Nurse salary NSW: awards, the national minimum wage, and what the index says

What does "nurse salary NSW" mean?

When you search for "nurse salary NSW", you are usually looking for how much a nurse working in New South Wales can expect to earn. The answer depends on whether you look at the legal minimum under the award, the typical pay under an enterprise agreement, or the average across the state. This article explains the award minimums, the recent work value increase from the NSW Industrial Relations Commission, and how these figures compare to the national index.

Awards versus the national minimum wage

The national minimum wage sets the absolute floor for all employees. From 1 July 2026, it is $26.44 per hour or $1004.90 per week, which gives an index of 48.2 when compared to full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $2083.70 per week (index 100). Modern awards, like the Nurses Award 2020, set higher minimum rates for specific occupations. The award is the legal minimum for a nurse unless an enterprise agreement or individual contract provides more.

The Nurses Award 2020 (MA000034) covers employers in the health industry and their nursing employees. It includes detailed classification definitions and pay points for enrolled nurses, registered nurses, and other roles. The award was last varied on 1 August 2026 (PR812118) and includes a 4.75% increase from 1 July 2026.

What the Nurses Award says for NSW

The award applies nationally, but NSW has its own industrial relations system for state public sector nurses. However, the award still sets the baseline for many private sector nurses and those not covered by a state enterprise agreement. Here are some key minimum weekly rates from the award:

• Enrolled nurse (21 years and over): $1024.70 per week ($26.97 per hour). Annualised: $53,284.
• Registered nurse level 1, pay point 1: $1219.50 per week ($32.09 per hour). Annualised: $63,414.
• Registered nurse level 2, pay point 1: $1504.40 per week ($39.59 per hour). Annualised: $78,229.
• Registered nurse level 5, grade 6: $2706.90 per week ($71.23 per hour). Annualised: $140,759.

These are the minimums. Many nurses in NSW are paid above these rates, especially in public hospitals where enterprise agreements apply.

The 2026 NSW work value increase

In April 2026, the Industrial Relations Commission of New South Wales handed down a landmark decision in the case New South Wales Nurses and Midwives' Association v Health Secretary. The Full Bench found that nursing work had been historically undervalued because of gender. It awarded:

• 16% increase for registered nurses and midwives
• 18% increase for enrolled nurses
• 28% increase for assistants in nursing

These increases are phased over three years starting 1 July 2025. By the time the full increase is in place, a registered nurse level 1 in the NSW public sector will earn significantly more than the award minimum. The Commission also recognised the changing value of money due to high inflation since the last major pay case in 2009.

This decision means that for many nurses in NSW, the actual salary is now well above the national award floor. The state index for NSW is 101.2 (annualised $109,658), and nurse salaries in the public sector are likely to be around or above that level after the increases.

How the index works for nurse salary NSW

The Salary Index compares gross yearly ordinary-time earnings to the national line of 100, which is $108,352 per year. The national minimum wage sits at 48.2. The health care and social assistance industry index is 97.8, slightly below the national average. But nursing is a skilled profession within that industry, and individual nurse salaries can range from below 60 to above 130 depending on level and experience.

For example, a registered nurse level 1 at the award minimum of $63,414 has an index of about 58.5. That is well below the national line. But after the NSW work value increase, the same nurse might earn closer to $73,500 (index 67.8). A registered nurse level 5 at the award minimum of $140,759 has an index of 129.9, above the national line.

Superannuation and tax considerations

All nurse salaries are quoted before super. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of ordinary time earnings, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830. So a nurse earning $70,000 would receive $8,400 in super, making total remuneration $78,400.

Tax for the 2026–27 year (excluding Medicare) is:

• 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% above $190,000

Plus a 2% Medicare levy. Take-home pay estimates should account for these rates but ignore HELP repayments, salary sacrifice, and the Medicare levy surcharge.

Where to find more information

For the full award rates, see the pay guides on the Fair Work Ombudsman website. For state-specific comparisons, visit the states page. The industries page shows how health care compares to other sectors.

Summary

Nurse salary NSW is not a single number. The award minimums are below the national average, but the 2026 work value increase has lifted actual pay for many nurses in the public sector. When using the index, a typical registered nurse in NSW now earns around or above the state average of 101.2. Always check the specific classification and enterprise agreement for an accurate figure.