Nurses Award Pay Rates Calculator
Full pay rates, penalty rates, and break rules for the Nurses Award 2020 (MA000034).
Last verified: 1 July 2025Quick Answer
The Nurses Award (MA000034) Level 1 base rate is $30.72/hr for permanent employees and $38.40/hr for casuals (incl. 25% loading). Common roles: Registered nurse, Enrolled nurse, Nurse practitioner, Clinical nurse.
Classification Pay Rates — Nurses Award
| Level | Classification | Base Rate | Casual Rate | Weekly (38 hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RN Level 1.1 | Registered Nurse Level 1.1 | $30.72 | $38.40 | $1,167.36 |
| RN Level 1.2 | Registered Nurse Level 1.2 | $31.85 | $39.81 | $1,210.30 |
| RN Level 1.3 | Registered Nurse Level 1.3 | $32.98 | $41.23 | $1,253.24 |
| RN Level 2 | Registered Nurse Level 2 | $34.70 | $43.38 | $1,318.60 |
| RN Level 3 | Registered Nurse Level 3 | $37.12 | $46.40 | $1,410.56 |
| EN Level 1 | Enrolled Nurse Level 1 | $26.58 | $33.23 | $1,010.04 |
| EN Level 2 | Enrolled Nurse Level 2 | $27.41 | $34.26 | $1,041.58 |
Rates effective July 2025 Annual Wage Review. Casual rate includes 25% loading.
Penalty Rates — Nurses Award
| Penalty Type | Multiplier | Level 1 Rate | Level 1 Casual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday | 150% | $46.08 | $57.60 |
| Sunday | 175% | $53.76 | $67.20 |
| Public Holiday | 250% | $76.80 | $96.00 |
| Afternoon Shift | 113% | $34.56 | $43.20 |
| Night Shift | 115% | $35.33 | $44.16 |
| Overtime (first 2 hours) | 150% | $46.08 | $57.60 |
| Overtime (after 2 hours) | 200% | $61.44 | $76.80 |
Penalty rates are calculated on the base hourly rate. Casual penalty amounts use the casual loaded rate as the base.
Break Entitlements — Nurses Award
| Shift Length | Meal Break | Rest Break | Paid? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 5 hours | — | — | No |
| 5–7.6 hours | 30 min | — | No |
| 7.6–10 hours | 30 min | 10 min | Yes |
| 10+ hours | 60 min | 20 min | Yes |
Calculate Your Penalty Rate
Use the calculator below to find your exact penalty rate for any classification level under the Nurses Award.
Frequently Asked Questions — Nurses Award
What is the minimum pay rate under the Nurses Award?
The minimum base rate under the Nurses Award 2020 (MA000034) is $30.72 per hour for a Level 1 full-time or part-time employee. Casual employees at Level 1 receive $38.40 per hour, which includes the 25% casual loading.
What are the penalty rates under the Nurses Award?
Penalty rates under the Nurses Award 2020 vary by the type of work. Saturday: 150% ($46.08/hr at Level 1). Sunday: 175% ($53.76/hr at Level 1). Public Holiday: 250% ($76.80/hr at Level 1). Afternoon Shift: 113% ($34.56/hr at Level 1). Night Shift: 115% ($35.33/hr at Level 1). Overtime (first 2 hours): 150% ($46.08/hr at Level 1). Overtime (after 2 hours): 200% ($61.44/hr at Level 1). These are calculated on the base rate, not the casual loaded rate.
How many classification levels are there in the Nurses Award?
The Nurses Award 2020 has 7 classification levels, ranging from RN Level 1.1 at $30.72/hr to EN Level 2 at $27.41/hr.
What breaks am I entitled to under the Nurses Award?
Break entitlements under the Nurses Award 2020 depend on shift length. Up to 5 hours: no meal break. 5–7.6 hours: 30-minute meal break. 7.6–10 hours: 30-minute meal break + 10-minute rest break (paid). 10+ hours: 60-minute meal break + 20-minute rest break (paid).
What jobs are covered by the Nurses Award?
Common job titles covered by the Nurses Award 2020 include Registered nurse, Enrolled nurse, Nurse practitioner, Clinical nurse, Midwife, Nursing assistant. The award applies to the Nursing industry. If you're unsure whether this award covers your role, use our Award Finder tool.
Still unsure about your situation? Ask FairWork Mate AI →
Free 2 questions/day. Australian-grounded answers from 260+ live FWC + Federal Court decisions, with calculator tools built in.
Get notified when rates change
Free alerts when minimum wage, award rates, or workplace laws are updated.
Free forever. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Stuck on your numbers?
Email us with your situation and we'll point you to the right answer. Real human.
General information and estimates only — not legal, financial, or tax advice. Always verify with the Fair Work Ombudsman (13 13 94) or a qualified professional.