.00
Annual gross salary: $32.09 × 38 × 52 = $63,414

This calculation assumes the same rate every week with no unpaid overtime, penalty rates, allowances, or salary sacrifice. It is a useful estimate for comparing job offers or understanding your base pay.

Casual Loading for Nurses

Casual nurses receive a 25% loading on the minimum hourly rate under the Nurses Award. For a Registered Nurse Level 1 Pay Point 1, the casual rate is $32.09 + 25% = $40.11 per hour. Casual employees are not entitled to paid leave but get this loading instead. When using our timesheet, you can check the box to add 25% casual loading on top of the base hourly rate. Never enter a rate that already includes casual loading.

Superannuation (Paid on Top)

Employers must pay superannuation guarantee contributions on top of your ordinary earnings. From 2026-27, the super guarantee rate is 12% of ordinary time earnings, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year. For a full-time nurse earning $63,414, the employer would contribute an additional $7,609.68 to super. This is not deducted from your salary; it is paid in addition. See our guide on super and packaging for more details.

Tax and Medicare Levy

Income tax for 2026-27 uses the resident tax-free threshold of $18,200. The tax brackets are:

$0 – $18,200: Nil
$18,201 – $45,000: 15% on excess over $18,200
$45,001 – $135,000: 30% on excess over $45,000
$135,001 – $190,000: 37% on excess over $135,000
$190,001+: 45% on excess over $190,000

Medicare levy is generally 2% of taxable income. For a nurse earning $63,414, the estimated tax (including Medicare) would be approximately $11,000, leaving take-home pay around $52,400. Use our take-home pay tool for a personalised estimate.

Fortnightly Pay and Budgeting

Many nurses are paid fortnightly. Using the example above, fortnightly gross pay is $2,439.00. After tax and Medicare, the net amount would be roughly $2,015. Knowing your fortnightly pay helps with budgeting and comparing job offers. The Nurses Award requires wages to be paid fortnightly unless otherwise agreed ().

Key Takeaways for Nurses Salary Australia

The Nurses Award 2020 sets minimum rates higher than the National Minimum Wage.
Full-time ordinary hours are 38 per week; part-time and casual have different rules.
Casual loading is 25% on top of the base rate.
Superannuation is paid on top at 12% (2026-27).
Tax is calculated using the resident scale with the tax-free threshold.
Always check your classification in the award or your enterprise agreement.

For more detailed rates, see our reference tables or the Fair Work Ombudsman's pay guides. If you have an hourly rate, try our hourly conversion tool to see your annual, monthly, and fortnightly estimates.