CRNA Salary in Australia: Award Rates and Minimum Pay for Nurse Anaesthetists
The minimum hourly rate for a Registered Nurse (4 year degree) under the Nurses Award 2020 is $33.51, well above the national minimum wage of $26.44.
CRNA Salary in Australia: Understanding the Pay Floor
If you are searching for a "crna salary" in Australia, you may be accustomed to the US term Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. In Australia, the role is performed by registered nurses with advanced training in anaesthetics, and their minimum pay is set by the Nurses Award 2020. This guide explains the legal minimum, how award rates compare, and what superannuation you can expect.
Legal Minimum vs Award Rates
All employees in Australia are entitled to a minimum wage. For award‑free employees, the national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week (). However, most nurses are covered by the Nurses Award 2020, which sets higher minimum rates. The award rate is the legal floor for that classification – an employer cannot pay less, but can pay more via an enterprise agreement or individual contract.
Award Rates for Nurses
Under the Nurses Award 2020, minimum hourly rates for registered nurses (other than aged care employees) are as follows (from 1 July 2026):
- 4 year degree – $33.51 per hour
- Masters degree – $34.66 per hour
For enrolled nurses, rates range from $30.00 (Pay point 1) to $31.56 (Pay point 5). These rates are before tax and do not include casual loading (25% for casual employees) ().
If you are a nurse anaesthetist, your classification will depend on your qualifications and experience. The award also includes allowances for shift work, on‑call, and overtime. Always check the full award or your enterprise agreement for your exact rate.
Superannuation: An Employer Payment on Top
When discussing any salary, remember that superannuation is paid by your employer on top of your gross pay. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of ordinary time earnings. For a registered nurse earning $33.51 per hour, the employer contributes an additional $4.02 per hour into your super fund. This is not deducted from your take‑home pay.
Negotiated Salaries and Enterprise Agreements
Many hospitals and health services have enterprise agreements that set rates above the award minimum. For example, a nurse anaesthetist with a Masters degree might earn $40–$50 per hour under a private hospital agreement. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) does not publish a specific “crna salary” figure, but full‑time adult ordinary‑time earnings for all employees were $2,083.70 per week in May 2026. Your actual salary will depend on your employer, location, and experience.
How to Find Your Correct Rate
Use the Rate tables on this site to compare award rates with the national minimum. For personalised guidance, see our Guides on interpreting awards and enterprise agreements. Remember that the Fair Work Ombudsman enforces minimum pay, and the Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage each year.
Key Takeaways
- The term “crna salary” is not an official Australian classification; the relevant award is the Nurses Award 2020.
- Minimum hourly rates for registered nurses start at $33.51 (4 year degree) and go up to $34.66 (Masters degree).
- Superannuation of 12% is paid by the employer on top of your salary.
- Enterprise agreements and individual contracts can provide higher pay.
- Always check your award or agreement to ensure you are receiving at least the legal minimum.
Questions people ask next
What is the CRNA salary in Australia?
The term CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist) is not a standard classification in Australian awards. The equivalent role is typically performed by a registered nurse with advanced qualifications, covered by the Nurses Award 2020. Minimum hourly rates for a Registered Nurse range from $33.51 (4 year degree) to $34.66 (Masters degree) as at 1 July 2026. Actual salaries may be higher under enterprise agreements or individual contracts.
Does the Nurses Award apply to nurse anaesthetists?
Yes, the Nurses Award 2020 covers employers in the health industry and employees engaged in nursing duties, including nurse anaesthetists. The award sets minimum pay rates, allowances, and conditions. Check the classification definitions in Schedule A to determine the correct pay point. Enterprise agreements can provide higher rates.
How does superannuation affect take-home pay?
Superannuation is an employer contribution on top of your salary. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of ordinary time earnings. For a Registered Nurse earning the award minimum of $33.51 per hour, the employer must contribute an additional $4.02 per hour into a super fund. This is not deducted from your pay.
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