Nurses Award pay rates
Award code MA000034, with rates in force from 1 August 2026.
Minimum pay for 67 adult classifications under the Nurses Award 2020, from 1 August 2026: $25.69 to $71.35 an hour before tax. Casuals get a 25% loading on top.
Lowest adult rate
$25.69an hour
For Less than 21 years of age. $976.20 for a full-time week. Up 4.77% from $24.52. Casuals get $32.11 an hour, with the 25% loading.
Its lowest adult rate is $25.69 an hour. Of the 116 awards that set hourly rates, 113 have a higher minimum. The dashed line is the minimum wage; each tick is another award.
Pay by group of classifications
Dollars an hour, from 1 August 2026- Nursing assistant4 classifications$27.65 to $29.45
- Student enrolled nurse, other than aged care employees2 classifications$25.69 to $26.97
- Enrolled nurse, other than aged care employees5 classifications$30.00 to $31.56
- Registered nurse, Levels 1–5, other than aged care employees25 classifications$32.09 to $71.23
- Registered nurse, Minimum entry rate, other than aged care employees2 classifications$33.51 to $34.66
- Nurse practitioner, other than aged care employees2 classifications$49.39 to $50.86
- Occupational health nurses, other than aged care employees14 classifications$34.45 to $45.27
- Student enrolled nurse, aged care employees2 classifications$29.54 to $31.01
- Enrolled nurse1 classification$40.58
- Registered nurses, aged care employees8 classifications$41.36 to $71.35
- Nurse practitioner, aged care employees2 classifications$56.81 to $58.49
Every classification in each group is in the tables below.
Penalty rates at a glance
Percent of the ordinary rate, and dollars an hour at Less than 21 years of age.
| When | Rate |
|---|---|
| Minimum hourly rate | 100%$29.54 |
| Monday to Friday - Afternoon shift | 112.5%$33.23 |
| Monday to Friday - Night shift | 115%$33.97 |
| Saturday | 150%$44.31 |
| Sunday | 175%$51.70 |
| Public holiday | 200%$59.08 |
Minimum pay by classification from 1 August 2026
Weekly rates are for a full-time week; hourly rates apply to full-time and part-time hours. Casual hourly adds the 25% loading.
Nursing assistantClause 15.1(a)
| Classification | Weekly | Hourly | Casual hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st year | $1,050.70 | $27.65 | $34.56 |
| 2nd year | $1,067.30 | $28.09 | $35.11 |
| 3rd year and thereafter | $1,084.40 | $28.54 | $35.68 |
| Experienced (the holder of a relevant certificate III qualification) | $1,119.10 | $29.45 | $36.81 |
Student enrolled nurse, other than aged care employeesClause 15.1(b)(i)
| Classification | Weekly | Hourly | Casual hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than 21 years of age | $976.20 | $25.69 | $32.11 |
| 21 years of age and over | $1,024.70 | $26.97 | $33.71 |
Enrolled nurse, other than aged care employeesClause 15.1(b)(ii)
| Classification | Weekly | Hourly | Casual hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pay point 1 | $1,139.90 | $30.00 | $37.50 |
| Pay point 2 | $1,155.00 | $30.39 | $37.99 |
| Pay point 3 | $1,170.40 | $30.80 | $38.50 |
| Pay point 4 | $1,187.20 | $31.24 | $39.05 |
| Pay point 5 | $1,199.20 | $31.56 | $39.45 |
Registered nurse, Levels 1–5, other than aged care employeesClause 15.1(c)(i)
| Classification | Weekly | Hourly | Casual hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered nurse, level 1Pay point 1 | $1,219.50 | $32.09 | $40.11 |
| Registered nurse, level 1Pay point 2 | $1,244.50 | $32.75 | $40.94 |
| Registered nurse, level 1Pay point 3 | $1,275.00 | $33.55 | $41.94 |
| Registered nurse, level 1Pay point 4 | $1,309.00 | $34.45 | $43.06 |
| Registered nurse, level 1Pay point 5 | $1,349.20 | $35.51 | $44.39 |
| Registered nurse, level 1Pay point 6 | $1,388.10 | $36.53 | $45.66 |
| Registered nurse, level 1Pay point 7 | $1,428.30 | $37.59 | $46.99 |
| Registered nurse, level 1Pay point 8 and thereafter | $1,465.50 | $38.57 | $48.21 |
| Registered nurse, level 2Pay point 1 | $1,504.40 | $39.59 | $49.49 |
| Registered nurse, level 2Pay point 2 | $1,528.30 | $40.22 | $50.28 |
| Registered nurse, level 2Pay point 3 | $1,554.80 | $40.92 | $51.15 |
| Registered nurse, level 2Pay point 4 and thereafter | $1,580.30 | $41.59 | $51.99 |
| Registered nurse, level 3Pay point 1 | $1,631.20 | $42.93 | $53.66 |
| Registered nurse, level 3Pay point 2 | $1,661.10 | $43.71 | $54.64 |
| Registered nurse, level 3Pay point 3 | $1,689.80 | $44.47 | $55.59 |
| Registered nurse, level 3Pay point 4 and thereafter | $1,720.10 | $45.27 | $56.59 |
| Registered nurse, level 4Grade 1 | $1,861.70 | $48.99 | $61.24 |
| Registered nurse, level 4Grade 2 | $1,995.10 | $52.50 | $65.63 |
| Registered nurse, level 4Grade 3 | $2,111.60 | $55.57 | $69.46 |
| Registered nurse, level 5Grade 1 | $1,878.60 | $49.44 | $61.80 |
| Registered nurse, level 5Grade 2 | $1,978.40 | $52.06 | $65.08 |
| Registered nurse, level 5Grade 3 | $2,111.60 | $55.57 | $69.46 |
| Registered nurse, level 5Grade 4 | $2,243.10 | $59.03 | $73.79 |
| Registered nurse, level 5Grade 5 | $2,474.10 | $65.11 | $81.39 |
| Registered nurse, level 5Grade 6 | $2,706.90 | $71.23 | $89.04 |
Registered nurse, Minimum entry rate, other than aged care employeesClause 15.1(c)(ii)
| Classification | Weekly | Hourly | Casual hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 year degree | $1,273.40 | $33.51 | $41.89 |
| Masters degree | $1,317.20 | $34.66 | $43.32 |
Nurse practitioner, other than aged care employeesClause 15.1(d)
| Classification | Weekly | Hourly | Casual hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st year | $1,877.00 | $49.39 | $61.74 |
| 2nd year | $1,932.70 | $50.86 | $63.58 |
Occupational health nurses, other than aged care employeesClause 15.1(e)
| Classification | Weekly | Hourly | Casual hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Senior occupational health clinical nurse | $1,580.30 | $41.59 | $51.99 |
| Occupational health nurse, level 1Pay point 1 | $1,309.00 | $34.45 | $43.06 |
| Occupational health nurse, level 1Pay point 2 | $1,349.20 | $35.51 | $44.39 |
| Occupational health nurse, level 1Pay point 3 | $1,388.10 | $36.53 | $45.66 |
| Occupational health nurse, level 1Pay point 4 | $1,428.30 | $37.59 | $46.99 |
| Occupational health nurse, level 1Pay point 5 | $1,465.50 | $38.57 | $48.21 |
| Occupational health nurse, level 2Pay point 1 | $1,504.40 | $39.59 | $49.49 |
| Occupational health nurse, level 2Pay point 2 | $1,528.30 | $40.22 | $50.28 |
| Occupational health nurse, level 2Pay point 3 | $1,554.80 | $40.92 | $51.15 |
| Occupational health nurse, level 2Pay point 4 | $1,580.30 | $41.59 | $51.99 |
| Occupational health nurse, level 3Pay point 1 | $1,631.20 | $42.93 | $53.66 |
| Occupational health nurse, level 3Pay point 2 | $1,661.10 | $43.71 | $54.64 |
| Occupational health nurse, level 3Pay point 3 | $1,689.80 | $44.47 | $55.59 |
| Occupational health nurse, level 3Pay point 4 and thereafter | $1,720.10 | $45.27 | $56.59 |
Student enrolled nurse, aged care employeesClause 15.3(a)(i)
| Classification | Weekly | Hourly | Casual hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than 21 years of age | $1,122.60 | $29.54 | $36.93 |
| 21 years of age and over | $1,178.30 | $31.01 | $38.76 |
Enrolled nurseClause 15.3(a)(ii)
| Classification | Weekly | Hourly | Casual hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enrolled nurse supervising other direct care employees | $1,542.00 | $40.58 | $50.72 |
Registered nurses, aged care employeesClause 15.3(b)
| Classification | Weekly | Hourly | Casual hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered nurse, level 3 | $2,094.20 | $55.11 | $68.89 |
| Registered nurse, level 4 | $2,390.30 | $62.90 | $78.63 |
| Registered nurse, level 5 | $2,711.30 | $71.35 | $89.19 |
| Registered nurse, level 1First year of employment classified at this level | $1,571.60 | $41.36 | $51.70 |
| Registered nurse, level 1In excess of 1 year and up to 4 years of employment classified at this level | $1,654.30 | $43.53 | $54.41 |
| Registered nurse, level 1In excess of 4 years of employment classified at this level | $1,801.10 | $47.40 | $59.25 |
| Registered nurse, level 2First 3 years of employment classified at this level | $1,947.70 | $51.26 | $64.08 |
| Registered nurse, level 2In excess of 3 years of employment classified at this level | $2,046.00 | $53.84 | $67.30 |
Nurse practitioner, aged care employeesClause 15.3(c)
| Classification | Weekly | Hourly | Casual hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st year | $2,158.60 | $56.81 | $71.01 |
| 2nd year | $2,222.70 | $58.49 | $73.11 |
Penalty and overtime rates
Percentages as the award sets them, and what they come to an hour at the first adult level. Higher classifications get the same percentages of their own rate. The tick on each bar marks 100%, the ordinary rate.
Evenings, weekends and public holidays
Enrolled nurses: aged care employees: Full-time and part-time employees, ordinary and penalty rates
Dollars an hour at Less than 21 years of age
| When | Rate |
|---|---|
| Minimum hourly rate | 100%$29.54 |
| Monday to Friday - Afternoon shift | 112.5%$33.23 |
| Monday to Friday - Night shift | 115%$33.97 |
| Saturday | 150%$44.31 |
| Sunday | 175%$51.70 |
| Public holiday | 200%$59.08 |
Enrolled nurses: other than aged care employees: Full-time and part-time employees, ordinary and penalty rates
Dollars an hour at Less than 21 years of age
| When | Rate |
|---|---|
| Minimum hourly rate | 100%$25.69 |
| Monday to Friday - Afternoon shift | 112.5%$28.90 |
| Monday to Friday - Night shift | 115%$29.54 |
| Saturday | 150%$38.54 |
| Sunday | 175%$44.96 |
| Public holiday | 200%$51.38 |
Nurse practitioner: aged care employees: Full-time and part-time employees, ordinary and penalty rates
Dollars an hour at 1st year
| When | Rate |
|---|---|
| Minimum hourly rate | 100%$56.81 |
| Monday to Friday - Afternoon shift | 112.5%$63.91 |
| Monday to Friday - Night shift | 115%$65.33 |
| Saturday | 150%$85.22 |
| Sunday | 175%$99.42 |
| Public holiday | 200%$113.62 |
Nurse practitioner: other than aged care employees: Full-time and part-time employees, ordinary and penalty rates
Dollars an hour at 1st year
| When | Rate |
|---|---|
| Minimum hourly rate | 100%$49.39 |
| Monday to Friday - Afternoon shift | 112.5%$55.56 |
| Monday to Friday - Night shift | 115%$56.80 |
| Saturday | 150%$74.09 |
| Sunday | 175%$86.43 |
| Public holiday | 200%$98.78 |
Nursing assistant: Full-time and part-time employees: ordinary and penalty rates
Dollars an hour at 1st year
| When | Rate |
|---|---|
| Minimum hourly rate | 100%$27.65 |
| Monday to Friday - Afternoon shift | 112.5%$31.11 |
| Monday to Friday - Night shift | 115%$31.80 |
| Saturday | 150%$41.48 |
| Sunday | 175%$48.39 |
| Public holiday | 200%$55.30 |
Occupational health nurse: other than aged care employees Full-time and part-time employees, ordinary and penalty rates
Dollars an hour at Pay point 1
| When | Rate |
|---|---|
| Minimum hourly rate | 100%$34.45 |
| Monday to Friday - Afternoon shift | 112.5%$38.76 |
| Monday to Friday - Night shift | 115%$39.62 |
| Saturday | 150%$51.68 |
| Sunday | 175%$60.29 |
| Public holiday | 200%$68.90 |
Registered nurses: aged care employees: Full-time and part-time employees, ordinary and penalty rates
Dollars an hour at First year of employment classified at this level
| When | Rate |
|---|---|
| Minimum hourly rate | 100%$41.36 |
| Monday to Friday - Afternoon shift | 112.5%$46.53 |
| Monday to Friday - Night shift | 115%$47.56 |
| Saturday | 150%$62.04 |
| Sunday | 175%$72.38 |
| Public holiday | 200%$82.72 |
Registered nurses: other than aged care employees: Full-time and part-time employees, ordinary and penalty rates
Dollars an hour at Pay point 1
| When | Rate |
|---|---|
| Minimum hourly rate | 100%$32.09 |
| Monday to Friday - Afternoon shift | 112.5%$36.10 |
| Monday to Friday - Night shift | 115%$36.90 |
| Saturday | 150%$48.14 |
| Sunday | 175%$56.16 |
| Public holiday | 200%$64.18 |
Enrolled nurses: aged care employees: Casual employees, ordinary and penalty rates
Dollars an hour at Less than 21 years of age
| When | Rate |
|---|---|
| Casual hourly rate | 125%$36.93 |
| Monday to Friday - Afternoon shift | 137.5%$40.62 |
| Monday to Friday - Night shift | 140%$41.36 |
| Saturday | 150%$55.40 |
| Sunday | 175%$64.63 |
| Public holiday | 200%$73.86 |
Enrolled nurses: other than aged care employees: Casual employees, ordinary and penalty rates
Dollars an hour at Less than 21 years of age
| When | Rate |
|---|---|
| Casual hourly rate | 125%$32.11 |
| Monday to Friday - Afternoon shift | 137.5%$35.32 |
| Monday to Friday - Night shift | 140%$35.97 |
| Saturday | 150%$48.17 |
| Sunday | 175%$56.19 |
| Public holiday | 200%$64.22 |
Nurse practitioner: aged care employees: Casual employees, ordinary and penalty rates
Dollars an hour at 1st year
| When | Rate |
|---|---|
| Casual hourly rate | 125%$71.01 |
| Monday to Friday - Afternoon shift | 137.5%$78.11 |
| Monday to Friday - Night shift | 140%$79.53 |
| Saturday | 150%$106.52 |
| Sunday | 175%$124.27 |
| Public holiday | 200%$142.02 |
Nurse practitioner: other than aged care employees: Casual employees, ordinary and penalty rates
Dollars an hour at 1st year
| When | Rate |
|---|---|
| Casual hourly rate | 125%$61.74 |
| Monday to Friday - Afternoon shift | 137.5%$67.91 |
| Monday to Friday - Night shift | 140%$69.15 |
| Saturday | 150%$92.61 |
| Sunday | 175%$108.05 |
| Public holiday | 200%$123.48 |
Nursing assistant: other than aged care employees: Casual employees, ordinary and penalty rate
Dollars an hour at 1st year
| When | Rate |
|---|---|
| Casual hourly rate | 125%$34.56 |
| Monday to Friday - Afternoon shift | 137.5%$38.02 |
| Monday to Friday - Night shift | 140%$38.71 |
| Saturday | 150%$51.84 |
| Sunday | 175%$60.48 |
| Public holiday | 200%$69.12 |
Occupational health nurse: other than aged care employees: Casual employees, ordinary and penalty rates
Dollars an hour at Pay point 1
| When | Rate |
|---|---|
| Casual hourly rate | 125%$43.06 |
| Monday to Friday - Afternoon shift | 137.5%$47.37 |
| Monday to Friday - Night shift | 140%$48.23 |
| Saturday | 150%$64.59 |
| Sunday | 175%$75.36 |
| Public holiday | 200%$86.12 |
Registered nurses: aged care employees: Casual employees, ordinary and penalty rates
Dollars an hour at First year of employment classified at this level
| When | Rate |
|---|---|
| Casual hourly rate | 125%$51.70 |
| Monday to Friday - Afternoon shift | 137.5%$56.87 |
| Monday to Friday - Night shift | 140%$57.90 |
| Saturday | 150%$77.55 |
| Sunday | 175%$90.48 |
| Public holiday | 200%$103.40 |
Registered nurses: other than aged care employees: Casual employees, ordinary and penalty rates
Dollars an hour at Pay point 1
| When | Rate |
|---|---|
| Casual hourly rate | 125%$40.11 |
| Monday to Friday - Afternoon shift | 137.5%$44.12 |
| Monday to Friday - Night shift | 140%$44.93 |
| Saturday | 150%$60.17 |
| Sunday | 175%$70.19 |
| Public holiday | 200%$80.22 |
Overtime
Enrolled nurses: aged care employees: Full-time and part-time employees, overtime rates
Dollars an hour at Less than 21 years of age
| When | Rate |
|---|---|
| Monday to Saturday - First 2 hours | 150%$44.31 |
| Monday to Saturday - After 2 hours | 200%$59.08 |
| Sunday | 200%$59.08 |
| Public holiday | 250%$73.85 |
Enrolled nurses: other than aged care employees: Full-time and part-time employees, overtime rates
Dollars an hour at Less than 21 years of age
| When | Rate |
|---|---|
| Monday to Saturday - First 2 hours | 150%$38.54 |
| Monday to Saturday - After 2 hours | 200%$51.38 |
| Sunday | 200%$51.38 |
| Public holiday | 250%$64.23 |
Nurse practitioner: aged care employees: Full-time and part-time employees, overtime rates
Dollars an hour at 1st year
| When | Rate |
|---|---|
| Monday to Saturday - First 2 hours | 150%$85.22 |
| Monday to Saturday - After 2 hours | 200%$113.62 |
| Sunday | 200%$113.62 |
| Public holiday | 250%$142.03 |
Nurse practitioner: other than aged care employees: Full-time and part-time employees, overtime rates
Dollars an hour at 1st year
| When | Rate |
|---|---|
| Monday to Saturday - First 2 hours | 150%$74.09 |
| Monday to Saturday - After 2 hours | 200%$98.78 |
| Sunday | 200%$98.78 |
| Public holiday | 250%$123.48 |
Nursing assistant: other than aged care employees: Full-time and part-time employees, overtime rates
Dollars an hour at 1st year
| When | Rate |
|---|---|
| Monday to Saturday - First 2 hours | 150%$41.48 |
| Monday to Saturday - After 2 hours | 200%$55.30 |
| Sunday | 200%$55.30 |
| Public holiday | 250%$69.13 |
Occupational health nurse: other than aged care employees: Full-time and part-time employees, overtime rates
Dollars an hour at Pay point 1
| When | Rate |
|---|---|
| Monday to Saturday - First 2 hours | 150%$51.68 |
| Monday to Saturday - After 2 hours | 200%$68.90 |
| Sunday | 200%$68.90 |
| Public holiday | 250%$86.13 |
Registered nurses: aged care employees: Full-time and part-time employees, overtime rates
Dollars an hour at First year of employment classified at this level
| When | Rate |
|---|---|
| Monday to Saturday - First 2 hours | 150%$62.04 |
| Monday to Saturday - After 2 hours | 200%$82.72 |
| Sunday | 200%$82.72 |
| Public holiday | 250%$103.40 |
Registered nurses: other than aged care employees: Full-time and part-time employees, overtime rates
Dollars an hour at the first adult level
| When | Rate |
|---|---|
| Monday to Saturday - First 2 hours | 150%$50.27 |
| Monday to Saturday - After 2 hours | 200%$64.18 |
| Sunday | 200%$64.18 |
| Public holiday | 250%$80.23 |
Allowances paid on top
3 allowances are for the work itself, paid when the job calls for it, and 9 cover costs you'd otherwise pay yourself, like meals, laundry or travel. The amounts are the Commission's, in force today; the award sets out exactly who gets each one and when.
For the work
| Allowance | Amount | |
|---|---|---|
| On-call allowance | ||
| Between rostered shifts or ordinary hours on, Monday to Friday inclusiveClause 17.2(a)(i) | $28.66 per 24-hour period or part thereof | |
| Between rostered shifts or ordinary hours on, SaturdayClause 17.2(a)(i) | $43.17 per 24-hour period or part thereof | |
| Between rostered shifts or ordinary hours on, Sunday, public holiday or non-rostered dayClause 17.2(a)(i) | $50.37 per 24-hour period or part thereof | |
To cover costs
| Allowance | Amount | |
|---|---|---|
| Laundry allowance, the lesser of | ||
| Per shift or part thereofClause 16.2(b) | $0.32 per shift or part thereof | |
| Per weekClause 16.2(b) | $1.49 a week | |
| Per shift or part thereofClause 17.3(a)(iii) | $0.33 per shift or part thereof | |
| Per weekClause 17.3(a)(iii) | $1.53 a week | |
| Uniform allowance, the lesser of | ||
| Per shift or part thereofClause 17.3(a)(ii) | $1.26 per shift or part thereof | |
| Per weekClause 17.3(a)(ii) | $6.41 a week | |
| Meal allowances | ||
| OvertimeClause 17.3(b)(i) | $17.30 each time | |
| Further meal allowance where overtime exceeds 4 hoursClause 17.3(b)(ii) | $15.60 each time | |
| Travelling, transport and fares, own vehicleClause 17.3(c)(i) | $1.01 a km | |
The award is the final word
These are the minimum rates the Fair Work Commission publishes for the award. Shift rules, rostering and who each classification covers are in the award itself, and an enterprise agreement can set different pay. Employees no award or agreement covers get the National Minimum Wage: $26.44 an hour from 1 July 2026.
Health and care
Questions people ask
- What is the minimum pay rate under the Nurses Award?
- From 1 August 2026, the lowest adult rate is $25.69 an hour ($976.20 a week full time), for Less than 21 years of age. The highest adult classification is $71.35 an hour.
- How does the Nurses Award minimum compare?
- Its lowest adult rate is $25.69 an hour. Of the 116 awards that set hourly rates, 113 have a higher minimum.
- How much did Nurses Award rates go up on 1 August 2026?
- The lowest adult rate rose 4.77%, from $24.52 to $25.69 an hour, in the Fair Work Commission's Annual Wage Review. The table shows each classification's rate before and after.
- What is the casual loading under the Nurses Award?
- 25% on top of the ordinary hourly rate, paid instead of leave entitlements. For Less than 21 years of age that makes $32.11 an hour.
- What are Sunday rates under the Nurses Award?
- Full-time and part-time employees get 175% of the ordinary rate on Sunday: $51.70 an hour at Less than 21 years of age. Public holidays are 200%. Casual rates are in the penalty tables above.
- What allowances are paid under the Nurses Award?
- 12 allowances have a dollar amount set by the Commission, including an on-call allowance, between rostered shifts or ordinary hours on, Monday to Friday inclusive of $28.66 per 24-hour period or part thereof, an on-call allowance, between rostered shifts or ordinary hours on, Saturday of $43.17 per 24-hour period or part thereof and an on-call allowance, between rostered shifts or ordinary hours on, Sunday, public holiday or non-rostered day of $50.37 per 24-hour period or part thereof. The full list, with the clause each comes from, is on this page.
- Where do these rates come from?
- The Fair Work Commission's Modern Awards Pay Database, which publishes every award's minimum rates; we read it when the Commission changes an award. The award itself prevails if the two ever differ, and an enterprise agreement can set different pay.
Source: Fair Work Commission, Modern Awards Pay Database, licensed CC BY 4.0, read 27 Oct 2026 and arranged by The Finance Algorithm. Not endorsed by the Fair Work Commission. Read with the award: if they differ, the award prevails. General information, not legal or payroll advice.