Created On : Jul 09, 2025Updated On : Sep 06, 20254 min read
Key Takeaways
Learn the average salary of nurses in Australia
Check the pay based on Location, Experience, and Specialization
Find out additional pathways for nurses in Australia
Learn why Australia is the best choice for nurses
In the end, how to become a registered Nurse in Australia
Did you know.. Over 450,000 nurses and midwives are registered in Australia, making them the largest clinical workforce in the country. Registered Nurse in Australia is a respected and rewarding profession with additional benefits, strong earning potential, and career growth opportunities. Whether you are just a graduate or an experienced nurse, Australia opens doors for you. To plan your career well in Australia as a nurse, start by understanding the salary structure.
The salaries vary between states and territories in Australia, with Queensland and the Northern Territory often offering higher pay to attract nurses. This financial security and strong demand for healthcare professionals make nursing in Australia an attractive and stable career choice. Let’s dive deeper into the salary structure with this blog.
Career Paths for Registered Nurses (RNs) in Australia
Career Path / Job Profile
Role Focus & Description
Clinical Roles (Speciality)
Options in ICU, mental health, rural nursing via postgraduate pathways and scholarships.
Nurse Practitioner
Advanced role with legal authority for diagnosis and prescribing.
Midwifery (as RN route)
RNs can transition into midwifery via supported postgraduate programs like MidStart.
Nursing Leadership Roles
Development programs prepare RNs for managerial positions.
Aged Care Nursing
Transition to Practice Programs and clinical placements support nurse specialization in aged care.
Education / Academic Roles
RNs can branch into teaching and professional development
Additional Career Paths (Common in Practice but Less Documented)
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) – Focused in specific clinical domains (e.g., ICU, oncology).
Average Salary – Registered Nurses (Public Sector)
State / Territory (Capital City)
Avg Salary Range (AUD)
Avg Salary Range (INR)
New South Wales (Sydney)
$71K+ – $101K+
₹35L – ₹55L+
Queensland (Brisbane)
$79K+ – $106K+
₹42L+ – ₹58L+
Victoria (Melbourne)
$58K+ – $129K+
₹32L+ – ₹71L+
Western Australia (Perth)
$72K+ – $168K+ (Level 1 to SRN Level 10)
₹40L+ – ₹92L+
South Australia (Adelaide)
$70K+ – $96K+
₹38L+ – ₹52L+
Tasmania (Hobart)
$69K+ – $137K+ (Grade 3→Grade 8, Level 4)
₹38L+ – ₹75L+
Top Earnings Potential – Registered Nurses in Australia
State / Territory
Top Earnings (AUD)
Top Earnings (INR)
Western Australia
$168,104 (SRN L10)
₹92.5 L
Victoria
$129,833
₹71.4 L
Tasmania
$137,526
₹75.6 L
Queensland
$106,144
₹58.4 L
New South Wales
$101,130
₹55.6 L
South Australia
$96,242
₹52.9 L
Average Work Hours Per Week
State / Territory
Work Hours (Weekly)
All States (National Standard)
38 hours National Employment Standards
Licensing / Requirements (State-Specific)
All RNs must hold AHPRA registration. Additional screening varies by jurisdiction:
NSW: Working With Children Check + Vaccination
QLD: Blue Card + Vaccination
VIC / SA / TAS / ACT / NT: Typically include state Police or Vulnerable Person clearances (WWC, DCSI, Ochre Card)
Private Practice Potential of Registered Nurses in Australia
State / Territory
Potential
NSW (Sydney)
High
VIC (Melbourne)
High
QLD (Brisbane)
Very High
WA (Perth)
Moderate–High
SA (Adelaide)
Moderate
TAS (Hobart)
Moderate
ACT (Canberra)
Moderate–High
NT (Darwin)
Niche/Moderate
Nurses' Salary in Australia By Experience, Location & Speciality
State / Territory (City)
Graduate RN Salary
5th Year RN
Clinical/Top RN
NSW (Sydney)
$71,890 (₹39.5L)
$88,122 (₹48.4L)
$116,563 (₹64.1L)
VIC (Melbourne)
$67,759 (₹37.3L)
$83,548 (₹45.9L)
$99,593 (₹54.8L)
QLD (Brisbane)
$80,342 (₹44.2L)
$95,469 (₹52.5L)
$112,236 (₹61.7L)
WA (Perth)
$75,957 (₹41.8L)
$87,116 (₹47.9L)
$105,002 (₹57.7L)
SA (Adelaide)
$72,651 (₹39.9L)
$84,870 (₹46.7L)
$107,279 (₹59.0L)
TAS (Hobart)
$69,835 (₹38.4L)
$82,109 (₹45.1L)
$96,428 (₹53.0L)
ACT (Canberra)
$72,698 (₹39.9L)
$86,024 (₹47.3L)
$107,000 (₹58.9L)
NT (Darwin)
$76,035 (₹41.8L)
$93,085 (₹51.2L)
$113,096 (₹62.2L)
Cost of Living & Work-Life Balance in Australia
City
Cost of Living per month
Work-Life Balance
Melbourne
$1,567+
Ranked No. 1 most livable city globally
Brisbane
$1,500–$2,000
Good job opportunities, supportive culture
Perth
$1,500–$2,000
Slower, laid-back lifestyle
Canberra
$2,167+
High income, low unemployment
Hobart
One of the most affordable capitals
Great work-life balance with a beautiful view
Adelaide
Affordable living costs
It consistently ranks high as the best livable place
Townsville, Newcastle, Geelong
Rent $1,200–$1,500
Balanced lifestyle and growing healthcare roles
How to Become a Registered Nurse in Australia: Pathway For International Candidates
High demand: Australia is a top destination for international candidates and has a high demand for skilled nurses.
Regulatory body: Registration is managed by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) under AHPRA.
Eligibility: Your degree must be equivalent to an Australian Bachelor of Nursing (AQF Level 7).
IQNM Self-Check: AHPRA’s tool assesses your qualification and assigns your assessment pathway.
Registration standards: Meet NMBA requirements:
English proficiency (IELTS, OET, PTE, TOEFL).
Criminal history checks.
Recency of practice (last 5 years).
Professional indemnity insurance & CPD (20 hrs/year).
Assessment pathways:
Streamlined Pathway – For comparable countries (UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, New Zealand, etc), fast-track registration.
OBA (Outcome-Based Assessment) – MCQ + OSCE exams. Requires passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses NCLEX-RN exam and the OSCE (practical exam).
Bridging Program – 3-6 months of study/clinical practice. Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) notes that bridging/transition programs are only for certain cases (most new applicants now follow Outcome Based Assessment (OBA) unless from comparable countries).
Application: Submit documents online, pay AUD 185–300, and complete the required exams/program.
Nursing in Australia is a prominent career. You get paid well, and you’re backed by a system that respects the nursing profession. Registered Nurses in Australia have the best career if you factor in the work conditions, stability, and good career growth. You earn great to live comfortably, and the longer you stay in the role, your career will grow accordingly.
At Academically, we guide aspiring nurses to achieve their career goals through every step of the pathway. From eligibility to registration and choosing the right postgraduate courses and specialisations, we provide the resources and support you need to succeed.
FAQs
Q. How do international nurses check their eligibility?
Ans. Using the AHPRA Self-Check tool for internationally qualified nurses (IQNM)
Q. What are NMBA’s registration standards?
Ans. Standards include criminal checks, English proficiency, recency of practice, professional indemnity, and CPD
Q. What are the assessment pathways?
Ans. Streamlined Pathway (for comparable countries), Outcome-Based Assessment (OBA), and Bridging Programs
Q. What are bridging programs?
Ans. NMBA-approved postgraduate or clinical placements (3–12 months) to address registration gaps
Q. What does being added to the AHPRA Register mean?
Ans. You gain legal authority to practice as an RN in Australia
Q. Top NP salaries by region?
Ans. Highest-paying areas include Alice Springs (AUD 167,547), Sydney (AUD 157,499), and Darwin (AUD 158,071).
Q. What’s a Rural and Isolated Practice RN (RIPRN)?
Ans. RN with a postgraduate endorsement to administer scheduled medicines in remote areas.
Q. Is postgraduate specialization available?
Ans. Yes, with programs in ICU, mental health, midwifery, etc., offered at the diploma to master's level.
Milan is a professional writer with over 5+ years of experience specializing in creating SEO data-driven content for international clients in the tech, healthcare, and interior design industries. Her expertise has been largely in copywriting & blog writing with good eye for design. She has joined Academically to align with the mission of helping qualified healthcare professionals across the globe achieve their passions and dreams.
