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Nursing Jobs in Australia Nursing Jobs in Australia

Nursing Jobs in Australia

We are Australia's leading healthcare recruitment agency. We have thousands of job opportunities and over 20 offices nationwide.

Nursing in Australia is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a fulfilling and stable career. Nurses are the backbone of healthcare, providing patients with essential care, support and expertise every day. With the increasing demand for skilled healthcare professionals, nursing offers job security, career progression and the chance to make a real difference in people’s lives.

Healthcare Australia (HCA) is a trusted name in healthcare recruitment, helping nurses find the right roles across the country. From local placements to international nursing opportunities, HCA supports nurses at every stage of their journey.

Agency Nursing

Experience career flexibility as an agency nurse. With over 1,500 shifts every day right across Australia, HCA gives you the freedom to experience different aspects of the profession. Immerse yourself in one of our incredible capital cities or spend time in unique regional or remote areas from Coober Pedy to Cape York. We cover all specialties across the public and private sectors in every state and territory and provide a quick and simple recruitment process to guide you towards a placement that delivers the variety and fulfilment you’re after.

Permanent Nursing

Build your career around a future you plan. With permanent placements available in Australia’s leading private and public healthcare facilities, you have the power to choose where you work and get the security you want. Our consultants are scouting for roles in cities from Perth to Cairns and everywhere in between. No matter your level or speciality, we work with you to grow a career that fulfils your goals.

Travel Nurse Jobs

Across this vast nation, there’s a high demand for skilled medical professionals in our rural and remote areas. From a few shifts to a few months, you have the opportunity to experience the country from the outback to the coast. Our travel nurse team places Registered Nurses (RNs), Enrolled Nurses (ENs), midwives, support workers, and many more specialties in healthcare facilities all over Australia. Make sure you check out all of our nursing jobs.

Job opportunities for foreign nurses

Australia welcomes international nurses and offers several visa pathways, including:

  • Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482) — An employer-sponsored visa that allows nurses to work for an approved Australian employer.
  • Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) — A points-tested visa for highly skilled nurses who qualify without employer or state sponsorship.
  • Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190) — Also a points-tested visa, requires nomination by a state or territory government.
  • Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417) — Allows young adults (typically aged 18 to 30, or up to 35 for some nationalities) to travel and work in Australia to fund their stay. Valid for 12 months.

Healthcare Australia (HCA) assists and supports overseas nurses throughout the registration and visa process, making it easier to transition into the Australian healthcare system. International nurses with in-demand specialties, such as aged care, critical care and rural healthcare, have excellent job prospects.

Steps to becoming a nurse in Australia

To become a nurse in Australia, you need to complete the right training and education. There are two main pathways:

  • Enrolled nurse (EN) — Requires a Diploma of Nursing, which takes around 18 to 24 months and qualifies you to work under the supervision of a registered nurse.
  • Registered nurse (RN) — Requires a Bachelor of Nursing, a three-year degree that provides a broader scope of practice, leadership opportunities and higher earning potential.

When choosing a nursing program, make sure it’s accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA). This ensures you’re eligible for registration and employment in Australia.

Registration with AHPRA

Before working as a nurse, you must be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). The process varies depending on whether you studied in Australia or overseas:

  • Domestic graduates — After completing your nursing qualification, you can apply for registration with AHPRA.
  • Internationally qualified nurses — You may need to complete an assessment process, including verifying your credentials and possibly undertaking a bridging program.

AHPRA registration ensures all nurses meet the professional and safety standards required to practice in Australia.

Gaining clinical experience

Practical experience is crucial for a successful nursing career. Clinical placements during your studies give you hands-on experience in hospitals, aged care facilities and community health settings.
After graduation, securing a graduate program or entry-level role is the best way to gain further experience. Many hospitals and healthcare providers offer structured programs that help new nurses transition smoothly into the workforce.

Nurse salary in Australia

Salaries for nurses in Australia vary based on experience, location and specialisation. Overtime, shift allowances and some rural placements may offer opportunities to earn more.

How much do nurses earn in Australia?

The average salary for an enrolled nurse (EN) in Australia is $67,959, while the average registered nurse (RN) salary is $89,204 per year. However, nurse salaries can differ significantly between states, cities and healthcare settings. The following table lists the average salary range for RNs and ENs across Australia. Please note that this table should be used as just a basic salary guide, as salaries can vary depending on several factors.

 

State/Territory Registered nurse (RN) salary range Enrolled nurse (EN) salary range
TAS $75,902 – $96,423 $68,000 – $81,000
QLD $79,058 – $106,144 $71,234 – $82,599
SA $70,535 – $96,242 $62,642 – $71,835
NT $85,000 – $105,000 $67,000 – $77,000
VIC $58,489 – $129,833 $54,672 – $57,517
NSW $69,810 – $98,014 $62,914 – $70,454

 

For instance, nurses working in remote or high-demand areas often earn more due to increased allowances and government incentives. Similarly, experienced nurses and those with postgraduate qualifications can command higher salaries in specialised fields such as intensive care, emergency nursing or operating theatres.

What factors affect nurse salaries?

Your earning potential as a nurse depends on several key factors, including:

  • Experience — Senior nurses and those with advanced training or specialisations earn significantly more than entry-level nurses.
  • Location — Rural and remote nurses often receive additional benefits and allowances.
  • Specialisation — Nurses working in high-demand fields (e.g., ICU, operating theatre, mental health) can get higher wages.
  • Public vs private sector — While public hospitals typically offer structured pay scales, some private hospitals may provide additional incentives.

Whether you’re an aspiring nurse or looking to advance your career, HCA can help you find roles that offer competitive salaries and career growth opportunities.

How to apply for nursing jobs

A professional resume and cover letter can make all the difference when applying for nursing jobs. Your resume should highlight your education, clinical experience and key skills, while your cover letter should be tailored to each role you apply for.
To make the process easier, use our Nursing Resume template and check out our Nursing Cover Letter examples for inspiration.

Apply now with HCA

Whether you’re an experienced nurse or just starting, HCA can help you find the perfect role in Australia. Get in touch today to explore your nursing career opportunities. Preparing your application? Check out our nursing cover letter examples and nursing resume templates to help you make a strong first impression.

2024 Rewards Program

With HCA’s National Rewards program, you can earn exciting rewards simply by working. Once you reach a minimum of 250 hours worked, you can exchange the hours for the reward of your choice.

Why choose HCA as your nursing agency

Competitive pay rates

We pride ourselves on offering highly competitive pay rates across the nursing sector

Award winning eHCA app

Our award-winning eHCA app makes working with us as easy and convenient as possible

Fast payments

Get paid faster! We make sure you receive your payment within 48 hours of a shift

Other Nursing Specialties we recruit for

Some of the other nursing specialties we can help you with include:

  • Accident and Emergency (A & E)
  • Acute Care Nursing
  • Aged Care Nursing
  • Cardiac Care Nursing
  • Central Sterile Supply Department
  • Community Health Nursing
  • Critical Care Nursing
  • Dental Nursing
  • Educators & Facilitators
  • Forensic & Correctional Nursing
  • General Medical & Surgical Nursing
  • Gynecology and Obstetrics
  • Haematology and Oncology
  • High Acuity
  • Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
  • Mental Health Nursing
  • Midwifery and Neo-Natal Nursing
  • Nursing Management
  • Occupational Health
  • Ophthalmic Nursing
  • Orthopaedic Nursing
  • Paediatric Nursing
  • Pain Management
  • Palliative Care Nursing
  • Perioperative Nursing
  • Plastic Surgery
  • Psychiatry
  • Pulmonary Care Nursing
  • Radiology Nursing
  • Remote Area Nursing (RAN)
  • Scrub Nursing
  • Theatre & Recovery
  • Triage Nursing
  • Trauma Nursing
  • Urology Nursing

F.A.Q.

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