What is the minimum hourly rate for a registered nurse in Melbourne?

Under the Nurses Award 2020, the minimum hourly rate for a Registered Nurse Level 1 Pay Point 1 is $32.09 per hour as of the first full pay period on or after 1 August 2026. This rate applies to full-time and part-time employees. Casual employees receive a 25% loading, making the casual rate $40.11 per hour.

How is casual loading applied to nurse pay?

Casual loading is an additional 25% on top of the minimum hourly rate. For example, a Registered Nurse Level 1 Pay Point 1 has a base rate of $32.09 per hour. With casual loading, the rate becomes $40.11 per hour. This loading compensates for entitlements like paid leave that casuals do not receive. The loading is paid for all ordinary hours and is included in overtime penalty rates.

What is the annual salary for a nurse working 38 hours per week?

To calculate annual salary, multiply the hourly rate by 38 hours per week and then by 52 weeks. For a Registered Nurse Level 1 Pay Point 1 at $32.09 per hour, the annual salary is $32.09 × 38 × 52 = $63,417.84. This assumes no overtime, penalties, or allowances. Superannuation of 12% is paid on top of this amount.

Nurse Salary Melbourne: Award Rates, Annual Pay, and Tax Guide

A Registered Nurse Level 1 Pay Point 1 in Melbourne earns $32.09 per hour under the Nurses Award 2020, amounting to $63,417.84 annually based on 38 hours per week.

Understanding Nurse Salary Melbourne

When researching nurse salary Melbourne, it is essential to look beyond the National Minimum Wage. Most nurses in Melbourne are covered by the Nurses Award 2020, which sets specific minimum hourly rates for classifications such as Registered Nurse (RN), Enrolled Nurse (EN), and Nursing Assistant. The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes these rates, and they are updated after each Annual Wage Review.

Award Rates vs National Minimum Wage

The National Minimum Wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, or $33.05 per hour for casuals including the 25% loading. However, award rates for nurses are higher. For example, a Registered Nurse Level 1 Pay Point 1 earns $32.09 per hour under the award. Even a first-year Nursing Assistant earns $27.65 per hour, above the minimum wage. This means that nurse salary Melbourne is governed by the award, not the minimum wage floor.

Converting Hourly Rates to Annual Pay

To estimate your annual gross salary, use the formula:

Hourly rate × hours per week × 52

We assume a standard full-time week of 38 hours, as defined in the Nurses Award 2020. For part-time employees, use your agreed weekly hours. For example:

RN Level 1 Pay Point 1: $32.09 × 38 × 52 = $63,417.84 per year
EN Pay Point 1: $30.00 × 38 × 52 = $59,280.00 per year
Nursing Assistant (1st year): $27.65 × 38 × 52 = $54,636.40 per year

This calculation assumes the same rate every week, no unpaid overtime, no penalty rates, and no allowances. It is a base estimate.

Fortnightly Pay

Most nurses are paid fortnightly. To find your gross fortnightly pay, multiply your weekly pay by two. Using the RN example:

Weekly pay: $32.09 × 38 = $1,219.42
Fortnightly pay: $1,219.42 × 2 = $2,438.84

This matches the award's requirement that wages be paid fortnightly unless otherwise agreed.

Tax and Superannuation

From your gross annual pay, tax is withheld using the 2026–27 resident tax scale:

Nil tax on the first $18,200
15% on income from $18,201 to $45,000
30% on income from $45,001 to $135,000
37% on income from $135,001 to $190,000
45% on income above $190,000

A Medicare levy of 2% generally applies (with reductions for low-income earners). For the RN earning $63,417.84, the estimated tax (including Medicare) would be approximately $11,000–$12,000, leaving a take-home pay of around $51,000–$52,000 per year. Use our take-home pay tool for a precise estimate.

Superannuation is paid on top of your salary. The super guarantee rate is 12% of ordinary earnings, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. For the RN example, super would be $63,417.84 × 12% = $7,610.14 per year, contributed by the employer. This is not deducted from your pay; it is additional. Learn more about super and packaging.

Casual Loading

Casual nurses receive a 25% loading on the minimum hourly rate. This loading is paid for all ordinary hours and is included when calculating overtime penalty rates. For example, a casual RN Level 1 Pay Point 1 earns $32.09 × 1.25 = $40.11 per hour. The loading compensates for the lack of paid leave entitlements. Our casual loading page explains how it works.

Using the Timesheet Calculator

If you want to see your own nurse salary Melbourne estimate, visit the timesheet. Enter your base hourly rate (the award rate without casual loading). If you are casual, check the box to add 25% loading. The calculator will show your annual, fortnightly, and weekly pay, along with estimated tax and super. Remember, the results are estimates and assume a consistent 38-hour week.

Other Classifications

The Nurses Award 2020 covers many roles. Below are some key hourly rates (full-time/part-time) from the Fair Work Ombudsman's pay guide effective from August 2026:

Nursing Assistant (experienced, Cert III): $29.45
Student Enrolled Nurse (21+): $26.97
Enrolled Nurse Pay Point 5: $31.56
Registered Nurse Level 2 Pay Point 1: $39.59
Registered Nurse Level 3 Pay Point 1: $42.93
Registered Nurse Level 4 Grade 2: $52.50

These rates are the minimum; employers may pay above award. For a full list, see our pay guides or the reference tables.

Summary

When evaluating nurse salary Melbourne, always check the Nurses Award 2020 for your classification. Use the hourly rate multiplied by 38 hours and 52 weeks to get annual gross. Add 12% super on top. Deduct tax and Medicare for an estimate of take-home pay. Casual nurses receive a 25% loading. The National Minimum Wage is a floor, but award rates are higher for nurses.

For a personalised calculation, use the timesheet. It handles the maths for you.