Nurse Pay Rate in VIC 2025-26
Minimum pay rates for nurses in Victoria under the Nurses Award 2020. Updated 1 July 2025.
Last verified: 1 July 2025Nurse — Minimum Pay Rate (VIC)
Nurses 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.
Victoria Note
Victoria has state-based long service leave that may differ from the NES. Check your entitlements with the Victorian Wage Inspectorate.
Minimum Hourly Rates — Nurse
| 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.
Penalty Rates — Nurse
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).
Classification Levels — Nurses Award 2020
| 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 |
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 →Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a nurse get paid per hour in Victoria?
The minimum hourly rate for a nurse in Victoria 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.
What is the minimum wage for a nurse?
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.
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 ($46.07/hr) and 1.75x on Sundays ($53.74/hr). Public holidays are paid at 2.5x ($76.78/hr).
What is the casual rate for a nurse?
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.
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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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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