What is the nursing in Australia salary for a registered nurse under the award?

The Nurses Award 2020 sets minimum hourly rates for registered nurses. For example, a Registered Nurse Level 1, pay point 1 earns $32.09 per hour, or $1,219.50 per week for 38 hours. Higher classifications and pay points increase the rate. Casual employees receive an additional 25% loading on top of the base rate.

How does casual loading affect nursing pay?

Casual nurses under the Nurses Award are paid a 25% loading on the minimum hourly rate. For instance, a casual RN Level 1 pay point 1 would receive $40.11 per hour ($32.09 × 1.25). This loading compensates for entitlements like paid leave. Superannuation is calculated on the base rate (ordinary earnings), not the loaded rate.

Is superannuation included in the hourly rate for nurses?

No. Superannuation is paid on top of the hourly rate. Under the Super Guarantee, employers contribute 12% of ordinary time earnings (the base rate) to a super fund, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year. For a full-time RN Level 1 pay point 1, that adds about $3.85 per hour to the total employment cost.

Understanding the Nursing in Australia Salary: Award Rates, Casual Loading, and Super

A full-time registered nurse under the Nurses Award earns at least $32.09 per hour (Level 1, pay point 1), or $1,219.50 per week for 38 hours, with super paid on top.

Understanding the Nursing in Australia Salary

When researching a nursing in australia salary, the most reliable figures come from the Fair Work Ombudsman’s Nurses Award 2020. This award sets minimum pay rates for nurses and assistants across classifications, from nursing assistants to registered nurses at Level 4. The rates are updated each year following the Annual Wage Review.

How Annual Pay Is Calculated

To convert an hourly rate to an annual salary, use the formula:

Annual gross ≈ hourly rate × hours per week × 52

For full-time employees under the Nurses Award, ordinary hours are 38 per week (or an average of 38). So a full-time nurse earning $32.09 per hour would have an annual gross of approximately $32.09 × 38 × 52 = $63,410. This assumes the same rate every week, no unpaid overtime, no penalty rates, and no allowances. The fortnightly pay would be weekly pay × 2: $1,219.50 × 2 = $2,439.

Nursing Award Rates (Full-Time and Part-Time)

The pay guides from the Fair Work Ombudsman list minimum rates for each classification. For example, from 1 August 2026:

Registered Nurse Level 1, pay point 1: $32.09 per hour, $1,219.50 per week
Registered Nurse Level 1, pay point 8: $38.57 per hour, $1,465.50 per week
Registered Nurse Level 2, pay point 1: $39.59 per hour, $1,504.40 per week
Enrolled Nurse pay point 1: $30.00 per hour, $1,139.90 per week
Nursing assistant (Certificate III): $29.45 per hour, $1,119.10 per week

These are the base rates for full-time and part-time employees. Part-time employees are paid pro-rata based on 38 hours per week.

Casual Loading and Super Paid on Top

Casual employees under the Nurses Award receive a 25% loading on the minimum hourly rate. This is in addition to the base rate. For example, a casual RN Level 1 pay point 1 would earn $32.09 × 1.25 = $40.11 per hour. The casual loading compensates for entitlements such as paid sick leave and annual leave.

Superannuation is paid on top of the base rate (ordinary time earnings), not the casual-loaded rate. The Super Guarantee is 12% of ordinary earnings, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year. For a full-time RN Level 1 pay point 1, that adds about $3.85 per hour to the total cost of employment. You can explore more about super and packaging on our site.

Distinguishing Award Rates from the National Minimum Wage

The National Minimum Wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week for 38 hours. Casual employees under the National Minimum Wage receive $33.05 per hour including the 25% loading. However, nursing award rates are higher than the minimum wage. For example, even the lowest nursing assistant rate ($27.65 per hour) exceeds the minimum. Always check the specific award classification for your role.

Tax and Medicare

Using the 2026–27 resident tax rates:

Nil tax 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

Medicare levy is generally 2% of taxable income. For a nurse earning $63,410, the estimated tax would be approximately $10,700 plus Medicare $1,268, leaving about $51,442 after tax. This is a rough estimate; use our take-home pay tool for a more detailed calculation.

Using the Timesheet

Our timesheet lets you enter a base hourly rate and optionally add the 25% casual loading. It then calculates annual, fortnightly, and weekly pay, along with estimated tax and super. For nursing, enter the base award rate (e.g., $32.09) and check the casual loading box if applicable. Do not enter a rate that already includes casual loading.

Summary

A nursing in australia salary is best understood through the Nurses Award minimum rates. Full-time nurses work 38 hours per week, and casuals receive a 25% loading. Super is paid on top of the base rate. Always refer to the Fair Work Ombudsman’s official reference tables for the most current figures. For individual calculations, use our hourly conversion tool.