Australia continues to face a significant nursing shortage, and this is shaping the permanent employment market for nurses across the country.
Demand for nurses remains strong across hospitals, aged care, mental health services, and community healthcare settings. As a result, employers are competing to attract and retain skilled nurses by offering competitive salaries, improved working conditions, and clearer career progression pathways. The permanent jobs market for nurses has stabilised somewhat since the peak workforce shortages during the COVID period, but it is still firmly a candidate-driven market. Healthcare organisations are prioritising permanent hires to reduce reliance on expensive agency staffing and create greater workforce stability. However, shortages remain across most nursing categories due to long training pipelines, attrition, and growing healthcare demand.
Several trends are shaping the nursing labour market in 2026:
- Persistent workforce shortages: Australia is projected to face a shortage of up to 80,000 nurses by 2035, sustaining strong demand for qualified staff.
- Regional pay premiums: Rural and regional employers often offer higher salaries and incentives to attract nurses where shortages are most acute.
- Growing demand in aged care and mental health: Sector reforms, an ageing population, and expanded services are increasing demand for nurses in these areas.
- Greater emphasis on retention: Employers are focusing not just on salary but also culture, flexibility, wellbeing initiatives, and career development opportunities.
- Overall, nurses continue to benefit from strong job security, competitive pay, and diverse career options across the healthcare system.
Average Registered Nurse Salary in Australia by State (2026)
The table below shows typical permanent salaries for Registered Nurses (RN) across three key sectors:
- Residential Aged Care (RN1–4)
- Mental Health (RN excluding graduates)
- Acute Mental Health (RN1–4)
- Nurse Unit Managers
All figures represent base salary only (excluding superannuation and allowances).
| Aged Care Residential RN 1–4 | RN 5+ | Community RN | Mental Health RN | Acute RN 1–4 | RN 5+ | NUM | |
| ACT | $87,000 | $100,000 | $93,000 | $100,000 | $80,000 | $98,000 | $130,000 |
| NSW | $85,000 | $105,000 | $92,000 | $103,000 | $80,000 | $98,000 | $145,000 |
| NT | $83,000 | $100,000 | n/a | $106,000 | $85,000 | $102,000 | $170,000 |
| QLD | $92,000 | $105,000 | $89,000 | $94,000 | $92,000 | $108,000 | $140,000 |
| SA | $82,000 | $95,000 | $86,000 | $90,000 | $80,000 | $95,000 | $135,000 |
| TAS | $88,000 | $110,000 | $84,000 | $86,000 | $79,000 | $98,000 | $128,000 |
| VIC | $86,000 | $108,000 | $88,000 | $99,000 | $88,000 | $103,000 | $140,000 |
| WA | $89,000 | $103,000 | $93,000 | $98,000 | $85,000 | $103,000 | $130,000 |
| National Average | $86,500 | $103,000 | $89,000 | $97,000 | $83,600 | $100,500 | $140,000 |
Note that these averages do not align to the award rates of pay
Download the full Salary Guide for 2026
Key Insights
- Queensland and regional markets pay more in some sectors
States like Queensland and the Northern Territory often offer higher salaries due to workforce shortages and population growth pressures. - Aged care salaries are rising
Residential aged care RN salaries now average $86,500 nationally, reflecting increased regulatory requirements and ongoing reforms in the sector in recent years. - Allowances can significantly increase earnings
Base salary is only part of total compensation. Nurses often receive additional payments such as:
- Shift loadings
- Overtime
- On-call allowances
- Uniform and meal allowances
- Salary packaging (particularly in not-for-profit providers)
These can increase total annual earnings substantially.
Bottom line:
In 2026, the average Registered Nurse salary in Australia typically ranges from $83,000 to $103,000 depending on sector, with senior or specialist roles exceeding $100,000+ in many markets.
Whether you are seeking professional growth, lifestyle change, or long-term career stability, we are here to support you every step of the way. If you are ready to take the next step, contact Healthcare Australia today.
