An Australian nurse's hourly pay varies by experience, role, and location, but generally ranges from around $30-$40 AUD for entry-level Registered Nurses (RNs), increasing to $50-$70+ AUD at higher levels, with Nurse Practitioners earning even more, and casual/penalty rates pushing figures even higher, like over $80/hr for some senior casual roles.
The average registered nurse salary in Australia is around $79,550 per year (about $41,00 per hour. Entry-level positions start at $76,063 per year up to $97,568 per year. On top of your salary, you will also receive a minimum of 4 weeks paid annual leave and superannuation (10,5% from 1 July 2022).
Registered Nurses in Australia have the best career if you factor in the work conditions, stability, and good career growth. You earn great to live comfortably, and the longer you stay in the role, your career will grow accordingly.
The highest-paid nurses in Australia are typically Nurse Practitioners, who can earn between $130,000 and $160,000 per year. They have advanced clinical training, can diagnose illnesses, prescribe medication, and often work independently.
Jobs paying $500k+ in Australia are primarily in highly specialized fields like Medical Specialists (surgeons, anaesthetists), Senior Finance/Executive Roles (CFO, Head of Treasury, Investment Directors), and high-end Sales & Construction Management (Elite Stockbrokers, Senior Project Managers/Estimators in complex sectors). While roles like Neurosurgeon and Ophthalmologist average well over $500k, achieving this in other sectors often involves performance-based bonuses or leading major projects, with opportunities listed on job boards like SEEK and Jora.
The average salary for an enrolled nurse in Australia is around $70,000, and $88,000 for a registered nurse – but it will vary from state to state and city to city. Most of all, it varies by experience.
In a Glance: Top States for Registered Nurses (RNs)
States like California, Hawaii, and Oregon offer some of the highest salaries for Registered Nurses, but it's important to balance salary with the cost of living and specific state requirements.
This is a great way to keep billionaires paying only 5-6% income tax while nurses pay 27%+
Top 10 Happiest Nursing Jobs
A $75k salary in Australia is decent, above the median income for many age groups and allowing for comfortable living in regional areas, but it can be tight in expensive cities like Sydney or Melbourne, especially for families, with many feeling $100k is needed for stability, though it's a strong starting point for younger professionals. After tax, $75k becomes roughly $58.6k ($4,888/month), meaning lifestyle, location, and financial goals (like saving for a house) heavily influence whether it's considered "good".
The amount of hours you work in a standard shift might vary – if you're full time, it can range from eight hours to ten or twelve. Of course the longer the shift, the less you'll work in a week (a twelve-hour shift will see you working three to four days a week).
RN V (RN 5)
In general, level V nurses are also known as nurse consultants.
Benefits of Australian Registered Nurse
To work as a nurse or midwife in Australia, you need to apply for and be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA). You may also need to apply for a visa issued by the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
In Australia, the nursing specialties in the highest demand are Aged Care, driven by an aging population, and Mental Health, due to increasing need for psychological support, with high demand also for Critical Care/ICU, Paediatrics, Perioperative, and Midwifery, particularly in rural areas. These roles address key healthcare challenges, including chronic disease management in the elderly, rising mental health concerns, and ongoing needs in acute hospital settings, notes Superior Care Group.
As a nurse, you'll work in one of the world's finest healthcare systems. In fact, according to CEOWorld's Health Care Index (2023), Australia has the 3rd best healthcare system in the world! For context, the US ranked 15th, whilst the UK ranked only 27th.
The Cost of Living in Australia vs the USA
Both countries rank among the top 20 countries in the world for the highest cost of living, but Australia's cost of living is slightly lower than that of the U.S. Note that the cost of rent in Australia is 20% cheaper than what you'll find in the U.S. – a striking difference.
Yes, $100k is generally considered a strong salary in Australia, placing you above the average (which hovers around $90k-$108k for full-time, but median is lower) and allowing for a comfortable life, though its impact depends heavily on location (major city vs. regional) and personal expenses like housing and dependents, as high living costs in cities like Sydney can stretch this income further than in regional areas.
If your main country of residence is not listed… Should you require medical attention in Australia, whether in an emergency or a non-emergency situation, you will be charged for all hospital, ambulance and doctor fees and have significant costs to pay. You will not have access to any Medicare benefits.
Is it cheaper to live in Australia or America? It depends on where you're comparing. Major U.S. cities like New York or San Francisco are typically more expensive than Sydney or Melbourne, but overall living costs—especially groceries and housing—can be higher in Australia due to import prices and taxes.
In 2022 the median income in Australia was $65,000 a year according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Anyone making less than this amount would be considered working class. Anyone making more than $137,000 falls in the top 10% which is considered upper class.
No experience $100,000 jobs