What is the minimum hourly rate for a registered nurse in Australia?

The minimum hourly rate depends on the classification under the Nurses Award 2020. For a registered nurse level 1 pay point 1, the rate is $32.09 per hour as of 1 August 2026. Higher classifications and pay points attract higher rates. If no award applies, the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour (from 1 July 2026) is the floor.

Do registered nurses get penalty rates and overtime?

Yes. The Nurses Award sets penalty rates for Saturday (time‑and‑a‑half), Sunday (double time), and public holidays (double time and a half). Overtime is also payable. These rates apply in addition to the base hourly rate. Award‑free employees may not have these entitlements unless specified in their contract.

Is superannuation included in the registered nurse salary?

No. The minimum salary or wage is paid before super. Employers must pay an additional 12% superannuation guarantee on top of ordinary time earnings (as of 2026‑27). For a registered nurse earning $32.09 per hour, the super contribution is about $3.85 per hour.

Registered nurse salary: award rates vs award-free minimums in Australia

Under the Nurses Award 2020, a registered nurse level 1 pay point 1 earns a minimum $32.09 per hour, plus 12% superannuation.

Registered nurse salary: award coverage versus award‑free rates

When researching the registered nurse salary in Australia, the first question is which pay floor applies. Most registered nurses are covered by the Nurses Award 2020 (MA000034), a modern award made by the Fair Work Commission. The award sets minimum wages, penalty rates, overtime, and conditions. If an employer is not covered by any award or enterprise agreement, the national minimum wage applies instead.

Minimum rates under the Nurses Award

The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes the official award rates. From the first full pay period starting on or after 1 August 2026, the minimum weekly and hourly rates for registered nurses (other than aged care employees) are:

Registered nurse level 1, pay point 1: $1,219.50 per week / $32.09 per hour
Registered nurse level 1, pay point 8 and thereafter: $1,465.50 per week / $38.57 per hour
Registered nurse level 2, pay point 1: $1,504.40 per week / $39.59 per hour
Registered nurse level 3, pay point 1: $1,631.20 per week / $42.93 per hour
Registered nurse level 4, grade 1: $1,861.70 per week / $48.99 per hour
Registered nurse level 5, grade 6: $2,706.90 per week / $71.23 per hour

These rates apply to full‑time employees working 38 ordinary hours per week. Part‑time employees receive the same hourly rate on a pro‑rata basis. Casual employees get an additional 25% loading, so the casual hourly rate for RN level 1 pay point 1 is $40.11.

Aged care registered nurses

The award also has a separate stream for registered nurses in aged care, with different pay structures following the Fair Work Commission’s Work Value Case. From 1 August 2026, the minimum rates for aged care RNs are:

Registered nurse level 1, first year: $1,571.60 per week / $41.36 per hour
Registered nurse level 1, in excess of 4 years: $1,801.10 per week / $47.40 per hour
Registered nurse level 2, first 3 years: $1,947.70 per week / $51.26 per hour

These rates are higher than the general RN rates because of the work value adjustments. Employees who were on a higher grade before 1 March 2025 retain that higher rate.

How the award compares with the national minimum wage

The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week). Every modern award rate must be at least this amount. The Nurses Award rates are well above the national minimum, reflecting the skill and responsibility of nursing work. If a registered nurse were award‑free (rare in practice), the legal minimum would be $26.44 per hour, plus casual loading if applicable.

Superannuation is on top

All minimum pay rates quoted are before tax and do not include superannuation. Employers must pay the superannuation guarantee of 12% on top of ordinary time earnings. For an RN level 1 pay point 1 earning $32.09 per hour, the super contribution is about $3.85 per hour, making the total employment cost $35.94 per hour.

Award or agreement can set a higher rate

The rates in the Nurses Award are minimums. An enterprise agreement or individual contract can provide a higher registered nurse salary. Many public hospitals and private health providers pay above‑award rates through enterprise agreements. Always check your specific employment instrument.

What if no award applies?

If an employer is not covered by the Nurses Award or any other award, the employee is award‑free. In that case, the national minimum wage applies. For award‑free employees under 21, junior percentage rates apply (e.g., 18‑year‑old: $18.06 per hour). Apprentices and trainees have separate rates under the Miscellaneous Award.

For more detail on which minimum applies to you, see our Which minimum wage applies guide. You can also browse the full Rate tables for all classifications.

Summary

The registered nurse salary floor is set by the Nurses Award 2020, with rates ranging from $32.09 per hour for entry‑level RNs to over $71 per hour for senior nurse managers. These rates are significantly above the national minimum wage. Superannuation of 12% is paid on top. Always verify your classification and pay point using the Fair Work Ombudsman’s resources or consult our Guides for more information.

This article is for orientation only. It is not a pay determination or legal advice. Always refer to the official award or the Fair Work Ombudsman for binding rates.