Nurse Salary In Australia – An Ultimate A-Z Guide

Nursing is one of the most reputed and noble professions in the world. Australia stands out as a prime choice for nurses looking to begin their careers or gain experience for professional standards. 

Australia’s high life expectancy, ranked third[1] in the world, has created a growing demand for professional nurses to provide compassionate and continuous care for its population. In addition, a high salary and better lifestyle standards have made Australia a popular choice for nurses seeking attractive job opportunities. 

So, if you are looking for a job opportunity as a nurse in Australia, here is what you need to know about the nurse salary in Australia. 

An Overview

Average Salary for Registered Nurses

• The average annual registered nurse salary in Australia is $86,861.
• The average salary of a nurse in Australia per month is $7,238.
• The average salary of a nurse in Australia per hour is $43.81.
• Freshers can start earning $72,118 per year, and experienced nurses earn around $97,902 annually.

Source: Lerna Courses – Australia

Top Cities

The nurses’ pay in Australia differs across the various cities depending on the demand and cost of living.

Top Recruiters

Some of the top recruiters offering the highest-paying nursing jobs in Australia are:

Demographic Ratio

According to demographic data published by the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care in 2022, 88.12% of the employed nurses and midwives were females and 11.88% were males. Further, the average age nationally was 42.63 years. 

Do you know?

• The number of nurses employed is expected to grow by 13.9%, from November 2021 to November 2026 from 2,90,800 in 2021 to 3,31,200 in 2026[2].
• The top three reported occupations in Australia are Sales Assistants(5,14,084), Registered Nurses (2,62,742), and General Clerks (2,44,849)[3]. 
• The nursing workforce in Australia increased from 3,83,5019 in June 2019 to 4,53,515 in June 2023, a significant increase of more than 18%[4].
• From January 2022, more than 27,000 internationally trained medical professionals were registered to work in different job profiles in Australia. Nurses and midwives accounted for 15,812 of them[4].
• In 2023, 7446 nurses applied for registration. It is 37% more than 5,409 who applied for the registration in 2019[4].

Nurse’s Average Salary: Experience vs Fresher

The average salary of a nurse in Australia depends on their educational qualification and experience. The average nurses’ pay in Australia based on experience is as follows:

Source: Lerna Courses – Australia 

Nurse’s Salary by State Wise

The salaries across various states differ and are influenced by factors such as demand for healthcare facilities and cost of living. It is important to understand these disparities before considering a job opportunity.

Here is a brief detail about the average annual salary for nurses in different states in Australia.

Source: Lerna Courses – Australia 

Must Read: Average salary in Australia 

Nurse’s Salary according to Different Roles

Nurses will be offered some of the highest-paying nursing jobs in different roles based on their educational qualifications and experience. The wages will also vary depending on the importance and demand for these roles.

Here are the wages based on the nursing roles and a brief description of what each role means and how to seek such job opportunities.

Source: Lerna Courses – Australia 

Job Roles

• Nurse Practitioners – Nurse practitioners are registered nurses with a higher degree of educational qualification, advanced skills, and experience. Nurse practitioner salary is the highest in comparison to other job roles. They primarily mentor other nurses to help them build their skills and become expert clinicians. Additionally, they manage acute or chronic illnesses by prescribing medications, especially in emergencies. Registered nurses qualified with a master’s degree in nursing who have gained 3+ years of clinical experience can apply for nurse practitioner jobs in Australia.

• Nurse Unit Manager – A nurse unit manager manages the nursing system in hospitals or healthcare centres. They supervise and take up duties such as managing supplies and equipment, budgeting, and cleaning as per the requirements and established standards. They also manage rostering to offer balanced and prompt health care services. Postgraduate nurses with good communication and administration skills can become a nurse unit manager.

• Clinical Nurse Consultant – A clinical nurse is an experienced registered nurse in a clinical area who can lead nursing care, check for compliance with quality standards, guide other nurses, and manage complex scenarios. They drive strategic planning and improve standards for delivering high-quality nursing care. Higher degrees of education, extensive experience, and specialisation can help you seek these job opportunities.

• Clinical Nurse Educator – A clinical nurse educator is a registered nurse who can develop learning programs for other nurses. They implement the learning programs to help nurses adapt to hospital procedures and gain expertise in professional patient care services. A registered nurse with a postgraduate degree in nurse education and significant experience can become a clinical nurse educator. 

• Clinical Nurse Specialist – A clinical nurse specialist is qualified and specialized to mentor other nurses, lead operations, and offer expert advice. In addition, they provide patient care in complex situations, contribute to the development of healthcare protocols, and collaborate with other healthcare professionals to offer comprehensive treatment. A registered nurse with a postgraduate degree specializing in a specific field can help fetch these job offers. 

• Registered Nurse – Registered nurses are highly prominent in Australia. They are degree-qualified nurses who can offer comprehensive nursing care to patients. They take on different roles, such as monitoring patients’ health conditions, administering medications, offering emotional support, and collaborating with other staff and healthcare professionals to deliver high-quality nursing care. They also supervise diploma-qualified enrolled nurses and guide them in their practices. Nurses who have completed the 3-year Bachelor of Nursing degree and registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia can become a registered nurse. A registered nurse may have an assistant nurse called as a nursing assistant under them. A nursing assistant’s salary in Australia may be around $59,670 per year^. As mentioned earlier, registered nurses can provide specialised nursing care. For example, they can specialise in child and family health, aged care, disability, critical care, etc. Moreover, these nurses can also consider travel nursing opportunities. Travel nurses take up temporary nursing positions, generally between 2 to 26 weeks. A travel nurse salary is around $144,931 per year.

Also Read: How much does it cost to live in Australia

Factors Affecting Salaries

• Location – Nurses working in less-populated cities typically earn a higher salary, considering the lack of healthcare facilities and professional nurses. Therefore, nurses in cities such as Melbourne earn lower wages than those in cities such as Cairns, Townsville, and Launceston.
• Experience – Nurses with more years of experience gain expertise and typically earn higher salaries.
• Qualification – Highly qualified nurses can apply for jobs offering better roles and higher wages. For example, nurse unit managers and nurse practitioner jobs in Australia enjoy better pay than registered nurses.
• Specialisation – A specialisation, such as those in critical care, will create the demand for advanced skills and thus offer better salary packages. 
• Work environment – The work environment can impact nurses’ pay in Australia. Nurses working in private hospitals earn higher salaries than those in public healthcare centres. 

Additional Benefits and Perks

In addition to attractive salary packages, registered nurses can take advantage of exclusive perks to maximise their benefits. Here are some of the benefits and perks applicable to nurses in Australia.

• Superannuation – Registered nurses contribute a portion of their salaries to retirement savings to secure their golden period of life. It establishes a disciplined approach to saving funds regularly for the long term.
• Paid leave – Permanent nurses can benefit from four weeks of paid leave yearly. 
• Additional allowances – Qualification-based allowances are applicable to the registered nurse salary in Australia, for instance, allowances specific to graduate certificates, graduate diplomas, and the master’s degree may be applicable. Additional allowances are also applicable to non-standard work timings and shift work. The allowances and the corresponding payment can vary across the different states.
• Holiday pay – In addition to regular and standard salaries, registered nurses can also benefit from exclusive holiday pay for working during holidays and weekends. The applicable holidays and related payments can vary based on the specific employers’ terms and conditions.

Also Read: Top 10 Part-time Jobs for Students in Australia

Can immigrants apply for the nurse job in Australia?

The demand for skilled nurses in Australia has seen an increasing trend. Nursing has become a popular choice for nurses seeking job opportunities that pay a higher salary and provide a better standard of living. 

The different nursing roles have been added to the Skilled Occupations List. For example, Nurse Practitioners and Registered Nurses for Aged Care and Child and Family Health are added to the MLTSSL (Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List). 

If a particular occupation is added to such a skill set, individuals can apply for temporary and permanent visas, as applicable, and seek relevant job opportunities in Australia. 

Hence, immigrants can apply for a nurse job in Australia if they meet the eligibility criteria for that particular role.

Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualifications

A nursing degree or diploma from an accredited institution in the country of residence is essential for applying for a nursing job in Australia.

Registration

Applicants should have been registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) before they apply for a job and work as a nurse in Australia.

Skills Assessment

Achieving positive skills assessment through the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) is another important requirement to qualify for job opportunities in Australia. 

Based on a self-check, the candidates will be categorised into specific streams, A, B, or C, to provide further directions on what job profiles they can apply for and the related processes. Click here for more information.

English Language Proficiency

English is the official language in Australia. Therefore, applicants must have good English proficiency for the different nursing roles. Some accepted English tests are the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), the Occupational English Test (OET), and the Test of English as a Foreign Language.

Other Certificates

Higher qualifications, specialisations, and experience provide opportunities for better job profiles and higher salaries. Hence, certificates related to these accomplishments will be required for applications for advanced job positions. 

Immigrants from India and Philippines

Recognition of educational qualifications and the necessary skill set is crucial for an immigrant from India or the Philippines to apply for a nursing job in Australia. Here are a few simple steps to help you pursue your nursing dream in Australia as an immigrant. 

Self-Assessment

Conduct a self-check to assess your skills with ANMAC. It will be based on your educational qualifications and work experience. Upon completion of the self-check, you will be able to determine if you meet the requirements or need an upgrade. Further, you will be categorised into Stream A, B, or C. 

• Stream A – Stream A refers to “substantially equivalent”, which means your qualification is equivalent to an Australian-approved qualification. Further, you need to complete the AHPRA/ NMBA Assessment and Orientation Part 1. 
• Stream B – Stream B refers to “qualification is relevant but not substantially equivalent”. If you fall under this category, in addition to completing the AHPRA/ NMBA Assessment and Orientation Part 1 you also need to provide the supporting documents for the proof of your educational qualifications and take the Outcomes Based Assessment (OBA).
• Stream C – Stream C refers to “not having a relevant qualification”. If you fall under this category, upgrade your educational qualification with the applicable approved programs to qualify for the registration. You take up the different programs of study approved by The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) or any other approved program that helps you meet the eligibility criteria. 

After completing the course, you can register with the AHPRA. Further, you will be required to attend the Online Orientation Part 1, provide the necessary documents, and also complete the Outcomes Based Assessment (OBA). 

AHPRA Registration

Upon completion of the assessments, you can register with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) to further apply for a nursing job in Australia. Further, you need to apply for a visa based on your job profile, duration of stay, and personal circumstances. 

Visa Requirements

Skilled immigrants can apply for permanent visas, and those who wish to undergo training to improve their skills or experience can apply for temporary visas. To apply for a visa, you will need a job offer from an employer who will sponsor your visa application. 

Further, you must complete the health and character assessments as mandated by the Australian Government to get the visa approved. 

Permanent Visas

• Skilled Independent Visa – Subclass 189
• Skilled Nominated Visa – Subclass 190
• Employer Nomination Visa – Subclass 186

Temporary Visas

• Temporary Graduate Visa – Subclass 485

Also Read: How to get a job in Australia from India

Before you go

Nursing is one of the most compassionate professions in the world. It is in huge demand in Australia and has a continuous growth prospect. Therefore, it offers a competitive and attractive salary package. The annual average registered nurse salary in Australia is $86,861. However, it can differ based on factors like educational qualifications, job role, experience, and location. The average salary is high in states such as Queensland, Northern Territory, and Western Australia and cities such as Canberra, Cairns, Adelaide, and Gold Coast. 

Nurse practitioner jobs in Australia are in high demand and pay the highest salaries. In addition, nurse unit managers, clinical nurse consultants, and clinical nurse educators are some of the highest-paying nursing jobs in Australia. 

Apart from considering these factors, as nurses work across different states and send money to support family members overseas, it is also essential to consider a reliable money transfer application such as Instarem. 

Instarem, one of the trusted money transfer companies offers a convenient and safe platform to send and receive money efficiently. Furthermore, it is also a popular application known for its affordable cost# and swift* transaction processes. With Instarem you can send or receive money to and from Australia is hassle-free and quick. 

FAQs

Q. How much is a nurse’s salary in Australia?

Australia salary for nurses can vary depending on the applicant’s qualifications, experience, job role, and location of the workplace. However, the annual average registered nurse salary in Australia is $86,861.

Q. What types of nursing jobs are most in demand?

While registered nurses are highly prominent, nurse practitioner jobs in Australia are high in demand and offer the highest pay compared to other job roles. In addition, nurse unit manager, clinical nurse consultant and clinical nurse specialist jobs are also high in demand and earn attractive salaries. 

Q. Can overseas nurses work in Australia?

Yes, overseas nurses can work in Australia, provided they meet the eligibility criteria and get the relevant visas.

Q. What do part-time nurses get paid in Australia?

The average annual part-time nurse salary in Australia is $81,910.

Q. Where are registered nurses paid the most?

Registered nurses are paid the most in the state of Queensland in Australia.

Disclaimers:

This article is intended for informational purposes only. All details are accurate at the time of publishing. Instarem has no affiliation or relationship with products or vendors mentioned.

* Fast meaning 75% of our transactions are completed in 15 minutes. Depending on the funding method.

#When it comes to affordable exchange rates and fees, it’s worth noting that the cost will vary depending on how you choose to fund your transactions. Credit card funding and bank transfer fees can differ significantly. 

Citations

• [1]https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/population/life-expectancy/latest-release
• [2]https://labourmarketinsights.gov.au/occupation-profile/registered-nurses?occupationCode=2544#earnings
• [3]https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/labour/earnings-and-working-conditions/income-and-work-census/latest-release
• [4]https://www.ahpra.gov.au/News/2023-08-17–New-workforce-data.aspx