How do I know if I am being paid correctly as an anaesthetic nurse?

First, check your employment type (full-time, part-time, or casual) and your classification under the Nurses Award. Your employer should classify you according to the work you perform – anaesthetic nurses are usually Registered Nurse Level 1 or higher. Compare your hourly rate to the award rates published by the Fair Work Ombudsman. If you work under an enterprise agreement, that agreement may set a higher rate. Also remember that superannuation (12% from 1 July 2026) is paid on top of your ordinary time earnings.

Does superannuation count towards my anaesthetic nurse salary?

No. Superannuation guarantee contributions (currently 12% of ordinary time earnings) are paid by your employer on top of your salary or wage. They are not part of your take-home pay. When comparing your salary to award rates or the national minimum, look at the base hourly rate before super. The award rates in the Nurses Award are base rates; super is additional.

Anaesthetic Nurse Salary: Award Rates and Minimum Pay in Australia 2026-27

Q: What is the minimum wage for an anaesthetic nurse in Australia?

There is no separate classification for 'anaesthetic nurse' in the Nurses Award 2020. Anaesthetic nurses are typically registered nurses. The minimum hourly rate for a Registered Nurse Level 1, Pay Point 1 is $32.09 (from the first full pay period on or after 1 August 2026). If you are award-free, the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour applies, but most anaesthetic nurses are covered by the award or an enterprise agreement that pays more.

The legal minimum for a registered nurse (Level 1, Pay Point 1) under the Nurses Award is $32.09 per hour, but anaesthetic nurses may be classified at higher levels or under enterprise agreements.

Understanding the Anaesthetic Nurse Salary in Australia

If you are searching for an "anaesthetic nurse salary", the first thing to know is that there is no single classification for this role in the Nurses Award 2020. Anaesthetic nurses are registered nurses (RNs) who work in operating theatres, assisting with anaesthesia. Their pay is determined by the award classification that best matches their duties and qualifications, typically Registered Nurse Level 1 or higher.

Legal Minimum Pay: The National Minimum Wage and Award Rates

The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage, which from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week for a 38‑hour week). This is the absolute floor for award‑free employees. However, most anaesthetic nurses are covered by the Nurses Award 2020, which has much higher minimum rates.

Under the Nurses Award, the minimum hourly rate for a Registered Nurse Level 1, Pay Point 1 is $32.09 (from the first full pay period on or after 1 August 2026). This rate applies to a full‑time or part‑time employee. Casual employees receive a 25% loading, making the casual rate $40.11 per hour. The award also provides penalty rates for Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays.

How Anaesthetic Nurses Are Classified

Anaesthetic nurses typically hold a postgraduate qualification or have significant experience. The Nurses Award does not list "anaesthetic nurse" as a separate classification, so your employer must classify you under the most appropriate RN level. For example:

RN Level 1, Pay Point 1–8: Entry level to experienced RNs without management responsibilities.
RN Level 2, Pay Point 1–4: RNs with additional responsibilities, such as team leadership or specialised skills.
RN Level 3 and above: Senior roles with management or clinical specialist duties.

If you have a postgraduate certificate or diploma in anaesthetic nursing, you may be entitled to a higher pay point or a classification above Level 1. The award also includes rates for RNs with a 4‑year degree ($33.51/h) or a masters degree ($34.66/h) at entry level.

Award Rate vs Enterprise Agreement vs Individual Negotiation

The award sets the minimum conditions. Many hospitals and health services have enterprise agreements that provide higher pay. For example, a public hospital agreement might pay an anaesthetic nurse $40–$50 per hour depending on experience. If you work under an agreement, that rate replaces the award rate as long as it is not less than the award overall.

If you are not covered by an award or agreement, your minimum is the national minimum wage ($26.44/h). However, this is rare for anaesthetic nurses because the Nurses Award covers most private and public health employers.

Superannuation: An Extra Payment on Top

Your employer must pay superannuation guarantee contributions on your ordinary time earnings. From 1 July 2026, the rate is 12%. This is not deducted from your salary; it is paid into a super fund on top. When comparing your anaesthetic nurse salary to award rates, always look at the base hourly rate before super.

Practical Check: Compare Your Hourly Rate

To check if you are being paid correctly:

Find your classification in the Rate tables for the Nurses Award.
Confirm your employment type (full‑time, part‑time, casual).
Compare your base hourly rate to the award rate for your pay point.
If you work under an enterprise agreement, check that agreement’s rates.
Remember that junior rates, introductory rates, and supported wages can be lower – but these are uncommon for qualified anaesthetic nurses.

For more detail on how pay floors work, see our Guides on award coverage and the national minimum.

What If You Are Award‑Free?

If you are not covered by the Nurses Award (e.g., you work in a state‑system employer or a very small private practice), the national minimum wage applies. However, you may still be entitled to a higher rate under the Miscellaneous Award if you are an apprentice or trainee. Most anaesthetic nurses are covered by the Nurses Award, so check with your employer or the Fair Work Ombudsman.

Summary

The legal minimum for a registered nurse (the typical classification for anaesthetic nurses) is $32.09 per hour under the Nurses Award.
Enterprise agreements often pay more.
Superannuation (12%) is on top.
No single "anaesthetic nurse salary" exists in the award; your pay depends on your RN level and pay point.

Use the Rate tables to find the exact award rate for your classification, and always compare your base hourly rate before super.