Public hospital registered nurse pay in each state side by side, from the first year to the top of the scale, with take-home pay after tax in 2026–27.
A registered nurse in an Australian public hospital starts on $81,692 to $87,790 a year depending on the state, about $2,501 to $2,661 a fortnight after tax.
Registered nurse pay by state
| State | RN starting salary | Take-home per fortnight | Top of RN scale | Enrolled nurse start | Rates from |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | $81,692 | $2,501 | $114,693 | $74,961 | 1 July 2026 |
| Victoria | $84,419 | $2,572 | $107,805 | $75,565 | 11 May 2026 |
| Queensland | $87,790 | $2,661 | $112,607 | $75,573 | 1 April 2026 |
| Western Australia | $85,848 | $2,610 | $112,644 | – | 12 October 2026 |
Base rates for ordinary hours in each state's public health system, before shift penalties, allowances and super. Tap a state for every grade and year. Enrolled nurses in WA are under a separate agreement.
How to read the comparison
- NSW and Victoria set weekly rates; a year here is the weekly rate × 365 ÷ 7. Queensland and WA set yearly rates.
- The registered nurse scale has 8 steps in NSW, Victoria and WA (Level 1.1 to 1.8) and 7 pay points in Queensland.
- South Australia, Tasmania, the ACT and the NT aren't covered yet. South Australia's new nursing agreement is waiting for approval.
Common questions
How much do registered nurses earn in Australia?
In the public hospital systems compared here, a registered nurse starts on $81,692 (New South Wales) to $87,790 (Queensland) a year, and the top of the base registered nurse scale reaches $114,693 in New South Wales. Shift penalties and allowances are paid on top.
Which state pays nurses the most?
For a new registered nurse, Queensland has the highest starting rate here ($87,790). At the top of the scale, New South Wales is highest ($114,693). Each state's scale has a different number of steps, so compare both ends.
How much does a graduate nurse take home?
On $81,692 to $87,790 a year, a first-year registered nurse takes home about $2,501 to $2,661 a fortnight after tax in 2026–27, before penalties.
Is super included?
No. Employer super is paid on top in every state.
See also police pay by state, teacher pay by state and the penalty rates calculator.
Each state's source agreement or pay page is cited on its own page. Tax: ATO tax rates. General information only.