If you’re considering a nursing career in Australia or aiming to relocate, understanding Australia Nurse Salary trends across states and experience levels is essential. Here is a breakdown of Australia Nurse Salary data for 2025, so you can plan your financial future and career pathway effectively.
State-wise Australia Nurse Salary (2025)
Below is an overview of the average Australia Nurse Salary for registered nurses in each state:
State / Territory | Average Salary (AUD/year) |
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New South Wales (NSW) | $91,000 |
Victoria (VIC) | $88,000 |
Queensland (QLD) | $90,500 |
Western Australia (WA) | $93,500 |
South Australia (SA) | $86,000 |
Tasmania (TAS) | $82,100 |
Northern Territory (NT) | $93,000 |
Canberra, ACT | $81,100 |
Western Australia and Northern Territory offer the highest average nurse salaries due to high demand and remote placement incentives.
Experience-wise: Australia Nurse Salary Breakdown
Australia Nurse Salary grows significantly with experience. Here’s how salaries generally progress:
Experience Level | NSW | VIC | QLD | WA | SA | TAS |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Starting Salary | $71,800 | $67,900 | $79,000 | $75,900 | $72,600 | $69,800 |
5th-Year RN | $88,200 | $83,500 | $95,400 | $87,000 | $84,900 | $82,000 |
Senior/Clinical Nurse | $116,500 | $99,600 | $112,200 | $105,000 | $107,300 | $96,400 |
Entry-level nurses start between $67,900 (VIC) and $79,000 (QLD). By year five, salaries rise by 20–30%. Senior clinical nurses earn $95,000–$116,500 depending on state.
Key Factors Influencing Nurse Salaries in Australia
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Location: Rural & remote nurses often receive higher allowances and bonuses, especially in NT, WA, and regional QLD.
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Qualification: Registered Nurses (RN) earn more than Enrolled Nurses (EN).
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Specialization: ICU, Emergency, and Aged Care attract higher pay rates in most states.
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Sector: Public hospitals may offer better base rates, while private and mining industries provide performance bonuses.
Frequently Asked Questions: Australia Nurse Salary
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How do Australian Nurse Salary rates compare internationally?
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Australian nurses earn among the top salaries globally, with higher rates in remote/rural settings and for experienced professionals.
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Does overtime affect Nurse Salaries in Australia?
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Yes. Nurses frequently boost annual salaries through overtime, shift penalties, and weekend rates.
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Are salaries increasing?
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Australia Nurse Salary rates have steadily risen, with 2025 showing continued growth due to high demand.
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Australia Nurse Salary remains competitive, with strong progression as you gain experience and move between states. Whether you’re starting out or have years of clinical expertise, there are excellent earning prospects across the country. If you are looking for right University or need help? Contact Uniplanet Experts for Career Guidance, Visa Processing, University Applications & many more!