Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
February 27, 2025
.jpg)
Nurses in Australia earn competitive salaries that vary based on qualifications, experience, workplace setting, and location. The national average salary for a registered nurse is around AUD 85,000 per year, with significant variations depending on the state and sector. Entry-level nurses start at approximately AUD 70,000 annually, while experienced nurses can earn over AUD 110,000. Public sector nurses follow state pay scales, while private sector salaries can fluctuate depending on employer agreements and demand.
The earnings of registered nurses differ across states due to varying healthcare funding, cost of living, and demand. In New South Wales, registered nurses earn between AUD 80,000 and AUD 95,000 annually. In Victoria, salaries range from AUD 79,000 to AUD 92,000, while Queensland offers compensation between AUD 77,000 and AUD 90,000. South Australia and Western Australia provide similar pay scales, though Western Australia’s remote areas often include additional incentives. Tasmania and the Northern Territory generally offer lower base salaries, ranging from AUD 75,000 to AUD 87,000, but include financial incentives to attract healthcare professionals.
Public sector nurses follow structured salary scales determined by state governments and union agreements. Pay increases are based on years of service and additional qualifications. Private sector nurses have more varied salaries, often earning higher hourly wages, particularly in private hospitals, aged care, and specialist clinics. While private healthcare settings offer competitive pay, they may not include the same benefits as public healthcare roles, such as pension contributions and extended leave options.
Aged care nurses earn an average of AUD 75,000 to AUD 95,000 annually, depending on experience and location. Due to the increasing demand for aged care professionals, wages have been gradually increasing, with government incentives introduced to retain staff. The Australian government’s Aged Care Award structure ensures that qualified aged care nurses receive fair compensation, though pay may be higher in private residential care settings.
Specialized nurses often earn significantly more than general registered nurses. Intensive care unit (ICU) nurses, surgical nurses, and midwives have salaries that range from AUD 90,000 to AUD 130,000 per year, depending on qualifications and experience. Nurse practitioners, who hold advanced clinical roles, can earn upwards of AUD 140,000 annually, making this one of the highest-paid nursing positions in Australia.
Many nurses boost their earnings through overtime, weekend shifts, and night work. Shift penalties and weekend allowances can increase total pay by 10 to 30 percent. In high-demand periods, particularly in emergency and aged care, some nurses receive additional incentives, making shift work a viable way to enhance income.
With a growing demand for healthcare workers, Australian nursing salaries are expected to continue rising. Government initiatives and workforce strategies aim to retain experienced nurses while attracting new professionals to the field. While salaries vary across states and sectors, nursing remains one of Australia’s most stable and well-compensated professions, with significant opportunities for career growth.
Join our weekly digest and be the first one to know about new articles.
