What is the casual loading for nurses under the Nurses Award 2020?

Casual employees under the Nurses Award 2020 receive a 25% loading on top of the minimum hourly rate for their classification. For example, a Registered Nurse Level 1 Pay Point 1 has a base rate of $32.09 per hour; with the casual loading, the casual hourly rate becomes $40.11 per hour. This loading is paid for all ordinary hours worked and is in addition to any penalty rates or overtime.

How is superannuation calculated for a nurse's salary?

Superannuation is paid on top of the nurse's ordinary earnings at a rate of 12% (the super guarantee for 2026–27). Ordinary earnings include the base hourly rate and, for casual employees, the casual loading. The super contribution is capped at the maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year. For a full-time nurse earning $63,414 per year, the employer would contribute approximately $7,610 in super.

What is the annual salary for a Registered Nurse Level 1 Pay Point 1 under the award?

The minimum weekly rate for a full-time Registered Nurse Level 1 Pay Point 1 is $1,219.50 for 38 hours, which equates to $32.09 per hour. Multiplying by 38 hours per week and 52 weeks gives an annual salary of $63,414.64 before tax and super. Fortnightly pay would be $2,439.00. These rates apply from the first full pay period on or after 1 August 2026.

Understanding the Salary of a Nurse in Australia: Award Rates, Casual Loading, and Super

A Registered Nurse Level 1 Pay Point 1 earns $32.09 per hour, or $63,414 per year based on 38 hours per week.

What is the Salary of a Nurse in Australia?

When researching the salary of a nurse in Australia, the most reliable source is the Nurses Award 2020 (MA000034), published by the Fair Work Ombudsman and updated by the Fair Work Commission. This award sets minimum rates for nursing assistants, enrolled nurses, and registered nurses across multiple levels and pay points. The rates shown here apply from the first full pay period on or after 1 August 2026.

How the Annual Salary Is Calculated

The standard formula for converting an hourly rate to annual pay is:

Annual gross = hourly rate × hours per week × 52

For full-time nurses, ordinary hours are 38 per week (or an average of 38 over a fortnight or 28-day cycle). So a Registered Nurse Level 1 Pay Point 1 earning $32.09 per hour would have:

Weekly pay: $1,219.50
Fortnightly pay: $2,439.00 (weekly × 2)
Annual salary: $32.09 × 38 × 52 = $63,414.64

This calculation assumes the same rate every week, no unpaid overtime, no penalty rates, and no allowances. Use the timesheet to enter any hourly rate and see the annual, fortnightly, and weekly equivalents instantly.

Casual Loading: An Extra 25%

Casual employees under the Nurses Award receive a 25% loading on top of the minimum hourly rate. This compensates for the lack of paid leave entitlements. The loading is added to the base rate for each ordinary hour worked.

For example, a casual Registered Nurse Level 1 Pay Point 1:

Base rate: $32.09 per hour
Casual loading (25%): $8.02 per hour
Casual hourly rate: $40.11 per hour

Annual salary for a casual nurse working 38 hours per week would be $40.11 × 38 × 52 = $79,267.76 before super. The casual loading page explains how this interacts with penalty rates and overtime.

Superannuation Paid on Top

Employers must pay superannuation guarantee contributions of 12% (for 2026–27) on ordinary earnings. Ordinary earnings include the base hourly rate and, for casuals, the casual loading. Super is paid on top of the hourly rate—it is not deducted from the nurse's pay.

For a full-time RN Level 1 Pay Point 1 earning $63,414.64 per year, the employer contributes approximately $7,609.76 in super. This contribution is capped at the maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year. See super and packaging for more on how salary sacrifice and the super cap work.

Tax and Take-Home Pay

The Australian Taxation Office's 2026–27 resident tax rates apply:

$0 – $18,200: nil
$18,201 – $45,000: 15% of excess over $18,200
$45,001 – $135,000: $4,020 plus 30% of excess over $45,000
$135,001 – $190,000: $31,020 plus 37% of excess over $135,000
$190,001+: $51,420 plus 45% of excess over $190,000

A Medicare levy of 2% generally applies (with reductions for low-income earners). For a nurse earning $63,414.64, the estimated tax (including Medicare) would be around $11,000–$12,000, leaving a take-home pay of roughly $51,000–$52,000 per year. Use the take-home pay page for a detailed breakdown.

Award Rates vs National Minimum Wage

The National Minimum Wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week for 38 hours). All award rates, including those in the Nurses Award, are higher than this minimum. The award also specifies penalty rates for weekends, public holidays, and shiftwork, which are not included in the base annual salary calculation.

Using the Timesheet Tool

Our the timesheet calculator lets you enter any base hourly rate and optionally add the 25% casual loading. It then shows:

Weekly, fortnightly, and annual gross pay
Estimated super (12% on ordinary earnings)
Estimated tax and Medicare levy
Take-home pay

Remember that the tool assumes 38 hours per week and the same rate every week. It does not account for penalty rates, allowances, or salary sacrifice. Always check the relevant pay guides for your classification.

Summary

The salary of a nurse in Australia depends on their classification, pay point, and employment type (full-time, part-time, or casual). Using the Nurses Award 2020 rates, a full-time Registered Nurse Level 1 Pay Point 1 earns $63,414 per year before super and tax. Casual nurses receive an additional 25% loading, and super is paid on top of ordinary earnings. For a personalised estimate, enter your hourly rate into the timesheet and see the full picture.