Nurse Salary in Australia 2026

Nurse Salary in Australia 2026: Complete Guide for Registered & International Nurses

Australia is one of the most popular destinations for nurses seeking high salaries, excellent work–life balance, and long-term settlement opportunities. With a strong public healthcare system, growing elderly population, and continuous nursing shortages, Australia consistently ranks among the best countries for nurses to work abroad.

In 2026, nurse salary in Australia remains highly competitive, especially for registered nurses and specialized roles. This detailed guide explains salary structure, state-wise pay, cost of living, licensing requirements, visa options, and career prospects for both local and international nurses.

Overview of Nursing Jobs in Australia

Nursing is a regulated profession in Australia, governed by national standards. Nurses work across public hospitals, private healthcare facilities, aged care homes, community health services, and remote medical centers.

Main Nursing Categories in Australia

Registered Nurse (RN)
Enrolled Nurse (EN) (similar to LPN)
Nurse Practitioner (NP)

Australia strongly relies on internationally educated nurses to fill workforce gaps, particularly in rural and regional areas.

Average Nurse Salary in Australia (2026)

In 2026, Australia offers one of the highest nursing pay scales in the Asia-Pacific region.

💰 Average Annual Nurse Salaries

Nursing Role	Average Annual Salary
Registered Nurse (RN)	AUD $75,000 – $110,000
Enrolled Nurse (EN)	AUD $60,000 – $75,000
Nurse Practitioner (NP)	AUD $120,000 – $150,000

Hourly wages for RNs typically range from AUD $38 to $60, depending on experience and location.

State-Wise Nurse Salary in Australia

Nurse salaries vary by state and territory due to healthcare funding, population density, and staffing shortages.

📊 Average RN Salary by State

State / Territory	Average Annual RN Salary
New South Wales	AUD $90,000
Victoria	AUD $92,000
Queensland	AUD $95,000
Western Australia	AUD $100,000
South Australia	AUD $88,000
Tasmania	AUD $85,000
Northern Territory	AUD $105,000
Australian Capital Territory	AUD $98,000

Northern Territory and Western Australia pay higher wages due to remote-area demand and incentive packages.

Nurse Salary vs Cost of Living in Australia

Australia’s cost of living varies significantly between major cities and regional areas.

Best States for Salary-to-Cost Balance

Queensland – Good pay, lower housing costs
Western Australia – High salary, strong demand
South Australia – Moderate income, affordable living

Cities like Sydney and Melbourne offer higher salaries but also higher rent and living expenses.

Registered Nurse (RN) Salary in Australia

Registered Nurses earn strong wages and benefit from union-backed pay scales.

RN Salary by Experience

Experience Level	Average Salary
Entry-level (0–2 years)	AUD $70,000
Mid-level (3–7 years)	AUD $90,000
Senior (8+ years)	AUD $105,000+

Specialty areas such as ICU, emergency, mental health, and perioperative nursing often receive higher pay.

Enrolled Nurse (EN) Salary in Australia

Enrolled Nurses support RNs and doctors, particularly in aged care and community settings.

Average EN Salary

AUD $60,000 – $75,000 annually
Hourly rate: AUD $28 – $35

EN roles are often an entry pathway for international nurses transitioning into the Australian system.

Nurse Practitioner (NP) Salary in Australia

Nurse Practitioners are among the highest-paid nurses in Australia, reflecting their advanced scope of practice.

Average NP Salary

AUD $120,000 – $150,000 per year
Higher earnings in remote or underserved regions

NPs can diagnose conditions, prescribe medications, and manage patient care independently.

Nursing Shortage in Australia (Why Demand Is High)

Australia faces a persistent nursing shortage due to:

Aging population
Expansion of aged care services
Rural and regional workforce gaps
COVID-era burnout and retirements

As a result, nursing appears consistently on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL).

Authority reference:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Health_care_in_Australia

Can International Nurses Work in Australia?

Yes. Australia actively recruits internationally qualified nurses, particularly from countries like the UK, India, Philippines, and parts of Europe.

Basic Eligibility Requirements

Recognized nursing qualification
English proficiency (IELTS / OET)
Skills assessment
Registration approval

Nursing Registration Process in Australia

Step 1: AHPRA Registration

All nurses must register with AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency).

Authority reference:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_Health_Practitioner_Regulation_Agency

Step 2: English Language Test

Most applicants must pass:

IELTS (Academic) or
OET (Occupational English Test)

Step 3: Bridging Program (If Required)

Some international nurses may need to complete a bridging or outcomes-based assessment program.

Visa Options for Nurses in Australia

Australia offers multiple work and permanent residency (PR) pathways for nurses.

Common Visa Types

Nursing occupations often receive priority processing.

Benefits of Working as a Nurse in Australia

Competitive salary
Strong workplace protections
Paid annual & sick leave
Superannuation (retirement fund)
Clear PR pathways
Excellent work–life balance

Australia consistently ranks high for quality of life.

Challenges to Consider

Licensing timelines can be lengthy
High living costs in major cities
English language testing requirements

Despite these challenges, long-term career stability makes Australia attractive for nurses worldwide.

Future Outlook for Nurses in Australia

Australia’s healthcare sector is projected to grow steadily through 2035. Government investment in aged care and regional healthcare strongly supports long-term job security and salary growth for nurses.