Where pay rates come from
| Source | Applies to | Where to find it |
|---|---|---|
| State public sector enterprise agreements | Nurses in public hospitals and health services | State health department or industrial relations websites |
| Private employer enterprise agreements | Many private hospitals and aged care providers | The employer, or the Fair Work Commission agreement search |
| Nurses Award | A minimum safety net where no agreement applies | Fair Work Ombudsman |
How your rate is set
- Classification: registered nurse, clinical nurse, nurse unit manager and so on.
- Pay point or year: many agreements recognise previous experience, sometimes including overseas experience. Ask how yours will be counted.
- Penalty rates: extra pay for nights, weekends and public holidays.
- Allowances: for qualifications, on-call, remote or other conditions.
- Salary packaging: public and not-for-profit employers often allow salary packaging, which can reduce tax.
We do not list salary figures because agreements change and differ by state and employer. Look up the current pay table for your state and classification, and compare it to your written offer.
Superannuation
Employers must pay superannuation on top of salary for most employees. Check the current rate with the Australian Taxation Office.
Sponsored visa salary rules
If you are sponsored, your salary must also meet the visa's income threshold and the market salary rate. See the 482 guide.
Frequently asked questions
Do overseas years count toward my pay point?
Often, but not automatically. Each agreement sets rules for recognising prior service. Provide detailed employment letters and ask the employer in writing.
Is salary higher in some states?
Rates differ between state agreements, and living costs differ too. Compare both before choosing.
Official sources to check
Last checked 10 November 2026. If a rule here conflicts with the official page, the official page is correct. Report an error.