Registered Nurse Salary in Australia 2025: Pay, Scope & More

The registered nurse salary in Australia offers competitive compensation ranging from AUD 70,000 to AUD 95,000 annually in 2025, positioning Australia among the top-paying countries for nursing professionals globally. The nursing shortage projected through 2035 ensures exceptional job security, rapid career advancement, and increasing salary premiums across all Australian states and territories.

What Is the Average Registered Nurse Salary in Australia in 2025?

The average registered nurse salary in Australia ranges from AUD 70 to 95000 per year in 2025, with the national median of approximately AUD 88000 per annum. The average salaries of novice registered nurses are approximately AUD 70,000, whereas senior RNs with 10 years of experience obtain salaries above AUD 95,000 to above AUD 100,000. 

This average registered nurse salary in Australia includes base salary, shift salary rate, overtime opportunities, and weekend and holiday penalty rate. The median weekly earnings of registered nurses in the country are AUD 2,156, which reflects the good earning capacity of the healthcare sector in Australia.

The average registered nurse salary in Australia reflects competitive compensation when compared to global standards, with additional benefits including 11.5% superannuation contributions, 4 weeks annual leave, and comprehensive health coverage.

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How Does Registered Nurse Salary Vary by Australian State and Territory?

The Registered nurse salary in Australia is quite different in the various states and territories, with a range of AUD 35,000 difference in salaries between the states and territories. The Northern Territory is the most well-paid (average salaries are AUD 85,000 -105,000), whereas the range of salaries in Victoria is the largest (AUD 58,489- 129,833).

Which Australian State Pays Registered Nurses the Highest Salary?

The ANS registered nurse salary in Australia in the Northern Territory is the highest in Australia, with a range of AUD 85,000 -105,000, with an average of AUD 84,250 annually. This premium covers remote location issues, critical staffing issues, and increases in the cost of living. The weekly equivalent earnings are between AUD 1,635 -2,000, and other incentives such as bonuses in remote areas and relocation packages tend to add to the compensation packages by AUD 10,000- 15,000.

What Are Registered Nurse Salaries in New South Wales (NSW)?

The registered nurse salary in Australia is between AUD 69,810 -98,014, and enrolled nurses are paid between AUD 62,914- 70,454. Sydney metropolitan areas are priced at an average of AUD 85000 -90000, which is more expensive to live in. The median per week is AUD 2,180, and overtime is available in the large teaching hospitals and the emergency departments.

How Much Do Registered Nurses Earn in Victoria (VIC)?

The registered nurse salary in Australia ranges, with the highest number of registered nurses in Victoria, ranging between AUD 58,489 -129,833, and Melbourne at AUD 75,000 - 85,000. An EN nurse's base salary is AUD 54,672, and specialised aged care positions are usually higher than the average. Median weekly is AUD 2,150, and regional Victoria is competitive in terms of rates as well as lifestyle advantages.

What Is the Registered Nurse Salary in Queensland (QLD)?

The Queensland registered nurse salary in Australia starts at AUD 79,058 and 96,144, and the average in Brisbane is AUD 90,000-95,000. The offerings of Cairns and the Gold Coast include AUD 85,000 - 95,000, and the average weekly earnings are AUD 2,140. Over time, most Queensland nurses earn AUD 120,000 -140,000 every year, especially those working in emergency and critical care units.

What Factors Influence Registered Nurse Salaries in Australia in 2025?

Several key factors determine registered nurse salary levels, with variations of up to 50% possible between entry-level and highly specialised roles. Understanding these factors helps nurses maximise their earning potential throughout their careers.

How Does Experience Level Affect Registered Nurse Salary?

Experience significantly impacts the registered nurse salary in Australia progression:

Do Nursing Specialisations Impact Salary in Australia?

Specialised nursing roles command significant premiums over general registered nurse salaries in Australia:

The certified registered nurse anaesthetist salary in Australia represents the highest-paid nursing specialisation, requiring additional postgraduate qualifications and specialised training in anaesthesia administration.

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What Are the Latest Hourly and Weekly Earnings for Registered Nurses in Australia?

In addition to the annual figures of registered nurse salary Australia, hourly and weekly pay will offer ideal information to shift workers and individuals who want to get an opportunity to work overtime. The median hourly rate is between AUD 35 and AUD 45, and there is a high possibility of a penalty rate. 

What Is the Average Hourly Rate for Registered Nurses?

Standard Hourly Rates by Experience:

• Entry Level: AUD 31.39/hour

• Early Career (1-4 years): AUD 34.44/hour

• Mid Career (5-9 years): AUD 40.23/hour

• Experienced (10-19 years): AUD 41.42/hour

• Late Career (20+ years): AUD 42+/hour

Overtime and Penalty Rates:

• Weekday Overtime: 1.5x base rate

• Saturday Work: 1.5x base rate

• Sunday Work: 1.75-2x base rate

• Public Holidays: 2.5x base rate

• Night Shift Allowance: +15-20%

Current data shows the average registered nurse salary in Australia translates to AUD 52.04 per hour across all experience levels.

How Much Do Nurses Earn Weekly in Australia?

Having overtime possibilities, a full-time nurse who works 38 hours and 10 hours overtime will reach AUD 2,500 - 3,000 weekly, which will increase the annual registered nurse salary Australia significantly. National and State Weekly Medians:

• National Median: AUD 2,156/week

• NSW: AUD 2,180/week

• VIC: AUD 2,150/week

• QLD: AUD 2,140/week

• WA: AUD 2,220/week

• SA: AUD 2,100/week

• TAS: AUD 2,080/week

• NT: AUD 2,250/week

• ACT: AUD 2,200/week

What Benefits and Allowances Do Registered Nurses Receive in Australia?

Australian registered nurses enjoy comprehensive compensation packages beyond base registered nurse salary Australia figures, with benefits typically adding 15-25% to total remuneration value. Understanding these additional benefits is crucial for assessing total earning potential.

What Superannuation Do Nurses Receive?

Some of the extensions the nurses may get in Australia include a compulsory employer superannuation contribution, voluntary and salary sacrifice contributions, which assist the nurses in accumulating retirement savings progressively as time goes.

• Compulsory employer contribution is 11.5 per cent. (as of July 2025)

• More voluntary contributions are possible

• Tax benefit plans of salary sacrifice

• The average superannuation on an AUD 88,000 salary is AUD 10,120 per annum

What Leave Entitlements Do Australian Nurses Get?

Australian nurses have a variety of leave benefits such as paid annual leave, personal and sick leave, long service leave, parental leave and sometimes study leave in further developing their professional needs.

• Annual Leave: 4 weeks (152 hours) paid

• Personal/Sick Leave: 10 days a year

• Long Service Leave: 7-10 years (depending on the state)

• Parental Leave: 18 weeks, which are government-funded and added to by employers

• Study Leave: Often professional development

What Additional Allowances Can Nurses Claim?

Some of the allowances that nurses in Australia may demand include shift differentials, meal allowances, uniform and professional development expenses, remote area allowances, on-call, and some specific jobs that may attract relocation expenses.

1. Shift Allowances: evening/night/weekend AUD 5-15 per shift.

2. Meal Allowances: AUD 15- 25 in case of working overtime.

3. Equal Allowances: AUD 200-500 per year.

4. Allowances on Professional Development: AUD 500-1,500/year.

5. Remote Area Allowances: AUD 10,000-20,000 for rural jobs.

6. On-Call Allowances: AUD 50-100 on-calls.

7. Relocation Services: AUD 5,000-15,000 for local relocations.

How Do You Become a Registered Nurse in Australia to Earn These Salaries in 2025?

To earn competitive registered nurse salary Australia rates, candidates must complete specific educational requirements, pass English proficiency tests, and obtain AHPRA registration. For international nurses, additional assessments and bridging programs may be required.

What Educational Qualifications Are Required for Registered Nurses?

For Australian Students:

• Bachelor of Nursing (3 years full-time)

• 800+ clinical practice hours

• AHPRA-accredited program

• Graduate with RN eligibility

For International Nurses:

• Bachelor of Nursing or equivalent

• Educational equivalency assessment

• Additional coursework if gaps are identified

• Bridging programs when required

What English Language Requirements Must Nurses Meet?

Accepted English Tests and Scores:

IELTS Academic:

• Overall: 7.0

• Each band (Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking): 7.0

OET (Occupational English Test):

• Grade B in all four skills

TOEFL iBT:

• Overall: 94

• Listening: 24, Reading: 24, Writing: 27, Speaking: 23

PTE Academic:

• Overall: 65

• Each communicative skill: 65

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What Are the Career Growth Opportunities for Registered Nurses in Australia?

Registered nurse salary Australia offers exceptional career advancement opportunities, with clear pathways to leadership roles, specialised practice, and six-figure salaries. The nursing shortage projected through 2035 ensures strong job security and promotion prospects.

How Can Registered Nurses Advance to Leadership Positions?

Registered nurse salaries in Australia have a well-defined and clear channel in which they can become leaders through the accrual of clinical skills, specialised competency, and experience in management. Nurses can climb the ranks starting with entry-level positions, some Senior RN positions, then Clinical Nurse Specialist positions, followed by Clinical Nurse Manager positions, and finally, top leadership positions, such as Nurse Practitioner or Director of Nursing. Leadership presents nurses with the chance to realise a realistic and fulfilling career objective as each level presents the added duties, higher wages, and more chances to pursue professional development through further education and certification.

What Specialised Nursing Roles Offer Higher Salaries?

The certified registered nurse anaesthetist salary in Australia requires a postgraduate anaesthesia qualification and represents a critical shortage area with exceptional earning potential.

• Certified Registered Nurse Anaesthetist Salary Australia: AUD 103,234 - 147,395

• Critical Care/ICU Nurse: AUD 82,905 - 100,000

• Emergency Department Nurse: AUD 74,009 - 95,000

• Mental Health Nurse: AUD 75,000 - 90,000

• Aged Care Specialist: AUD 75,000 - 85,000

What Is the Job Outlook for Registered Nurses in Australia in 2025?

Australia faces a critical nursing shortage, with demand projected to exceed supply by 70,000+ nurses by 2035. This shortage, combined with an ageing population and healthcare sector expansion, creates exceptional opportunities for registered nurse salary growth in 2025 and beyond.

Is There a Nursing Shortage in Australia?

Australia is facing a significant nursing shortage that is expected to worsen over the coming years. By 2035, the country may be short of over 70,000 nurses nationwide, with current vacancy rates ranging from 8% to 12% across states. 

2025 Nursing Shortage Statistics:

• Projected Shortage: 70,000+ nurses by 2035

• Current Vacancy Rate: 8-12% across states

• Aged Care Sector: Critical shortage areas

• Regional Areas: Particularly high demand

Contributing Factors:

• Ageing population (18% over 65 by 2030)

• Nurse retirements increasing

• Healthcare sector growth +5.1% annually

• Post-pandemic healthcare demand

Which Nursing Specialisations Are in Highest Demand?

Certain nursing specialisations are urgently needed across Australia due to their critical roles in healthcare delivery. Aged care nursing is facing a critical shortage, while mental health nursing is expanding rapidly. 

• Aged Care Nursing - Critical shortage

• Mental Health Nursing - Expanding services

• Critical Care/ICU - Post-pandemic demand

• Rural and Remote Nursing - Significant incentives

• Emergency Department - Consistent demand

• Certified Registered Nurse Anaesthetist Salary Australia roles - Highest premiums

How Does Cost of Living Impact Real Nurse Salaries Across Australia in 2025?

While the absolute registered nurse salary in Australia figures are important, purchasing power varies significantly across states and territories. A nurse earning AUD 70,000 in Adelaide may have comparable living standards to one earning AUD 85,000 in Sydney due to cost differences.

Which Australian Cities Offer the Best Salary-to-Cost-of-Living Ratio for Nurses?

When considering both salary and living expenses, certain Australian cities stand out as more favourable for nurses. Cities like Brisbane, Adelaide, and Hobart offer competitive nursing salaries combined with relatively lower living costs compared to major metropolitan hubs like Sydney and Melbourne.

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How Do Australian Nursing Salaries Compare Internationally?

Registered nurse salary in Australia ranks among the highest globally, with competitive advantages over the UK, Canada, and most European nations. When adjusted for purchasing power and benefits, Australia offers particularly attractive compensation packages.

Australia vs UK Nursing Salaries

Here is the Australia and UK salary comparison:

• Australia: AUD 70,000 - 95,000 (GBP 36,000 - 49,000)

• UK: GBP 28,000 - 35,000 (AUD 54,000 - 68,000)

• Advantage: Australia by 25-30%

Australia vs USA Nursing Salaries

Here is the Australia and USA salary comparison:

• Australia: AUD 70,000 - 95,000 (USD 46,000 - 62,000)

• USA: USD 65,000 - 85,000 (AUD 99,000 - 130,000)

• Context: US higher salaries but no universal healthcare, minimal leave vs Australia's comprehensive benefits

What Are the Tax Implications for Registered Nurse Salaries in Australia in 2025?

Understanding take-home pay from a registered nurse's salary in Australia is crucial for financial planning. Australian nurses benefit from a progressive tax system with various healthcare worker deductions available.

What Is the Take-Home Pay for Nurses at Different Salary Levels?

Understanding take-home pay is crucial for nurses as it reflects the actual income after taxes and mandatory contributions. In Australia, registered nurses at various experience levels face different tax brackets, affecting their net earnings.

AUD 70,000 Annual Salary (Entry-Level):

• Gross: AUD 70,000

• Tax: AUD 13,387

• Medicare Levy: AUD 1,400

• Net: AUD 55,213 (~AUD 4,601/month)

AUD 88,000 Annual Salary (Average):

• Gross: AUD 88,000

• Tax: AUD 19,147

• Medicare Levy: AUD 1,760

• Net: AUD 67,093 (~AUD 5,591/month)

AUD 100,000 Annual Salary (Experienced):

• Gross: AUD 100,000

• Tax: AUD 23,867

• Medicare Levy: AUD 2,000

• Net: AUD 74,133 (~AUD 6,178/month)

What Tax Deductions Can Nurses Claim?

Nurses in Australia can claim multiple tax deductions related to their work expenses, which can help reduce their taxable income and increase their refunds.

• Uniform and Protective Clothing: AUD 500-1,000

• Professional Registration Fees (AHPRA): AUD 370-450

• Union Fees: AUD 500-700

• Professional Development Courses: AUD 1,000-3,000

• Car Travel (work-related): Variable

• Home Office Expenses: AUD 500-1,500

• Medical equipment Purchases: Variable

• Potential Tax Savings: AUD 1,500 - 3,500 annually

Read More: Average Salary in Australia Per Month: Latest Figures

Conclusion

Registered nurse salary in Australia offers competitive compensation ranging from AUD 70,000 for entry-level positions to over AUD 150,000 for specialised and experienced roles in 2025. With the average registered nurse salary in Australia sitting at approximately AUD 88,000 annually, nurses enjoy strong earning potential enhanced by overtime opportunities, comprehensive benefits, and clear career progression pathways. 

For official information about Australia's healthcare workforce development and professional recognition processes, visit the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) website, which provides comprehensive guidance on registration requirements, professional standards, and career pathways for international healthcare professionals. To know more about registered nurse salary in Australia, visit TerraTern now!