Nursing assistant — 3rd year and thereafter pay rate 2026
Minimum rate for Nursing assistant — 3rd year and thereafter under the Nurses Award (MA000034) from 1 July 2026: $1,084.40 a week full-time, $56,541 a year (weekly × 52.14). Casual: $35.68 an hour, loading included.
Rate table in the pay database: Nursing assistant.
Minimum pay rates
| Employment type | Hourly | Weekly | Annual (× 52.14) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time / part-time | $28.54 | $1,084.40 | $56,541 |
| Casual (loading included) | $35.68 | — | — |
How this rate compares
It ranks 38th of 41 distinct adult hourly rates in the Nurses Award.
The next rate up is Nursing assistant — experienced (the holder of a relevant certificate III qualification) at $29.45 an hour, $0.91 (3.2%) higher than this classification.
The next rate down is Nursing assistant — 2nd year at $28.09 an hour, $0.45 (1.6%) lower.
It is $2.10 an hour (7.9%) above the national minimum wage of $26.44.
What changed on 1 July 2026
The hourly rate rose $1.30 (4.8%) from $27.24 on 30 June 2026 to $28.54, and the full-time weekly rate rose $49.20.
Penalty rates
| When | Full-time / part-time | Casual |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary hoursMinimum hourly rate | $28.54100% | $35.68125% |
| Saturday | $42.81150% | $53.52187.5% |
| Sunday | $49.95175% | $62.44218.75% |
| Public holiday | $57.08200% | $71.36250% |
| Monday to Friday - Afternoon shift | $32.11112.5% | $39.24137.5% |
| Monday to Friday - Night shift | $32.82115% | $39.96140% |
Resulting hourly rates as published in the Fair Work Commission’s Modern Awards Pay Database. Casual figures include the casual loading. Percentages are of the minimum hourly rate.
A week with weekend shifts
| Hours | Rate | Pay |
|---|---|---|
| 4 weekday hours | $35.68 | $142.72 |
| 8 Saturday hours | $53.52 | $428.16 |
| 8 Sunday hours | $62.44 | $499.52 |
| Total | $1,070.40 |
That week pays $1,070.40, which is $356.80 (50%) more than the same 20 hours worked on weekdays at the casual rate ($713.60). A full-time week of 38 ordinary hours pays $1,084.40.
Overtime rates
| Overtime | Full-time / part-time | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Monday to Saturday - First 2 hours | $42.81 | 150% |
| Monday to Saturday - After 2 hours | $57.08 | 200% |
| Sunday | $57.08 | 200% |
| Public holiday | $71.35 | 250% |
Rates current as of 1 July 2026. FWC pay database, MA000034, checked (how). General information only: your award or enterprise agreement prevails if it differs.