Average Nurse Salary Australia: State and Industry Differences Explained

What does 'average nurse salary Australia' really mean?

When people search for "average nurse salary Australia", they usually want a single number that tells them what a registered nurse can expect to earn. But the reality is more layered. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reports that the median full-time weekly earnings for registered nurses are $2,192 (Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025). That annualises to roughly $113,984 – well above the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $2,083.70 per week ($108,352 per year). On the Salary Index, that gives nurses an index of about 105, meaning they earn 5% more than the national benchmark.

But that median figure only covers full-time non-managerial nurses. Many nurses work part-time – only 56% work full-time hours, compared to 69% across all occupations. So the "average" for all nurses, including part-timers, will be lower. And the median hides the wide range from award minimums to senior specialist roles.

The award floor vs. the market rate

The Nurses Award 2020 sets minimum rates that are much lower than the median. A Registered Nurse Level 1 at Pay Point 1 earns a minimum of $1,219.50 per week ($32.09 per hour). That's an annualised $63,414, giving an index of about 58.5 – well below the national line. But most nurses are paid above the award, either through enterprise agreements or individual arrangements. The median of $2,192 shows that experienced nurses in hospitals and health services command significantly more.

State differences: where you work matters

State-level earnings data for nurses specifically aren't published by the ABS, but we can look at overall wage levels by state. The states page shows indices for all occupations:

• Western Australia: 106.9 (highest among mainland states)
• New South Wales: 101.2
• Victoria: 98.0
• Queensland: 97.9
• South Australia: 94.6
• Tasmania: 88.6
• Australian Capital Territory: 109.9 (highest overall)
• Northern Territory: 95.2

Nurses in WA and the ACT likely earn more than those in Tasmania or SA, partly because of higher public sector wages and cost-of-living adjustments. For example, a nurse in Perth working under a state enterprise agreement may earn 10–15% more than a nurse in Hobart doing the same role. However, award rates are national, so the base minimum is the same everywhere – the difference comes from over-award payments and collective agreements.

Industry context: health care pays below the national average?

The industries page shows that Health Care and Social Assistance has an index of 97.8 – slightly below the national average of 100. That seems to contradict the nurse median of 105. The explanation: the industry index covers all workers in health care, including low-paid aged care workers, personal carers, and administrative staff. Registered nurses are among the higher-paid roles within that industry, so they pull above the industry average.

How the index works for nurses

The how the index works page explains that we compare yearly gross earnings to the national line. For a nurse earning the median $2,192 per week:

• Annualised: $2,192 × 52 = $113,984
• National line: $2,083.70 × 52 = $108,352
• Index: (113,984 ÷ 108,352) × 100 = 105.2

This means the typical full-time nurse earns about 5% more than the average full-time worker. But remember, this is before tax and super. With superannuation guarantee at 12% from July 2026, the total package is higher.

Tax and take-home pay

A nurse earning $113,984 in 2026–27 would pay:

• Tax-free threshold: $0 on first $18,200
• 15% on $18,201–$45,000: $4,020
• 30% on $45,001–$135,000: $20,695
• Plus 2% Medicare levy: $2,280
• Total tax + Medicare: about $26,995
• Take-home: roughly $86,989 per year, or $1,673 per week

That's a useful reality check for anyone comparing job offers across states.

Factors that push nurse pay up or down

• Experience and level: A new graduate (Level 1 Pay Point 1) earns the award minimum, while a Level 5 nurse can earn up to $2,706.90 per week.
• Location: Remote and rural areas often have higher pay through loadings and incentives.
• Shift work: Penalty rates for weekends, nights, and public holidays can add 20–50% to base pay.
• Public vs. private: Public hospitals often have better enterprise agreements than private aged care facilities.

Where to find more

For detailed award rates, see the pay guides section. To compare your salary against the national line, use the Salary Index. And if you're considering a move, check the states page for cost-of-living and wage benchmarks.

The bottom line

The "average nurse salary Australia" is around $2,192 per week for full-time registered nurses, giving an index of 105. But that's a median – half earn more, half earn less. State and industry differences mean a nurse in WA or the ACT will likely take home more than one in Tasmania or SA, even before overtime and penalties. Always check the specific award or enterprise agreement for your role.