Anesthetic Nurse Salary: Award Rates and Minimum Pay in Australia

Understanding the Anesthetic Nurse Salary in Australia

When searching for an anesthetic nurse salary, it is important to know that there is no single classification called 'anaesthetic nurse' in Australian workplace laws. Instead, nurses working in anaesthetics or operating theatres are covered by the Nurses Award 2020 (MA000034), which sets minimum pay rates based on their specific role, qualifications, and experience. This guide explains how to find the correct pay floor and compare it with the national minimum wage.

Which Award Applies?

The Nurses Award covers employers in the health industry and their employees in classifications listed in Schedule A. This includes nursing assistants, enrolled nurses, registered nurses, and other nursing roles. If you work as a nurse in an anaesthetic department, your classification will likely be one of these. The award applies to full-time, part-time, and casual employees. Part-time workers receive the same hourly rates as full-time employees but work fewer hours. Casual employees get a 25% loading on top of the minimum hourly rate.

Minimum Rates Under the Nurses Award

The Fair Work Commission sets the rates in the Nurses Award, which are updated each year. For the first full pay period on or after 1 August 2026, the following minimum hourly rates apply (other than aged care):

• Registered Nurse Level 1, pay point 1: $32.09 per hour ($1,219.50 per week)
• Registered Nurse Level 1, pay point 8 and thereafter: $38.57 per hour ($1,465.50 per week)
• Enrolled Nurse pay point 1: $30.00 per hour ($1,139.90 per week)
• Nursing assistant (1st year): $27.65 per hour ($1,050.70 per week)

These are the legal minimums. Your actual pay may be higher if you have more experience, hold a relevant certificate or degree, or work under an enterprise agreement. The award also includes penalty rates for weekends and public holidays.

Comparing with the National Minimum Wage

The national minimum wage 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, which sets higher minimums. Even the lowest nursing assistant rate ($27.65/h) is above the national minimum. If you are award-free (rare for nurses), the national minimum applies, but you may still be entitled to higher rates under an enterprise agreement or contract.

Superannuation Is Paid on Top

All minimum rates mentioned are before tax and do not include superannuation. Employers must pay super guarantee contributions on top of your ordinary time earnings. From 1 July 2026, the super rate is 12%. For example, a Registered Nurse Level 1 earning $32.09 per hour would have an additional $3.85 per hour paid into their super fund. This is not part of your take-home pay but is a mandatory employer contribution.

What About Survey Averages?

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) publishes median earnings for occupations, but it does not provide a specific median for 'anaesthetic nurse'. The ABS data for anaesthetists (medical specialists) shows a median weekly earning of $8,293, but that is a different profession requiring a medical degree. For nurses, the ABS reports median weekly earnings for registered nurses (around $1,800–$2,000 depending on the survey), but these figures include all settings and experience levels. They are not a legal minimum and should not be used to set a wage.

How to Check Your Pay

To ensure you are being paid correctly, follow these steps:

1. Identify your classification under the Nurses Award using the definitions in Schedule A.
2. Find your pay point based on years of experience or qualifications.
3. Check the current minimum rates on the Fair Work Ombudsman website or use our Rate tables for a summary.
4. If you work under an enterprise agreement, that agreement may provide higher rates than the award.
5. Remember that casual employees get a 25% loading on the base hourly rate.

If you are not covered by any award or agreement, the national minimum wage applies. But for most nurses, the award is the starting point.

Important Notes

• The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage and modern award rates. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides guidance and enforces compliance.
• Junior employees (under 21) may be paid a percentage of the adult rate if award-free, but the Nurses Award has its own junior rates for some classifications.
• Apprentices and trainees have separate rates under the Miscellaneous Award if award-free.
• This information is for guidance only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. For your specific situation, consult the award or a professional.

For more details on how minimum wages work in Australia, see our Which minimum wage applies guide or How the figures work page.