Registered nurse minimum entry rate — 4 year degree pay rate 2026
Minimum rate for Registered nurse minimum entry rate — 4 year degree under the Nurses Award (MA000034) from 1 July 2026: $1,273.40 a week full-time, $66,395 a year (weekly × 52.14). Casual: $41.89 an hour, loading included.
Rate table in the pay database: Registered nurse—Minimum entry rate—other than aged care employees.
Minimum pay rates
| Employment type | Hourly | Weekly | Annual (× 52.14) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time / part-time | $33.51 | $1,273.40 | $66,395 |
| Casual (loading included) | $41.89 | — | — |
How this rate compares
It ranks 29th of 41 distinct adult hourly rates in the Nurses Award.
The next rate up is Registered nurse — level 1 — pay point 3 at $33.55 an hour, $0.04 (0.1%) higher than this classification.
The next rate down is Registered nurse — level 1 — pay point 2 at $32.75 an hour, $0.76 (2.3%) lower.
It is $7.07 an hour (26.7%) above the national minimum wage of $26.44. That is more than a quarter above the legal floor for adult employees.
What changed on 1 July 2026
The hourly rate rose $1.52 (4.8%) from $31.99 on 30 June 2026 to $33.51, and the full-time weekly rate rose $57.70.
Penalty rates
| When | Full-time / part-time | Casual |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary hoursMinimum hourly rate | $33.51100% | $41.89125% |
| Saturday | $50.27150% | $62.84187.5% |
| Sunday | $58.64175% | $73.31218.75% |
| Public holiday | $67.02200% | $83.78250% |
| Monday to Friday - Afternoon shift | $37.70112.5% | $46.08137.5% |
| Monday to Friday - Night shift | $38.54115% | $46.91140% |
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 | $41.89 | $167.56 |
| 8 Saturday hours | $62.84 | $502.72 |
| 8 Sunday hours | $73.31 | $586.48 |
| Total | $1,256.76 |
That week pays $1,256.76, which is $418.96 (50%) more than the same 20 hours worked on weekdays at the casual rate ($837.80). A full-time week of 38 ordinary hours pays $1,273.40.
Overtime rates
| Overtime | Full-time / part-time | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Monday to Saturday - First 2 hours | $50.27 | 150% |
| Monday to Saturday - After 2 hours | $67.02 | 200% |
| Sunday | $67.02 | 200% |
| Public holiday | $83.78 | 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.