Registered nurse — level 2 — more than 3 years at this level (aged care) pay rate 2026
Minimum rate for Registered nurse — level 2 — more than 3 years at this level (aged care) under the Nurses Award (MA000034) from 1 August 2026: $2,046.00 a week full-time, $106,678 a year (weekly × 52.14). Casual: $67.30 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 $51.83 an hour.
Minimum pay rates
| Employment type | Hourly | Weekly | Annual (× 52.14) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time / part-time | $53.84 | $2,046.00 | $106,678 |
| Casual (loading included) | $67.30 | — | — |
How this rate compares
It ranks 5th of 41 distinct adult hourly rates in the Nurses Award.
The next rate up is Registered nurse — level 4 — grade 3 at $55.57 an hour, $1.73 (3.2%) higher than this classification.
The next rate down is Registered nurse — level 4 — grade 2 at $52.50 an hour, $1.34 (2.5%) lower.
It is $27.40 an hour (103.6%) 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 $4.36 (8.8%) from $49.48 on 30 June 2026 to $53.84, and the full-time weekly rate rose $165.60.
| From | Hourly | Weekly |
|---|---|---|
| 30 June 2026 | $49.48 | $1,880.40 |
| 1 July 2026 | $51.83 | $1,969.70 |
| 1 August 2026 | $53.84 | $2,046.00 |
Penalty rates
| When | Full-time / part-time | Casual |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary hoursMinimum hourly rate | $53.84100% | $67.30125% |
| Saturday | $80.76150% | $100.95187.5% |
| Sunday | $94.22175% | $117.78218.75% |
| Public holiday | $107.68200% | $134.60250% |
| Monday to Friday - Afternoon shift | $60.57112.5% | $74.03137.5% |
| Monday to Friday - Night shift | $61.92115% | $75.38140% |
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 | $67.30 | $269.20 |
| 8 Saturday hours | $100.95 | $807.60 |
| 8 Sunday hours | $117.78 | $942.24 |
| Total | $2,019.04 |
That week pays $2,019.04, which is $673.04 (50%) more than the same 20 hours worked on weekdays at the casual rate ($1,346.00). A full-time week of 38 ordinary hours pays $2,046.00.
Overtime rates
| Overtime | Full-time / part-time | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Monday to Saturday - First 2 hours | $80.76 | 150% |
| Monday to Saturday - After 2 hours | $107.68 | 200% |
| Sunday | $107.68 | 200% |
| Public holiday | $134.60 | 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.