RN 8 salary NSW per hour: award classification and the national minimum wage

RN 8 salary NSW per hour: what the award rate is and how it compares with the national minimum wage

If you are searching for rn 8 salary nsw per hour, you are likely looking at a senior nursing classification under the NSW Nurses and Midwives (State) Award. This guide explains what that classification means, how the award rate relates to the legal minimum, and where to find the exact figure.

What is RN 8?

RN 8 is a classification level for Registered Nurses in NSW Health. It covers roles such as clinical nurse consultants, nurse managers, and other senior positions. The award sets minimum pay rates for each level, and those rates are reviewed annually by the Fair Work Commission. Because RN 8 is a senior role, its minimum hourly rate is well above the national minimum wage.

The legal minimum vs. the award rate

Australia has a national minimum wage that applies to employees not covered by an award or registered agreement. From 1 July 2026, that rate is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a 38‑hour week. Casual employees also receive a 25% casual loading, making the casual minimum $33.05 per hour.

However, most nurses in NSW are covered by the NSW Nurses and Midwives Award. That award sets its own minimum pay rates, which are higher than the national minimum. The RN 8 classification has its own pay point within the award. The Fair Work Ombudsman explains that an award or registered agreement can require a higher rate than the national minimum. You cannot be paid less than the minimum that applies to your job, even if you agree to it.

Where to find the exact RN 8 hourly rate

The exact hourly figure for RN 8 is not available from the search results used for this guide. To find it, use the Fair Work Ombudsman’s Pay and Conditions Tool (PACT) or download the Pay guide for the NSW Nurses and Midwives Award. The rates are updated each year, usually from the first full pay period on or after 1 July. The award also includes allowances for shift penalties, allowances, and superannuation guarantee of 12% on top of ordinary time earnings.

Super is an employer payment on top

When discussing pay, remember that super is an employer payment on top of ordinary time earnings. The super guarantee is 12% of ordinary time earnings. For example, if your award rate is $50.00 per hour, the employer must also contribute 12% of that amount into your super fund. This applies to all award-covered employees.

How the figures work

• The Fair Work Commission sets the national minimum wage. The Fair Work Ombudsman explains and enforces it. The Ombudsman does not set the rate. The same principle applies to award rates: the Fair Work Commission sets the minimum for each classification.

Not all workers get $26.44 an hour

Juniors, apprentices, trainees, introductory award rates, and supported wages can be lower. For award‑free employees, the national minimum is $26.44 per hour. For those under 21, the rate is a percentage of the national minimum. For example, a 19‑year‑old under the national minimum is $21.82 per hour. The RN 8 classification is for adults and is not junior.

Internal resources

• Which minimum wage applies – find out if you are covered by an award or the national minimum.
• Rate tables – see the current national minimum and award backstop rates.

Summary

The RN 8 salary in NSW per hour is set by the NSW Nurses and Midwives Award. It is a senior classification with a rate higher than the national minimum wage. To get the exact figure, refer to the award pay guide or use the Fair Work Ombudsman’s tools. Always check that your employer must also pay super on top.

For the published floors, see the rate tables and how the figures work.