Registered nurse — level 2 — first 3 years at this level (aged care) pay rate 2026
Minimum rate for Registered nurse — level 2 — first 3 years at this level (aged care) under the Nurses Award (MA000034) from 1 August 2026: $1,947.70 a week full-time, $101,553 a year (weekly × 52.14). Casual: $64.08 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 $49.59 an hour.
Minimum pay rates
| Employment type | Hourly | Weekly | Annual (× 52.14) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time / part-time | $51.26 | $1,947.70 | $101,553 |
| Casual (loading included) | $64.08 | — | — |
How this rate compares
It ranks 8th of 41 distinct adult hourly rates in the Nurses Award.
The next rate up is Registered nurse — level 5 — grade 2 at $52.06 an hour, $0.80 (1.6%) higher than this classification.
The next rate down is Registered nurse — level 5 — grade 1 at $49.44 an hour, $1.82 (3.6%) lower.
It is $24.82 an hour (93.9%) 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 $3.92 (8.3%) from $47.34 on 30 June 2026 to $51.26, and the full-time weekly rate rose $148.60.
| From | Hourly | Weekly |
|---|---|---|
| 30 June 2026 | $47.34 | $1,799.10 |
| 1 July 2026 | $49.59 | $1,884.60 |
| 1 August 2026 | $51.26 | $1,947.70 |
Penalty rates
| When | Full-time / part-time | Casual |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary hoursMinimum hourly rate | $51.26100% | $64.08125% |
| Saturday | $76.89150% | $96.12187.5% |
| Sunday | $89.71175% | $112.14218.75% |
| Public holiday | $102.52200% | $128.16250% |
| Monday to Friday - Afternoon shift | $57.67112.5% | $70.48137.5% |
| Monday to Friday - Night shift | $58.95115% | $71.76140% |
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 | $64.08 | $256.32 |
| 8 Saturday hours | $96.12 | $768.96 |
| 8 Sunday hours | $112.14 | $897.12 |
| Total | $1,922.40 |
That week pays $1,922.40, which is $640.80 (50%) more than the same 20 hours worked on weekdays at the casual rate ($1,281.60). A full-time week of 38 ordinary hours pays $1,947.70.
Overtime rates
| Overtime | Full-time / part-time | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Monday to Saturday - First 2 hours | $76.89 | 150% |
| Monday to Saturday - After 2 hours | $102.52 | 200% |
| Sunday | $102.52 | 200% |
| Public holiday | $128.15 | 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.