Did you know… you can earn 5 times more in Australia than in your home country as a nurse. Sounds exciting, right? This is why thousands of nursing professionals are choosing Australia. To work there as a registered nurse.
Australia stands out as one of those countries that is advancing in healthcare rapidly. Due to these demands of nurses is more than ever. If you are someone who dreams of settling in Australia, this is your chance. This country not only offers a great salary package, it will also give you the recognition and respect you truly deserve.
Additionally, Australia is famous for its great work-life balance, career growth, and more.
This blog will walk you through everything you need to know, from how to become a nurse in Australia to pay scale and more.
Current Demand for Nurses in Australia (2025)
In the current scenario, Nurses are in high demand in Australia. According to the Department of Health and Aged Care’s Nursing Supply and Demand Study, Australia is projected to face a shortage of over 70,000 nurses by 2035.
Be it hospitals, clinics, and aged care centres, nurses are needed everywhere. This demand has opened up door for nurses who want to settle in Australia.
The demand isn’t just in big cities. Regional and rural areas are offering additional benefits and incentives to attract nurses. If you’re open to working outside metro areas, your chances of landing a well-paid role increase even more.
Some of the most in-demand nursing fields in 2025 are:
- Aged Care Nursing – caring for Australia’s rapidly growing elderly population.
- Critical Care and Emergency Nursing – hospitals need more hands in ICUs and ERs.
- Mental Health Nursing – mental health services are expanding across the country.
- Rural and Remote Nursing – extra allowances for those willing to work in regional towns.
Pay Scale for Registered Nurses in Australia (2025)
On average, a Registered Nurse in Australia earns around AUD 93,010 per year, which equals roughly ₹53.7 lakh annually.
| City | Average Annual Salary (AUD) | Equivalent in INR (₹) |
| Brisbane, QLD | $113,947 | ₹65L |
| Buderim, QLD | $104,196 | ₹60L |
| Sydney, NSW | $101,363 | ₹58L |
| Glen Waverley, VIC | $97,246 | ₹56L |
| Leeton, NSW | $95,836 | ₹55L |
| Canberra, ACT | $93,677 | ₹54L |
| Macquarie Park, NSW | $90,523 | ₹52L |
| Kingswood, NSW | $87,348 | ₹50L |
| Frankston, VIC | $73,712 | ₹42L |
Registered Nurse Salary by Experience in Australia (2025)
| Experience Level | Salary Range (AUD) | Equivalent in INR (₹) |
| 1–3 years (Entry-level) | $56,000 – $80,000 | ₹32 – ₹46L |
| 4–6 years | $62,000 – $85,000 | ₹35 – ₹49L |
| 7–14 years | $63,000 – $91,000 | ₹36 – ₹52L |
| 15+ years (Senior) | $91,000+ | ₹52L+ |
Also Read: Nurse Salary in Australia: Pay Scale, Benefits & Career Growth
Benefits of Working as a Nurse in Australia (2025)
If you become a registered nurse in Australia, the benefits are beyond a great salary. Here are the key benefits:
- Work-life balance: In Australia you will get a perfect work-life balance. This means having time for yourself and your family.
- Paid leave & allowances: You will get paid leave, extra pay for overtime, sick leave, and more.
- PR pathway: Since Australia needs nurses in high demand and it is on the skilled occupation list. Getting a PR becomes easier and faster.
- Respect & recognition: Everybody wants to be respected and value at their work. This is the case with nurses, they are valued and recognised because they are an integral part of the healthcare system.
Job Opportunities for Nurses in Australia
Here are some of the nursing jobs you can apply for in Australia:
Career Opportunities for Nurses in Australia
There are various career opportunities for nurses in Australia. It depends on your experience and interest in which sector you want to work in. Here are some career opportunities:
- Nurse Practitioner – One of the most advanced roles where you get legal authority to diagnose, treat, and even prescribe medicines.
- Midwifery – Registered nurses can transition into midwifery through structured postgraduate programs like MidStart.
- Leadership & Management – With the right development programs, you can take on managerial roles and lead healthcare teams.
- Specialized Clinical Roles – From ICU and mental health to rural nursing, you can specialize further through postgraduate training and scholarships.
- Aged Care Nursing – With Australia’s ageing population, aged care is one of the fastest-growing sectors offering secure and fulfilling career pathways.
- Education & Research – If you love teaching, you can move into academia, mentoring the next generation of nurses, or even contributing to research.
How to Become a Registered Nurse in Australia
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you understand how to make it happen:
- Eligibility Check (AHPRA/NMBA)– Submit your documents for assessment.
- NCLEX-RN Exam – Clear the computer-based test that evaluates your knowledge.
- English Proficiency– Prove your language skills by giving an English Profieciency Exam.
- OSCE Exam– Pass the hands-on practical exam to show your clinical skills.
- Registration & Visa – Apply with AHPRA for RN registration, then proceed with your work or PR visa.
Australia is not just offering jobs for nurses. It is opening doors to a secure future, financial growth, and global recognition. With salaries almost five times higher than in many countries and a clear demand for skilled professionals, there has never been a better time to begin your nursing journey in Australia.
But we know the process, NCLEX, OSCE, English tests, and visa paperwork can feel overwhelming. That’s where Academically comes in. From guiding you through exam preparation to helping you with applications, we make your dream of becoming a registered nurse in Australia simple and achievable.
Start your journey today with Academically.