Minimum pay rates for nurses in Australia under the Nurses Award 2020. Updated 1 July 2025.
Last verified: 21 May 2026Nurses Award 2020 (MA000034)
$30.71
Base rate/hr
$38.39
Casual rate/hr
Nurses provide healthcare, treatment, and patient care in hospitals, clinics, aged care facilities, and community health settings.
| Employment Type | Hourly Rate | Weekly (38hrs) | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time (adult) | $30.71/hr | $1,166.98 | $60,682.96 |
| Part-time (adult) | $30.71/hr | Pro-rata | Pro-rata |
| Casual (incl. 25% loading) | $38.39/hr | Varies | Varies |
Rates effective from 1 July 2025 under the Nurses Award 2020.
Saturday
$46.07/hr
1.5x base
Sunday
$53.74/hr
1.75x base
Public Holiday
$76.78/hr
2.5x base
Penalty rates shown for full-time/part-time Level 1 ($30.71/hr base). Casual employees receive penalty rates calculated on their base rate (before casual loading).
| Level | Description | Base Rate/hr | Casual Rate/hr | Annual (38hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RN Year 1 | Registered Nurse (year 1) | $30.71 | $38.39 | $60,682.96 |
| RN Year 2 | Registered Nurse (year 2) | $32.25 | $40.31 | $63,726.00 |
| RN Year 3 | Registered Nurse (year 3) | $33.52 | $41.90 | $66,235.52 |
| RN Year 4 | Registered Nurse (year 4) | $34.93 | $43.66 | $69,021.68 |
| RN Year 5+ | Registered Nurse (5+ years) | $36.47 | $45.59 | $72,064.72 |
| EN Year 1 | Enrolled Nurse (year 1) | $27.23 | $34.04 | $53,806.48 |
| EN Year 5+ | Enrolled Nurse (5+ years) | $30.35 | $37.94 | $59,971.60 |
Most nurses in the public sector are covered by enterprise agreements with rates above the award minimum. Private sector nurses should check they are receiving at least the award rate for their classification.
If you think you are being paid below the minimum rate, you can calculate your potential back pay and check your rights.
Check If You Are Underpaid →Award pay rates are set nationally, but state-specific public holidays and long service leave rules may affect your total entitlements.
| Job | Base Rate | Casual Rate | Sunday |
|---|---|---|---|
| Midwife | $31.35/hr | $39.19/hr | $54.86/hr |
The minimum hourly rate for a nurse in Australia is $30.71/hr for full-time and part-time employees, or $38.39/hr for casuals (including 25% loading). This is the Level 1 adult rate under the Nurses Award 2020 (MA000034), effective from 1 July 2025.
The minimum wage for a nurse is $30.71 per hour ($1,166.98 per week for a 38-hour week, or $60,682.96 per year). This is set by the Nurses Award 2020. Higher classification levels attract higher rates.
Nurses are covered by the Nurses Award 2020 (MA000034). This Modern Award sets minimum pay rates, penalty rates, allowances, and leave entitlements. Your employer may also have an enterprise agreement with different (usually higher) rates.
Yes. Under the Nurses Award 2020, nurses receive 1.5x their base rate on Saturdays ($46.07/hr) and 1.75x on Sundays ($53.74/hr). Public holidays are paid at 2.5x ($76.78/hr).
The casual rate for a nurse is $38.39/hr, which includes a 25% casual loading on top of the base rate of $30.71/hr. The casual loading compensates for the lack of paid leave, notice of termination, and redundancy pay.
Nursing rates are based on qualifications and experience, not age. The Nurses Award 2020 does not have specific junior rates for this classification.
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FairWork Mate is an independent commercial service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or associated with the Fair Work Ombudsman, the Fair Work Commission, or any Australian Government agency. Content is 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.
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