Registered nurse minimum entry rate — masters degree pay rate 2026
Minimum rate for Registered nurse minimum entry rate — masters degree under the Nurses Award (MA000034) from 1 July 2026: $1,317.20 a week full-time, $68,679 a year (weekly × 52.14). Casual: $43.33 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 | $34.66 | $1,317.20 | $68,679 |
| Casual (loading included) | $43.33 | — | — |
How this rate compares
It ranks 26th of 41 distinct adult hourly rates in the Nurses Award.
The next rate up is Registered nurse — level 1 — pay point 5 at $35.51 an hour, $0.85 (2.5%) higher than this classification.
The next rate down is Registered nurse — level 1 — pay point 4 at $34.45 an hour, $0.21 (0.6%) lower.
It is $8.22 an hour (31.1%) 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 $1.57 (4.7%) from $33.09 on 30 June 2026 to $34.66, and the full-time weekly rate rose $59.70.
Penalty rates
| When | Full-time / part-time | Casual |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary hoursMinimum hourly rate | $34.66100% | $43.33125% |
| Saturday | $51.99150% | $65.00187.5% |
| Sunday | $60.66175% | $75.83218.75% |
| Public holiday | $69.32200% | $86.66250% |
| Monday to Friday - Afternoon shift | $38.99112.5% | $47.66137.5% |
| Monday to Friday - Night shift | $39.86115% | $48.52140% |
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 | $43.33 | $173.32 |
| 8 Saturday hours | $65.00 | $520.00 |
| 8 Sunday hours | $75.83 | $606.64 |
| Total | $1,299.96 |
That week pays $1,299.96, which is $433.36 (50%) more than the same 20 hours worked on weekdays at the casual rate ($866.60). A full-time week of 38 ordinary hours pays $1,317.20.
Overtime rates
| Overtime | Full-time / part-time | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Monday to Saturday - First 2 hours | $51.99 | 150% |
| Monday to Saturday - After 2 hours | $69.32 | 200% |
| Sunday | $69.32 | 200% |
| Public holiday | $86.65 | 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.