Nurse Salary in Melbourne in 2026
How much does a nurse earn in Melbourne? Nursing is one of Australia's major healthcare professions, and Melbourne has a large market for Registered Nurses across public hospitals, private hospitals, aged care, community health, mental health, medical practices and specialist healthcare services.
For Australian salary comparisons, the most useful occupation is generally Registered Nurse. Unlike Switzerland, Australia does not use the Swiss Pflegefachfrau / Pflegefachmann classification system. Nursing registration in Australia is regulated nationally by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA).
This guide explains current nurse salary benchmarks relevant to Melbourne and Victoria, including Registered Nurse pay, Victorian public-sector classifications, specialist nursing, overtime and penalty payments, overseas-qualified nurses, registration, English-language requirements and career progression.
💰 Average Nurse Salary in Melbourne
There is no single official "average Melbourne nurse salary" published by the Victorian Government for every nursing employer and specialty. A useful national benchmark comes from Jobs and Skills Australia.
The current Jobs and Skills Australia occupation profile reports median full-time earnings of A$2,192 per week for Registered Nurses. That is approximately A$113,984 per year when simply annualised over 52 weeks.
This is a national Registered Nurse benchmark rather than a Melbourne-only salary. Actual Melbourne pay can differ depending on the hospital, classification, experience, specialty, employment arrangement, shift pattern and additional payments.
Jobs and Skills Australia also reports median hourly earnings of approximately A$57 per hour for Registered Nurses in its latest published occupation earnings data.
Registered Nurse Salary in Melbourne
The Australian term Registered Nurse (RN) refers to a nurse who is registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.
Registered Nurses work across hospitals, aged care, community health, mental health, medical practices, rehabilitation and other healthcare environments.
Jobs and Skills Australia currently reports approximately 366,200 Registered Nurses employed in Australia and shows Victoria accounting for approximately 28.1% of the national Registered Nurse workforce.
Melbourne is therefore one of Australia's major employment markets for nurses.
Nurse Salary in Melbourne by Victorian Public-Sector Grade
For nurses considering employment in Victorian public hospitals, the public-sector enterprise agreement provides a much more useful salary framework than an invented "salary by years of experience" table.
The current Victorian public-sector nursing agreement uses classifications including Registered Nurse Grade 2, Grade 3A, Grade 3B and higher classifications. The exact salary depends on the classification and increment point.
| Victorian Nursing Classification | Indicative Current Hourly Rate | Approx. Annual Base Equivalent* |
|---|---|---|
|
Registered Nurse Grade 2
Early to experienced Grade 2 classifications |
Approximately A$42.60 – A$54.40/hour | Approximately A$84,200 – A$107,300 |
| Registered Nurse Grade 3A | Higher-level clinical/specialist classification | Varies by current enterprise agreement classification |
| Registered Nurse Grade 3B | Senior/specialist nursing classification | Higher than standard Grade 2 rates |
| Higher nursing classifications | Senior clinical, management and leadership positions | Depends on classification and employer |
*Annual equivalents are illustrative calculations based on 38 hours per week and the published hourly rates. They are not guaranteed annual salaries. Actual earnings can be affected by part-time employment, overtime, penalty rates, allowances, salary packaging and other employment conditions.
Current Victorian public-sector Registered Nurse Grade 2 advertisements show rates around A$42.60–A$54.40 per hour under the Nurses and Midwives (Victorian Public Sector) Single Interest Employers Enterprise Agreement 2024–2028.
How Much Does a Nurse Earn Per Week in Melbourne?
Using the current Jobs and Skills Australia benchmark, the median full-time earnings for Registered Nurses are approximately:
- A$2,192 per week before tax
- A$57 per hour as the published median hourly earnings benchmark
- Approximately A$113,984 per year when A$2,192 is multiplied by 52 weeks
These figures are useful for understanding the broader Australian nursing market. They should not be interpreted as the guaranteed salary of a Melbourne hospital nurse.
How Much Does a Nurse Earn Per Month in Melbourne?
If the A$113,984 annualised national median is divided by 12, the equivalent is approximately A$9,499 gross per month.
However, Australian employees are generally paid according to their employment contract and payroll cycle, often weekly, fortnightly or monthly.
The actual amount deposited into your bank account will be lower after income tax, Medicare levy where applicable and other deductions.
Nurses working shifts may also receive penalty rates and allowances, meaning that their total gross earnings can differ substantially from their base salary.
Nurse Salary in Melbourne by Experience
Experience normally affects nursing pay, but Australia does not have one national salary table saying that every nurse with five, ten or twenty years of experience must earn a specific amount.
In Victoria, public-sector nursing salaries are structured through enterprise agreements and classification/increment systems. Private hospitals, aged-care providers and other employers can use different employment arrangements.
This means that a nurse with ten years of experience may not necessarily receive the same salary as another nurse with ten years of experience. Specialisation, classification, employer and shift pattern can be equally important.
Early-career and graduate nurses
Graduate nurses entering Victorian public hospitals are generally appointed within the Registered Nurse Grade 2 structure.
The precise starting salary depends on the applicable enterprise agreement, classification and employer at the time of appointment.
A graduate should therefore compare the actual employment offer rather than relying on a generic internet salary estimate.
Experienced Registered Nurses
Experienced nurses may progress through the relevant Grade 2 increments or move into specialist, senior clinical, educator, management or advanced-practice positions.
Experience can therefore increase earning potential, but career progression is not simply an automatic annual percentage increase across every Australian employer.
Nurse Salary by Nursing Role in Melbourne
Registered Nursing is a broad profession. Jobs and Skills Australia identifies specialised areas including critical care and emergency nursing, aged care, community health, mental health, perioperative nursing, surgical nursing, paediatrics and other areas.
| Nursing Role | Salary Considerations |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | Usually employed within the applicable RN classification and employer pay structure. |
| Graduate Registered Nurse | Generally starts within the relevant entry-level RN classification. |
| Clinical Nurse / Specialist Nurse | May receive a higher classification or specialist allowance depending on employer and enterprise agreement. |
| ICU / Critical Care Nurse | Specialist qualifications, clinical responsibilities and shift penalties can affect total earnings. |
| Emergency Nurse | Emergency departments often involve rotating shifts and specialist responsibilities. |
| Perioperative / Theatre Nurse | Specialist clinical skills and employer classification can affect compensation. |
| Mental Health Nurse | May be employed under specific mental-health classifications or enterprise agreements. |
| Aged Care Registered Nurse | Pay depends on employer, agreement, classification, experience and shift arrangements. |
| Nurse Educator | Senior education and clinical roles can attract higher professional classifications. |
| Nurse Practitioner | Advanced-practice role requiring additional qualifications and registration endorsement. |
ICU Nurse Salary in Melbourne
Intensive Care Unit (ICU) nursing is a specialised area requiring advanced clinical knowledge and the ability to care for critically ill patients.
An ICU nurse's salary depends on the underlying classification, employer, experience, specialist qualifications and roster.
Working nights, weekends and public holidays can also affect total earnings because penalty rates and allowances may apply under the relevant employment arrangement.
For this reason, it is better to compare the complete employment package rather than searching for one universal "ICU nurse salary Melbourne" number.
Emergency Nurse Salary in Melbourne
Emergency nurses work in fast-paced clinical environments and may work across day, evening and night shifts.
Salary depends on the classification and employer, while shift penalties and other allowances can increase total earnings.
Experienced emergency nurses with additional specialist training can also progress into senior clinical and leadership roles.
Paediatric Nurse Salary in Melbourne
Paediatric nurses care for infants, children and young people across hospitals, specialist services and other healthcare settings.
Paediatric nursing salaries are generally determined by the relevant employer, classification and enterprise agreement rather than by one separate national "paediatric nurse salary" rate.
Mental Health Nurse Salary in Melbourne
Mental health nursing is another major nursing career path in Victoria.
Victorian public mental health services can operate under specific enterprise agreements and classifications, so salary comparisons should distinguish mental health nursing from general Registered Nurse classifications.
Nurse Practitioner Salary in Melbourne
A Nurse Practitioner is an advanced nursing role with additional education, clinical responsibilities and registration requirements.
Nurse practitioners can work with a higher level of clinical autonomy than standard Registered Nurse positions, depending on their scope of practice and employer.
Their compensation is therefore generally considered separately from standard Registered Nurse salary comparisons.
When researching a Nurse Practitioner position, check the actual classification, clinical scope, employer and employment agreement rather than applying the standard Registered Nurse median salary.
Do Nurses Earn More With Night and Weekend Shifts?
Potentially, yes.
Nursing frequently involves work outside standard business hours. Depending on the applicable award or enterprise agreement, nurses may receive additional payments for:
- Night work
- Afternoon shifts
- Saturday work
- Sunday work
- Public holidays
- Overtime
- On-call duties
- Specific specialist responsibilities
- Other allowances
This is one reason two nurses with the same base hourly rate can have very different total annual earnings.
Gross Nurse Salary vs Net Salary in Melbourne
All salary figures on this page should be understood as gross earnings before tax unless explicitly stated otherwise.
A nurse earning A$100,000 gross does not receive A$100,000 in their bank account. Australian income tax and other applicable deductions reduce take-home pay.
Your net income can depend on:
- Annual taxable income
- Tax residency
- Medicare levy and applicable circumstances
- HECS-HELP or other student loan obligations
- Salary sacrifice arrangements
- Superannuation arrangements
- Other deductions
For a broader look at Australian salaries and living expenses, see our Melbourne Cost of Living Guide and Monthly Expenses in Melbourne .
Is Superannuation Included in a Nurse Salary?
When comparing Australian job offers, always check whether the advertised salary is inclusive or exclusive of superannuation.
Superannuation is an employer contribution made under Australian superannuation rules and is separate from the employee's ordinary take-home pay.
A job advertised as "$100,000 package" may therefore not be directly comparable with a position advertised as "$100,000 salary plus super".
Nursing Salary in Public vs Private Hospitals
Nurses in Melbourne can work in public hospitals, private hospitals, aged-care providers, community healthcare organisations and other healthcare settings.
Public hospitals
Victorian public-sector nurses are generally covered by enterprise agreements that set classifications, salary rates, allowances and other employment conditions.
This can make public-sector employment relatively transparent when comparing classification levels.
Private hospitals
Private healthcare employers may operate under different enterprise agreements, awards or employment arrangements.
The salary can therefore differ from the Victorian public-sector rate even when the job title is similar.
Always examine the complete employment agreement before comparing offers.
Victorian Public Hospital Nurse Salary
The Victorian Department of Health states that the terms and conditions of nurses and midwives employed in Victorian public health services are typically specified through enterprise agreements.
The current statewide agreement is the Nurses and Midwives (Victorian Public Sector) (Single Interest Employers) Enterprise Agreement 2024–2028.
This agreement is therefore particularly relevant when researching nursing salaries at Victorian public hospitals in and around Melbourne.
Public-sector nursing jobs should be compared by classification and increment point rather than by a generic national average alone.
What Factors Affect a Nurse's Salary in Melbourne?
- Years of nursing experience
- Registered Nurse classification
- Employer
- Public or private healthcare sector
- Specialisation
- Clinical responsibilities
- Leadership responsibilities
- Night shifts
- Weekend shifts
- Public holiday work
- Overtime
- On-call arrangements
- Additional qualifications
- Employment percentage
- Enterprise agreement or award
- Location and healthcare service
Where Can Nurses Work in Melbourne?
Melbourne has one of Australia's largest and most diverse healthcare employment markets.
Registered Nurses can work in:
- Major public hospitals
- Private hospitals
- Emergency departments
- Intensive care units
- Operating theatres
- Maternity and women's health
- Paediatric services
- Mental health services
- Aged care
- Community health
- General practices
- Rehabilitation
- Disability services
- Home nursing
- Medical clinics
- Specialist healthcare centres
Major Melbourne Healthcare Employers
Melbourne has a large network of public and private healthcare providers. Nurses should check the official careers pages of individual organisations in addition to general job boards.
Potential employers and healthcare networks include major public health services, private hospital groups, aged-care providers, community health organisations and specialist healthcare services.
When applying, compare:
- Base salary
- Classification
- Penalty rates
- Overtime
- Superannuation
- Salary packaging
- Professional development
- Leave entitlements
- Roster arrangements
- Career progression
Nursing Jobs in Melbourne for Foreigners
Melbourne is an international city and employs nurses from many countries. However, nursing is a regulated profession in Australia.
A person cannot simply arrive in Australia with an overseas nursing diploma and start working as a Registered Nurse.
To practise as a nurse, registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) is required.
The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) supports the national registration system.
Overseas-Qualified Nurses in Melbourne
If you qualified as a nurse outside Australia, you are considered an internationally qualified nurse.
The registration pathway depends on your education, registration history, qualification, English-language evidence and individual circumstances.
Internationally qualified applicants should start with the official NMBA/Ahpra registration information rather than relying on recruitment agencies or informal online advice.
Official information is available through:
Ahpra – Internationally Qualified Health Practitioners
Do Overseas Nurses Need AHPRA Registration?
Yes.
A nurse must be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia to practise as a nurse in Australia.
The registration process is particularly important for overseas-qualified nurses because having a nursing qualification from another country does not automatically give Australian registration.
Registration requirements should be checked directly with Ahpra and the NMBA before planning employment in Melbourne.
English Requirements for Overseas Nurses
English language ability is an important part of Australian nursing registration.
The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia has an English language skills registration standard that applies to applicants for initial registration, including internationally qualified applicants.
Depending on the applicant's circumstances, evidence can be demonstrated through specified pathways involving education and/or approved English language tests.
The exact requirements can change, so applicants should check the current NMBA standard rather than relying on an old IELTS score or advice from an online forum.
Official information:
NMBA English Language Skills Registration Standard
Can Nurses From the UK, India, Philippines or Other Countries Work in Melbourne?
Yes, internationally trained nurses can potentially become registered in Australia, but the process is based on Australian registration requirements rather than simply the country where the nurse obtained their diploma.
Nurses from countries including the United Kingdom, India, Philippines, New Zealand, Ireland, South Africa and many other countries may apply for Australian registration if they meet the applicable requirements.
The assessment is individual. Having a nursing licence in another country does not by itself guarantee Australian registration.
Do Nurses Need Australian Experience?
Not necessarily. Internationally qualified nurses can seek Australian registration without first having worked in Australia, provided they meet the applicable registration requirements.
However, employers may have their own requirements concerning clinical experience, specialist skills, references and previous employment.
A nurse with ICU, emergency, perioperative, aged-care or other specialist experience may therefore be particularly competitive for relevant positions.
Nursing Qualifications in Australia
Australian nursing includes different professional levels. The two major regulated nursing professions are:
- Registered Nurse (RN)
- Enrolled Nurse (EN)
Registered Nurses generally undertake approved higher-education nursing programs, while Enrolled Nurses follow a different education and registration pathway.
A Registered Nurse should not be confused with a Nursing Support Worker or Personal Care Assistant. These are different occupations with different qualifications, responsibilities and pay structures.
Registered Nurse vs Enrolled Nurse Salary
Registered Nurses and Enrolled Nurses are separate regulated professions.
An RN generally has a broader scope of professional responsibility and a different qualification and registration pathway from an EN.
Their salary structures are therefore different.
If you are comparing Australian nursing jobs, make sure you are comparing the same registration level and classification.
How to Find a Nursing Job in Melbourne
- Confirm that you are eligible for Australian nursing registration.
- Complete the relevant NMBA/Ahpra registration process if you are internationally qualified.
- Check your Australian visa and work rights.
- Prepare an Australian-style nursing CV.
- List your nursing registration status clearly.
- Include your clinical experience and specialist qualifications.
- Highlight ICU, emergency, surgical, mental-health, aged-care or other specialist experience where relevant.
- Apply directly through hospital and healthcare employer career pages.
- Compare salary, superannuation, penalty rates and benefits rather than salary alone.
You can also explore our:
Jobs in Melbourne for Foreigners
How Much Can an Experienced Nurse Earn in Melbourne?
There is no single official figure for an "experienced nurse salary in Melbourne" because experienced nurses can occupy very different classifications and specialties.
An experienced Registered Nurse may remain in a Grade 2 position, progress into a specialist classification, become a clinical nurse specialist, move into education, take on leadership responsibilities or progress toward advanced practice.
The earning potential therefore depends on the career path rather than years of experience alone.
Highest-Paying Nursing Career Paths in Melbourne
Nurses who want to increase their earning potential can consider progressing into specialist or senior positions.
- Critical care nursing
- Emergency nursing
- Perioperative nursing
- Clinical nurse specialist roles
- Nurse educator roles
- Nurse practitioner roles
- Clinical leadership
- Nurse unit management
- Nursing management
- Advanced practice nursing
Higher pay generally comes with additional responsibility, qualifications, experience or management duties.
Do Nurses Have Good Job Opportunities in Melbourne?
Nursing is a large occupation in Australia. Jobs and Skills Australia reports approximately 366,200 Registered Nurses nationally, with strong representation in Victoria.
Registered Nurses work across hospitals, aged care and other healthcare settings, making nursing one of the major professional occupations in Australia's health sector.
Melbourne's large population and extensive healthcare system create opportunities across both public and private healthcare.
Is Nursing a Good Career in Melbourne?
Nursing can be an attractive career in Melbourne for people who want a regulated healthcare profession with opportunities to work across different clinical areas.
The profession also offers multiple progression paths, from general Registered Nurse roles to specialist nursing, education, leadership and advanced practice.
However, nurses should consider more than salary when deciding whether to relocate to Melbourne.
Housing, commuting, taxes, professional registration, childcare and general living costs can significantly affect the financial outcome of a move.
See our:
Nurse Salary in Melbourne vs Other Australian Cities
Nursing salaries across Australia are influenced by state and territory public-sector agreements, private-sector arrangements, classification, specialty and employer.
A nurse considering Melbourne should therefore compare:
- Victoria
- New South Wales
- Queensland
- Western Australia
- South Australia
- Tasmania
- Australian Capital Territory
- Northern Territory
However, comparing salary alone can be misleading. Housing costs, taxation, transport, shift patterns and employment conditions can make a lower nominal salary financially attractive in some circumstances and less attractive in others.
Nurse Salary and Cost of Living in Melbourne
A nursing salary should always be considered together with Melbourne's living costs.
Housing is usually one of the largest expenses for workers moving to Melbourne. Transport, groceries, utilities, insurance and childcare can also significantly affect a household budget.
This is especially important for overseas nurses relocating with a family.
Use our:
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Frequently Asked Questions About Nurse Salaries in Melbourne
How much does a nurse earn in Melbourne?
Jobs and Skills Australia currently reports median full-time earnings of A$2,192 per week for Registered Nurses nationally. Annualised over 52 weeks, this is approximately A$113,984 per year before tax.
This is a national benchmark rather than a Melbourne-specific guaranteed salary. Actual Melbourne salaries depend on classification, employer, experience, specialisation and working hours.
What is the average Registered Nurse salary in Melbourne?
There is no single official Melbourne-wide average covering every Registered Nurse. The current national JSA median of A$2,192 per week provides a useful benchmark, while Victorian public-sector enterprise agreements provide specific classification rates for public hospitals.
What is the starting salary for a nurse in Melbourne?
Graduate Registered Nurses in Victorian public hospitals generally enter the Registered Nurse Grade 2 classification. The exact starting rate depends on the applicable enterprise agreement and current increment point.
How much does a Registered Nurse earn per hour in Melbourne?
The current Jobs and Skills Australia national median hourly earnings figure for Registered Nurses is approximately A$57 per hour. Victorian public-sector Grade 2 rates can differ depending on classification and increment point, with current advertised rates around A$42.60–A$54.40 per hour.
How much does an ICU nurse earn in Melbourne?
There is no single Melbourne-wide ICU nurse salary. Pay depends on the nurse's underlying classification, specialist experience, employer, enterprise agreement and shift pattern.
Do nurses get paid more for night shifts in Melbourne?
Nurses may receive penalty rates or allowances for nights, weekends, public holidays and other non-standard working arrangements, depending on the applicable award or enterprise agreement.
Can foreign nurses work in Melbourne?
Yes. Overseas-qualified nurses can potentially work in Melbourne after meeting Australian registration and immigration requirements. Nurses must be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia to practise as nurses in Australia.
Do overseas nurses need AHPRA registration?
Yes. Nursing registration is administered nationally through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency and the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia. Internationally qualified nurses must complete the applicable registration pathway.
Do overseas nurses need IELTS?
Not necessarily IELTS specifically. Internationally qualified applicants must meet the NMBA English language skills registration standard, but the available pathways for demonstrating English proficiency can include more than one method.
Always check the current NMBA requirements because registration standards can change.
Can a nurse from India work in Melbourne?
Yes, a nurse from India can potentially become registered and work in Melbourne, but an Indian nursing qualification does not automatically provide Australian registration. The applicant must meet the applicable NMBA/Ahpra registration requirements.
Can a nurse from the Philippines work in Melbourne?
Yes. Filipino nurses can potentially apply for Australian registration and work in Melbourne if they meet the applicable registration, English-language and immigration requirements.
Can a UK nurse work in Melbourne?
Yes. UK-qualified nurses can potentially apply for Australian registration. However, Australian registration requirements still apply even if the nurse is already registered in the United Kingdom.
Is nursing a high-paying job in Melbourne?
Nursing is a professional occupation with earnings above the median across all occupations according to current Jobs and Skills Australia data. Experienced specialist, advanced-practice and management positions can offer higher compensation than standard entry-level nursing positions.
Is nurse salary in Melbourne enough to live comfortably?
A Registered Nurse salary can provide a solid professional income, but affordability depends heavily on housing, household size, commuting costs and lifestyle. A single nurse and a nurse supporting a family can have very different financial requirements.
Does a nurse salary include superannuation?
Not necessarily. Australian job advertisements can quote a base salary plus superannuation or quote a total remuneration package. Always check the employment offer carefully before comparing two salaries.
📌 Important Nurse Salary Disclaimer
Salary information changes over time and differs between employers, classifications, locations and individuals.
The national Registered Nurse earnings figure on this page is based on current Jobs and Skills Australia occupation data. Victorian public-sector salary information is based on the applicable Victorian nursing enterprise agreement and current public-sector job advertisements.
The figures should be used as market-reference information and not as guaranteed salary offers.
Before accepting a nursing position, verify:
- Base salary
- Classification and increment point
- Superannuation
- Penalty rates
- Overtime
- Allowances
- Salary packaging
- Working hours
- Leave entitlements
- Professional development benefits
For overseas-qualified nurses, always verify registration requirements directly with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia and Ahpra.
Information checked and updated for September 2026. Salary figures, enterprise agreements, registration standards and employment conditions can change. Always verify current nursing registration requirements and salary conditions with the relevant Australian authority or employer before making career or relocation decisions.