Registered nurse — level 1 — more than 4 years at this level (aged care) pay rate 2026
Minimum rate for Registered nurse — level 1 — more than 4 years at this level (aged care) under the Nurses Award (MA000034) from 1 August 2026: $1,801.10 a week full-time, $93,909 a year (weekly × 52.14). Casual: $59.25 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 $45.80 an hour.
Minimum pay rates
| Employment type | Hourly | Weekly | Annual (× 52.14) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time / part-time | $47.40 | $1,801.10 | $93,909 |
| Casual (loading included) | $59.25 | — | — |
How this rate compares
It ranks 11th of 41 distinct adult hourly rates in the Nurses Award.
The next rate up is Registered nurse — level 4 — grade 1 at $48.99 an hour, $1.59 (3.4%) higher than this classification.
The next rate down is Registered nurse — level 3 — pay point 4 and thereafter at $45.27 an hour, $2.13 (4.5%) lower.
It is $20.96 an hour (79.3%) 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 $3.68 (8.4%) from $43.72 on 30 June 2026 to $47.40, and the full-time weekly rate rose $139.70.
| From | Hourly | Weekly |
|---|---|---|
| 30 June 2026 | $43.72 | $1,661.40 |
| 1 July 2026 | $45.80 | $1,740.30 |
| 1 August 2026 | $47.40 | $1,801.10 |
Penalty rates
| When | Full-time / part-time | Casual |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary hoursMinimum hourly rate | $47.40100% | $59.25125% |
| Saturday | $71.10150% | $88.88187.5% |
| Sunday | $82.95175% | $103.69218.75% |
| Public holiday | $94.80200% | $118.50250% |
| Monday to Friday - Afternoon shift | $53.33112.5% | $65.18137.5% |
| Monday to Friday - Night shift | $54.51115% | $66.36140% |
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 | $59.25 | $237.00 |
| 8 Saturday hours | $88.88 | $711.04 |
| 8 Sunday hours | $103.69 | $829.52 |
| Total | $1,777.56 |
That week pays $1,777.56, which is $592.56 (50%) more than the same 20 hours worked on weekdays at the casual rate ($1,185.00). A full-time week of 38 ordinary hours pays $1,801.10.
Overtime rates
| Overtime | Full-time / part-time | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Monday to Saturday - First 2 hours | $71.10 | 150% |
| Monday to Saturday - After 2 hours | $94.80 | 200% |
| Sunday | $94.80 | 200% |
| Public holiday | $118.50 | 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.