Nurse Pay Rate NT 2026-27
Nurses in Northern 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.
Last verified: 19 July 2026Nurse — Minimum Pay Rate (NT)
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.
Know someone on nurse pay?
Northern Territory Note
Northern Territory workers may receive remote area allowances and have specific public holidays including Show Day.
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 |
Rates effective from 1 July 2026 under the Nurses Award 2020.
Penalty Rates — Nurse
Saturday
$48.14/hr
1.5x base
Sunday
$56.16/hr
1.75x base
Public Holiday
$80.23/hr
2.5x base
Penalty rates shown for full-time/part-time RN Year 1 ($32.09/hr base). Casual employees receive penalty rates calculated on their base rate (before casual loading).
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 Year 5+ | Registered Nurse (5+ years) | $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?
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 →Related Jobs Under the Same Award
| Job | Base Rate | Casual Rate | Sunday |
|---|---|---|---|
| Midwife | $32.09/hr | $40.11/hr | $56.16/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a nurse get paid per hour in Northern Territory?
The minimum hourly rate for a nurse in Northern 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 2.5x ($80.23/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.
Useful Tools
Browse All Job Pay Rates
FairWork Mate AI
Is the figure right for you?
The advisor reads your payslip, contract or letter against the Fair Work Commission case library and cites the decision behind every answer.
Just need this week sorted? A 7-Day Pass is 50 questions over 7 days, no account. Get a 7-Day Pass — $14.99
Get pay and rights updates for your job
Free email updates when award rates, the minimum wage or workplace laws change.
Free forever. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
General information and estimates only — not legal, financial or tax advice. Always check your specific award, agreement or contract, or a qualified professional, before you rely on the result.
Embed the Nurse Pay Rate NT 2026-27 on your site, free. Get the code →