Registered nurse—level 1 — In excess of 1 year and up to 4 years of employment classified at this level Pay Rate 2026
As of 1 July 2026, a Registered nurse—level 1 — In excess of 1 year and up to 4 years of employment classified at this level under the Nurses Award (MA000034) earns a published minimum of $41.90 an hour ($1,592.10 a week, about $83,012 a year) full-time before tax.
The Nurses Award covers nursing and personal care staff employed across the health sector, including public and private hospitals, aged care, medical practices, community health and occupational health settings. It applies to nursing assistants and assistants in nursing, enrolled nurses, registered nurses, nurse practitioners and occupational health nurses. The classifications follow the recognised nursing structure, with pay points that increase as a nurse gains experience and moves through the levels, from student and enrolled roles up to senior and clinical registered nurses. Doctors, allied health professionals and many general aged care support staff are covered by different awards.
Minimum pay rates
| Employment type | Hourly | Weekly | Annual (× 52.14) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time / part-time | $41.90 | $1,592.10 | $83,012 |
Penalty rates
| When | Full-time / part-time | Casual |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday | $62.85 | $78.57 |
| Sunday | $73.33 | $91.67 |
| Public holiday | $83.80 | $104.76 |
Nursing is often round-the-clock work, so higher penalty rates commonly apply for afternoon and night shifts, weekends and public holidays, with overtime for hours worked beyond the roster.
Overtime rates
| Overtime | Full-time / part-time |
|---|---|
| Monday to Saturday - First 2 hours | $62.85 |
| Monday to Saturday - After 2 hours | $83.80 |
| Sunday | $83.80 |
| Public holiday | $104.75 |
Work out your pay
Pick full-time, part-time or casual to see the exact published rate for this classification.
Common questions
How much does a Registered nurse—level 1 — In excess of 1 year and up to 4 years of employment classified at this level get paid?
The published minimum for a Registered nurse—level 1 — In excess of 1 year and up to 4 years of employment classified at this level is $41.90 an hour. For a full-time employee on a standard week that comes to $1,592.10 a week, or about $83,012 a year. These rates took effect on 1 July 2026.
What are the weekend and public holiday rates?
Weekend and public holiday work usually attracts higher penalty rates than ordinary hours. For this role the published Saturday minimum is $62.85 an hour and the Sunday minimum is $73.33 an hour. Public holidays are paid at a higher rate again, with a published minimum of $83.80 an hour.
Rates current as of 1 July 2026. Source: Fair Work Commission — Modern Awards Pay Database. Last checked .
Source: Fair Work Commission — Modern Awards Pay Database for the Nurses Award (MA000034).
General information only — not legal, industrial or financial advice. These are the published minimum rates for information. Your modern award or enterprise agreement prevails if there is any inconsistency. Check the official source above or the Fair Work Ombudsman for your situation.