Nurse Pay Rate ACT 2026-27
Nurses in Australian Capital Territory earn at least $32.09/hr (RN Year 1), $40.11/hr casual — about $1,219 a week full-time — under the Nurses Award 2020. Rates from 1 July 2026.
Nurse — Minimum Pay Rate (ACT)
Nurses Award 2020 (MA000034)
$32.09
Base rate/hr
$40.11
Casual rate/hr
Nurses provide healthcare, treatment, and patient care in hospitals, clinics, aged care facilities, and community health settings.
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Australian Capital Territory Note
ACT workers benefit from some of the highest average wages in Australia. The ACT also has additional public holidays.
Minimum Hourly Rates — Nurse
| Employment Type | Hourly Rate | Weekly (38hrs) | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time (adult) | $32.09/hr | $1,219.42 | $63,409.84 |
| Part-time (adult) | $32.09/hr | Pro-rata | Pro-rata |
| Casual (incl. 25% loading) | $40.11/hr | Varies | Varies |
Penalty Rates — Nurse
$48.14/hr
$56.16/hr
$64.18/hr
Classification Levels — Nurses Award 2020
| Level | Description | Base Rate/hr | Casual Rate/hr | Annual (38hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RN Year 1 | Registered Nurse (year 1) | $32.09 | $40.11 | $63,409.84 |
| RN Year 2 | Registered Nurse (year 2) | $32.75 | $40.94 | $64,714.00 |
| RN Year 3 | Registered Nurse (year 3) | $33.55 | $41.94 | $66,294.80 |
| RN Year 4 | Registered Nurse (year 4) | $34.45 | $43.06 | $68,073.20 |
| RN pay point 5 | Registered Nurse level 1, pay point 5 (5th year; pay point 8 and thereafter is $38.57/hr) | $35.51 | $44.39 | $70,167.76 |
| EN Year 1 | Enrolled Nurse (year 1) | $30.00 | $37.50 | $59,280.00 |
| EN Year 5+ | Enrolled Nurse (5+ years) | $31.56 | $39.45 | $62,362.56 |
Am I Being Underpaid as a Nurse?
The Nurses Award covers nurses in private hospitals, aged care, clinics and other national-system employers. Nurses in state public hospitals are generally covered by a state award or state agreement, not this award. NSW public-health nurses, for example, are on the Public Health System Nurses' and Midwives' (State) Award 2025. 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 →Related Jobs Under the Same Award
| Job | Base Rate | Casual Rate | Sunday |
|---|---|---|---|
| Midwife | $32.09/hr | $40.11/hr | $56.16/hr |
More on the Nurses Award
Nurses Award (MA000034) overview
Coverage, penalty rates, casual overtime method and break rules.
Search enterprise agreements
An enterprise agreement replaces the award where one covers your workplace. Search by employer.
Enterprise agreements in nursing
- Application for approval of the Karuna Hospice Services Nurses Enterprise Agreement 2026
- The Mary Ogilvy Homes Society Nursing & General Staff Agreement 2026
- Nurses (Mercy Palliative Care Ltd) Enterprise Agreement 2024-2028
- Wheatfields Incorporated Nursing Employees (aged care) Enterprise Agreement 2026
- Melaleuca Home for the Aged Inc. Registered Nurse and Enrolled Nurse Enterprise Agreement 2026
- Genesis Cancer Care QLD Pty Limited Nurse Enterprise Agreement 2025
Employer pay guides under the Nurses Award
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a nurse get paid per hour in Australian Capital Territory?
The minimum hourly rate for a nurse in Australian Capital Territory is $32.09/hr for full-time and part-time employees, or $40.11/hr for casuals (including 25% loading). This is the RN Year 1 adult rate under the Nurses Award 2020 (MA000034), effective from 1 July 2026.
What is the minimum wage for a nurse?
The minimum wage for a nurse is $32.09 per hour ($1,219.42 per week for a 38-hour week, or $63,409.84 per year). This is set by the Nurses Award 2020. Higher classification levels attract higher rates.
What award covers nurses?
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.
Do nurses get penalty rates on weekends?
Yes. Under the Nurses Award 2020, nurses receive 1.5x their base rate on Saturdays ($48.14/hr) and 1.75x on Sundays ($56.16/hr). Public holidays are paid at 2x ($64.18/hr).
What is the casual rate for a nurse?
The casual rate for a nurse is $40.11/hr, which includes a 25% casual loading on top of the base rate of $32.09/hr. The casual loading compensates for the lack of paid leave, notice of termination, and redundancy pay.
How much should a 17 year old nurse get paid?
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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