Nurse Salary in Sydney in 2026
How much does a nurse earn in Sydney? Nursing is one of Australia's major healthcare professions, and Sydney has a large employment market covering public hospitals, private hospitals, aged care, community healthcare, mental health services and specialist clinical settings.
For Registered Nurses employed under the NSW public health system, current award rates from 1 July 2026 range from approximately A$1,566.70 per week in the first year to A$2,199.60 per week from the eighth year and thereafter. That is approximately A$81,468 to A$114,379 per year when the weekly rates are multiplied by 52 weeks.
Actual nurse salaries in Sydney can differ depending on the employer, classification, experience, specialty, employment type, overtime, penalty rates, allowances and other conditions.
This guide explains nurse salaries in Sydney by experience and nursing role and also covers NSW Health pay rates, specialist nursing careers, gross versus net salary, registration for overseas nurses, English-language requirements and where nurses can work in the Sydney region.
💰 Average Nurse Salary in Sydney
There is no single salary that applies to every nurse in Sydney. Public-sector nurses employed by NSW Health are generally paid according to the relevant classification and award, while private hospitals, aged-care providers and other healthcare employers may use different salary structures.
As a current market reference, salary data for Registered Nurses in Sydney shows an average base rate of approximately A$49.21 per hour. This should be treated as a market indicator rather than a guaranteed salary.
For comparison, current NSW Health public-sector award rates from 1 July 2026 place Registered Nurses on a structured scale based on years of service. The first-year rate is A$1,566.70 per week and the eighth-year and thereafter rate is A$2,199.60 per week.
The official NSW Health award is particularly useful when researching public hospital nursing positions because it provides defined classification rates.
Registered Nurse Salary in Sydney by Experience
Experience is an important factor affecting Registered Nurse pay in the NSW public health system. The current NSW Health Public Health System Nurses' and Midwives' (State) Award provides specific weekly rates for Registered Nurses.
| Registered Nurse Experience | Weekly Rate from 1 July 2026 | Approx. Annual Equivalent* |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Year | A$1,566.70 | A$81,468 |
| 2nd Year | A$1,651.70 | A$85,888 |
| 3rd Year | A$1,737.00 | A$90,324 |
| 4th Year | A$1,828.50 | A$95,082 |
| 5th Year | A$1,919.20 | A$99,798 |
| 6th Year | A$2,009.50 | A$104,494 |
| 7th Year | A$2,112.80 | A$109,866 |
| 8th Year and Thereafter | A$2,199.60 | A$114,379 |
*Annual equivalents are calculated by multiplying the published weekly rate by 52 weeks. They are provided for comparison and do not represent an individual employee's take-home pay. Overtime, penalty rates, allowances, leave arrangements, employment percentage and other conditions can change actual earnings.
Registered Nurse Salary in Sydney
The term Registered Nurse (RN) refers to a regulated nursing profession in Australia. Registered Nurses are registered nationally through the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA), with registration applications administered by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra).
For nurses employed within the NSW public health system, the current award provides a structured salary progression based on the Registered Nurse classification and years of service.
From 1 July 2026, the published NSW Health rates are approximately:
- 1st year: A$1,566.70 per week
- 2nd year: A$1,651.70 per week
- 3rd year: A$1,737.00 per week
- 4th year: A$1,828.50 per week
- 5th year: A$1,919.20 per week
- 6th year: A$2,009.50 per week
- 7th year: A$2,112.80 per week
- 8th year and thereafter: A$2,199.60 per week
These figures apply to the relevant NSW public health system award. Private employers can use different salary structures and employment conditions.
Nurse Salary by Nursing Role in Sydney
Nursing salaries in Sydney vary significantly according to professional classification and responsibility. NSW Health has separate classifications for Registered Nurses, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Clinical Nurse Consultants and management positions.
| Nursing Classification | Current NSW Health Rate from 1 July 2026 | Approx. Annual Equivalent* |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse – 1st Year | A$1,566.70/week | Approximately A$81,468 |
| Registered Nurse – 8th Year and Thereafter | A$2,199.60/week | Approximately A$114,379 |
| Clinical Nurse Specialist – Grade 1 | A$2,289.00/week | Approximately A$119,028 |
| Clinical Nurse Specialist – Grade 2, 1st Year | A$2,458.90/week | Approximately A$127,863 |
| Clinical Nurse Specialist – Grade 2, 2nd Year and Thereafter | A$2,539.80/week | Approximately A$132,070 |
| Clinical Nurse Consultant – Grade 1, 1st Year | A$2,751.60/week | Approximately A$143,083 |
| Clinical Nurse Consultant – Grade 2, 1st Year | A$2,863.40/week | Approximately A$148,897 |
| Clinical Nurse Consultant – Grade 3, 1st Year | A$3,032.60/week | Approximately A$157,695 |
*Annual equivalents are calculated from the published NSW Health weekly rates multiplied by 52. They are not guaranteed total remuneration figures and do not include every possible allowance, penalty payment or employment benefit.
ICU Nurse Salary in Sydney
Intensive care nursing is a specialist area requiring advanced clinical knowledge, specialist training and responsibility for critically ill patients.
An ICU Registered Nurse may therefore work under a standard Registered Nurse classification or a specialist classification depending on the position, qualifications, responsibilities and employer.
Total earnings can also be affected by shift patterns, overtime, night work, weekend work and applicable penalty rates.
When comparing ICU nursing jobs in Sydney, check the complete employment package rather than looking only at the advertised base salary.
Emergency Nurse Salary in Sydney
Emergency nursing is another specialist area involving patients with urgent and potentially life-threatening medical conditions.
Emergency nurses may work rotating rosters that include nights, weekends and public holidays. The classification and base salary depend on the employer and position, while the working pattern can affect total earnings through applicable penalty rates and allowances.
Clinical Nurse Specialist Salary in Sydney
Nurses who progress into specialist clinical positions can move into higher classification levels.
Under the current NSW Health award, the Clinical Nurse Specialist Grade 1 rate from 1 July 2026 is A$2,289.00 per week. Clinical Nurse Specialist Grade 2 ranges from A$2,458.90 to A$2,539.80 per week, depending on the applicable step.
These rates correspond to approximately A$119,028 to A$132,070 per year when multiplied by 52 weeks.
Nurse Consultant Salary in Sydney
Clinical Nurse Consultants are senior clinical roles within the NSW public health system.
The NSW Health award provides multiple Clinical Nurse Consultant grades and steps. For example, from 1 July 2026, the published rate for a Grade 1 Clinical Nurse Consultant in the first year is A$2,751.60 per week.
Grade 2 and Grade 3 classifications have higher published rates. The applicable classification depends on the position and the employee's circumstances.
Nursing Salary in Sydney: Gross vs Net Salary
The salary figures on this page are gross salary figures or annual equivalents calculated from published gross weekly rates. They are not take-home pay.
A nurse earning A$100,000 gross per year does not receive A$100,000 in their bank account. Income tax and other applicable deductions affect the amount received.
Australian employment packages can also differ in how superannuation is presented. Some job advertisements show base salary separately from superannuation, while others may describe a total remuneration package.
Always check whether a salary advertised by an employer is:
- Base salary only
- Base salary plus superannuation
- Total remuneration package
- Inclusive or exclusive of allowances
- Inclusive or exclusive of overtime and penalty rates
For broader Sydney cost and salary comparisons, see:
Does Nursing Experience Increase Salary in Sydney?
In the NSW public health system, the Registered Nurse award provides progression through defined annual experience steps.
From 1 July 2026, the published Registered Nurse rate increases from A$1,566.70 per week in the first year to A$2,199.60 per week from the eighth year and thereafter.
This represents a difference of approximately 40% between the first-year and eighth-year-and-thereafter weekly base rates.
Career progression into specialist, consultant or management classifications can create additional salary levels beyond the standard Registered Nurse scale.
What Factors Affect a Nurse's Salary in Sydney?
- Years of nursing experience
- Professional classification
- Australian nursing registration
- Specialist qualifications
- Clinical responsibilities
- Employer and healthcare sector
- Public or private employment
- Full-time or part-time employment
- Night shifts
- Weekend work
- Public holiday work
- Overtime
- Penalty rates
- Allowances
- Management responsibilities
- Location and healthcare facility
- Additional postgraduate qualifications
Do Nurses Earn More With Night and Weekend Shifts?
Potentially. Nursing involves rostered work, and some positions require night, weekend and public holiday shifts.
Applicable awards and employment agreements can provide additional payments or penalty rates for particular working arrangements.
This means two nurses with the same classification and base salary can have different total earnings depending on their rosters and other applicable payments.
Nurse Salary in Sydney vs Australia
Sydney is one of Australia's largest healthcare employment markets. However, nursing salaries are not identical throughout Australia.
When comparing salaries, consider the difference between:
- Sydney and regional New South Wales
- New South Wales and other Australian states
- Public hospitals and private hospitals
- Hospitals and aged-care providers
- General nursing and specialist nursing
- Base salary and total remuneration
A salary comparison should also consider Sydney's housing, transport and general cost of living.
Where Can Nurses Work in Sydney?
Registered Nurses can work across a broad range of healthcare settings in Sydney, including:
- Major public hospitals
- Private hospitals
- Emergency departments
- Intensive care units
- Specialist medical units
- Rehabilitation services
- Mental health services
- Aged care and residential care
- Community nursing
- Home healthcare
- Outpatient services
- Specialist clinics
- Primary healthcare
- Research and education
- Healthcare administration and management
Major Healthcare Employers and Institutions in Sydney
Sydney has a large healthcare ecosystem including public hospitals, private hospitals, specialist facilities, community healthcare providers, aged-care organisations and research institutions.
When searching for nursing jobs, candidates should check the official careers pages of healthcare organisations as well as established Australian job websites.
NSW Health publishes its nursing classifications, awards and current rates of pay, making its resources particularly useful for candidates considering public-sector employment.
Nursing Jobs in Sydney for Foreigners
Sydney employs nurses from Australia and from many other countries. However, nursing is a regulated profession in Australia.
An overseas-qualified nurse cannot simply begin working as a Registered Nurse because they hold a nursing qualification from another country. Registration requirements must be satisfied before practising as a registered nurse in Australia.
Registration of Overseas Nurses in Australia
Internationally qualified nurses who want to work in Australia generally need to deal with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) and the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra).
The NMBA assesses internationally qualified nurses under its registration requirements. Depending on the applicant's qualifications and circumstances, different assessment pathways can apply.
Internationally qualified nurses should complete the applicable assessment process before making irreversible decisions such as leaving existing employment or moving to Australia.
Self-Check for Internationally Qualified Nurses
Internationally qualified nurses and midwives seeking initial registration in Australia generally need to complete the applicable Self-check process before applying for registration.
The Self-check uses information about the applicant's nursing qualification to determine the relevant assessment pathway.
The pathway can differ according to the qualification, country of education, registration history and other eligibility factors.
New Registration Pathways for Some Overseas Nurses
The NMBA introduced a registration standard for eligible internationally qualified registered nurses that came into effect on 23 April 2025.
The standard provides additional pathways for certain internationally qualified registered nurses who have qualifications and practice experience from approved comparable international jurisdictions.
The eligibility requirements are specific, so overseas nurses should check the current NMBA requirements rather than assuming that their country or qualification automatically qualifies.
Do Nurses Need English to Work in Sydney?
Yes. English-language competency is an important part of Australian nursing registration.
The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia's English language skills registration standard applies to applicants for initial registration.
Depending on the applicant's circumstances, English competency may be demonstrated through an accepted education pathway or another pathway specified by the NMBA.
For internationally qualified nurses, the exact English requirements should be checked directly against the current NMBA registration standard before taking an English examination or submitting an application.
Nurse Qualifications in Australia
Australia has regulated nursing professions including Registered Nurses and Enrolled Nurses.
Registered Nurses must hold the appropriate qualification and registration required by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.
Australian nursing education can be completed through approved Australian education programs. Internationally qualified nurses have separate registration and qualification assessment requirements.
The exact requirements depend on the applicant's professional category, qualification and registration history.
How to Find a Nursing Job in Sydney
- Confirm that you meet the Australian nursing registration requirements.
- If you trained overseas, complete the relevant NMBA/Ahpra assessment process.
- Check the English-language requirements applicable to your registration pathway.
- Prepare an Australian-style nursing CV.
- Clearly list your nursing qualifications and registration status.
- Include your clinical experience and specialist areas.
- Highlight ICU, emergency, surgical, mental health, paediatric or other specialist experience where relevant.
- Search public and private healthcare employers in Sydney.
- Compare base salary, superannuation, penalty rates, allowances and other employment conditions.
- Check visa and immigration requirements separately if you are not an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
You can also explore our guide:
How Much Does a Nurse Earn Per Month in Sydney?
Australian nurses are commonly paid according to an hourly, weekly or annual salary structure depending on the employer and employment agreement.
For example, the NSW Health first-year Registered Nurse rate from 1 July 2026 is A$1,566.70 per week. The eighth-year-and-thereafter rate is A$2,199.60 per week.
As simple annual equivalents, these rates are approximately:
- 1st year: A$81,468 per year
- 8th year and thereafter: A$114,379 per year
Dividing an annual figure by 12 can be useful for comparison, but it should not be treated as the exact amount appearing in a monthly bank account because tax, superannuation arrangements, roster payments and other factors affect actual income.
How Much Does a Nurse Earn Per Year in Sydney?
For a Registered Nurse employed under the current NSW public health system award, the published rates from 1 July 2026 range from approximately A$81,468 per year in the first year to approximately A$114,379 per year from the eighth year and thereafter when weekly rates are multiplied by 52.
The current progression is:
- 1st year: approximately A$81,468
- 2nd year: approximately A$85,888
- 3rd year: approximately A$90,324
- 4th year: approximately A$95,082
- 5th year: approximately A$99,798
- 6th year: approximately A$104,494
- 7th year: approximately A$109,866
- 8th year and thereafter: approximately A$114,379
Higher-Paying Nursing Career Paths in Sydney
Nurses who progress beyond the standard Registered Nurse classification can move into specialist, consultant, education or management positions.
Examples of career directions include:
- Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Clinical Nurse Consultant
- Intensive care nursing
- Emergency nursing
- Operating room nursing
- Mental health nursing
- Paediatric nursing
- Specialist clinical nursing
- Nurse education
- Nursing unit management
- Nurse management
- Advanced nursing practice
Salary should not be the only factor when choosing a nursing specialty. Working conditions, shift patterns, professional development, registration requirements and long-term career opportunities are also important.
Is Nursing a Good Career in Sydney?
Nursing is an established healthcare profession in Sydney with employment opportunities across public hospitals, private healthcare, aged care, community care, specialist services and other healthcare settings.
However, Sydney is also one of Australia's major high-cost housing markets. Nurses considering a move should therefore compare their expected salary with rent, transport, food, utilities, taxes and other living expenses.
For overseas nurses, registration and immigration requirements should also be considered before relocating.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Nurse Salaries in Sydney
How much does a nurse earn in Sydney?
Nurse salaries vary according to employer, classification, experience and specialization. Under the NSW public health system award, Registered Nurse rates from 1 July 2026 range from A$1,566.70 per week in the first year to A$2,199.60 per week from the eighth year and thereafter.
What is the starting salary for a nurse in Sydney?
The NSW Health Registered Nurse first-year rate from 1 July 2026 is A$1,566.70 per week, equivalent to approximately A$81,468 per year when multiplied by 52 weeks.
Private employers can use different salary structures.
How much does an experienced nurse earn in Sydney?
Under the NSW Health Registered Nurse award, the eighth-year-and-thereafter rate from 1 July 2026 is A$2,199.60 per week, equivalent to approximately A$114,379 per year before tax and other additions.
Do nurses earn more in Sydney than elsewhere in Australia?
Nursing pay varies between Australian states and territories, employers, classifications and specialties. NSW Health award rates provide a useful reference for nurses considering public-sector employment in Sydney, but they should not be assumed to represent every nursing job in Australia.
Can foreign nurses work in Sydney?
Yes. Internationally qualified nurses can seek registration in Australia by meeting the applicable Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia requirements. Immigration and registration are separate processes.
Is a foreign nursing diploma automatically recognized in Australia?
No. Overseas qualifications must meet the applicable Australian registration requirements. Internationally qualified nurses may need to complete a Self-check and additional assessment steps depending on their qualification and circumstances.
Do nurses need English in Sydney?
Applicants for initial nursing registration must meet the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia's English language skills registration standard unless they qualify through an applicable pathway.
What is the highest-paying nursing specialization?
There is no single nursing specialty that has the same salary in every Sydney workplace. Specialist, consultant and management classifications can have higher published salary levels than the standard Registered Nurse classification.
Are nurse salaries in Sydney gross or net?
The figures shown on this page are gross salary figures or annual equivalents calculated from gross weekly rates. Income tax and other applicable deductions reduce the amount received by the employee.
Does NSW Health pay nurses according to an award?
Yes. NSW Health publishes nursing classifications and rates under the applicable public health system nursing awards. The current award provides Registered Nurse rates from 1 July 2026 through multiple years-of-service steps.
How much does an ICU nurse earn in Sydney?
ICU nurses can be employed under different classifications depending on their position, qualifications and responsibilities. Their total earnings can also be affected by shift patterns, overtime and applicable penalty rates.
How much does a Clinical Nurse Specialist earn in Sydney?
Under the NSW Health award, the Clinical Nurse Specialist Grade 1 rate from 1 July 2026 is A$2,289.00 per week. Grade 2 rates range from A$2,458.90 to A$2,539.80 per week depending on the applicable step.
📌 Important Salary Disclaimer
Salary information changes over time and differs between employers and individuals. The figures on this page are provided as market-reference information and are not guaranteed salary offers.
The Registered Nurse and specialist classification figures are based on current published NSW Health award rates from 1 July 2026. Annual figures are calculated from weekly rates multiplied by 52 weeks.
Market salary figures from recruitment and salary websites can differ from award rates because they may reflect different employers, employment types, specialties, experience levels or salary definitions.
Always verify the salary, employment classification, superannuation, working hours, penalty rates, allowances and other benefits directly with the employer before accepting a nursing position.
Overseas nurses should also verify their current registration, English-language, qualification-assessment and immigration requirements with the relevant Australian authorities.