Registered nurse — level 1 — first year at this level (aged care) pay rate 2026
Minimum rate for Registered nurse — level 1 — first year at this level (aged care) under the Nurses Award (MA000034) from 1 August 2026: $1,571.60 a week full-time, $81,943 a year (weekly × 52.14). Casual: $51.70 an hour, loading included.
Rate table in the pay database: Registered nurses—aged care employees.
Varied from 1 August 2026 by PR812118; the rate from 1 July 2026 was $39.87 an hour.
Minimum pay rates
| Employment type | Hourly | Weekly | Annual (× 52.14) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time / part-time | $41.36 | $1,571.60 | $81,943 |
| Casual (loading included) | $51.70 | — | — |
How this rate compares
It ranks 18th of 41 distinct adult hourly rates in the Nurses Award.
The next rate up is Registered nurse — level 2 — pay point 4 and thereafter at $41.59 an hour, $0.23 (0.6%) higher than this classification.
The next rate down is Registered nurse — level 2 — pay point 3 at $40.92 an hour, $0.44 (1.1%) lower.
It is $14.92 an hour (56.4%) above the national minimum wage of $26.44. That is more than a quarter above the legal floor for adult employees.
What changed since 30 June 2026
The hourly rate rose $3.29 (8.6%) from $38.07 on 30 June 2026 to $41.36, and the full-time weekly rate rose $125.10.
| From | Hourly | Weekly |
|---|---|---|
| 30 June 2026 | $38.07 | $1,446.50 |
| 1 July 2026 | $39.87 | $1,515.20 |
| 1 August 2026 | $41.36 | $1,571.60 |
Penalty rates
| When | Full-time / part-time | Casual |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary hoursMinimum hourly rate | $41.36100% | $51.70125% |
| Saturday | $62.04150% | $77.55187.5% |
| Sunday | $72.38175% | $90.48218.75% |
| Public holiday | $82.72200% | $103.40250% |
| Monday to Friday - Afternoon shift | $46.53112.5% | $56.87137.5% |
| Monday to Friday - Night shift | $47.56115% | $57.90140% |
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 | $51.70 | $206.80 |
| 8 Saturday hours | $77.55 | $620.40 |
| 8 Sunday hours | $90.48 | $723.84 |
| Total | $1,551.04 |
That week pays $1,551.04, which is $517.04 (50%) more than the same 20 hours worked on weekdays at the casual rate ($1,034.00). A full-time week of 38 ordinary hours pays $1,571.60.
Overtime rates
| Overtime | Full-time / part-time | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Monday to Saturday - First 2 hours | $62.04 | 150% |
| Monday to Saturday - After 2 hours | $82.72 | 200% |
| Sunday | $82.72 | 200% |
| Public holiday | $103.40 | 250% |
Rates current as of 1 August 2026. FWC pay database, MA000034, checked (how). General information only: your award or enterprise agreement prevails if it differs.