Bachelor of Nursing Salary in Australia 2026 — Jobs & Pay Guide
Nursing salary in Australia 2026 — AHPRA RN pay by state, Subclass 485, skilled migration PR pathway for Indian nursing graduates.
Updated: 2026-04-01
Quick Answer
AHPRA-registered RNs in Australia earn AUD 65,000–85,000/year as new graduates. Nursing is on Australia's Skills Priority List — the Subclass 485 visa and skilled migration pathway to PR are highly structured and achievable for nursing graduates.
Key Highlights
- New Graduate RN — Victoria / NSW: AUD 68,000–78,000/year (enterprise bargaining agreements)
- New Graduate RN — Queensland: AUD 65,000–75,000/year (QLD Health Award)
- New Graduate RN — Western Australia: AUD 72,000–82,000/year — WA pays a premium to attract nurses
- New Graduate RN — South Australia / ACT: AUD 64,000–72,000/year with lower cost of living offsetting
- Specialisation premium: ICU, ER, Theatre nurses earn 10–20% above general RN base across all states
- Aged Care (residential/community): AUD 60,000–70,000/year — more vacancies; faster first employment
Nursing Salary in Australia — By State (2026)
First-year compensation for nursing graduates:
- New Graduate RN — Victoria / NSW: AUD 68,000–78,000/year (enterprise bargaining agreements)
- New Graduate RN — Queensland: AUD 65,000–75,000/year (QLD Health Award)
- New Graduate RN — Western Australia: AUD 72,000–82,000/year — WA pays a premium to attract nurses
- New Graduate RN — South Australia / ACT: AUD 64,000–72,000/year with lower cost of living offsetting
- Specialisation premium: ICU, ER, Theatre nurses earn 10–20% above general RN base across all states
- Aged Care (residential/community): AUD 60,000–70,000/year — more vacancies; faster first employment
Subclass 485, Skills Priority List, and PR Pathway
Post-graduation immigration for Australian nursing graduates:
- Subclass 485 (2 years): Work as RN anywhere in Australia; accumulate 2 years work experience toward skilled migration
- ANZSCO 2544 (Registered Nurse): On Australia's Skills Priority List — eligible for Subclass 189 (independent) and 190 (state-nominated) PRs
- ACS or ANMAC skills assessment: Required for skilled migration — AHPRA registration from a qualifying degree satisfies this
- Subclass 190 nominations: Victoria, NSW, Queensland, SA, and WA all nominate experienced RNs — 190 invitation essentially guaranteed for nurses
- Subclass 485 regional extension: Study/work in regional Australia for additional visa time — ANU graduates, Wollongong, Geelong, Townsville
- Timeline: Graduation → 485 (2 years) → 60+ SkillSelect points → 190 nomination → PR grant
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Written & reviewed by
Rahul SharmaHead of Admissions — USA & Canada Specialist
Frequently Asked Questions
New graduate RN: AUD 65,000–78,000 depending on state. Victoria and NSW have the highest starting pay via enterprise bargaining. After 3 years: AUD 80,000–90,000. Specialty nurses (ICU, ER) earn AUD 90,000–110,000 with loading and overtime.
Yes — AHPRA Registered Nurse (ANZSCO 2544) is on Australia's Skills Priority List. With 2 years of Subclass 485 RN work, positive ANMAC skills assessment, and 60+ SkillSelect points, you can receive a 190 state nomination (adding 5 points = almost guaranteed invitation). Most nursing graduates receive PR within 3–4 years of graduation.
Full Guide
Study in Australia — Complete Guide
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Nursing Abroad
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