Nurse Salary in Australia: Scope, Benefits, Eligibility & More
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Table of Contents[Show]
- Scope for Nurses in Australia
- Top 10 Highest Paying Cities for Nurses in Australia
- Average Salaries For Different Nurse Job Roles in Australia
- Top Healthcare Industries Hiring Nurses in Australia and Their Average Annual Salary
- Average Salaries for Experienced Nurses in Australia
- What are the Factors that Affect the Salary of Nurses in Australia?
- How to Become a Registered Nurse in Australia?
- Nurses Salary in Australia: Unleash Your Potential
The nursing profession is consistently in high demand and has a long history of providing both financial stability and social rewards. It offers individuals the opportunity to make a substantial positive impact on people's health and overall well-being.
For international nurses aspiring to begin their careers in Australia, there are ample opportunities for employment within the healthcare sector, and you can choose from various specializations after completing the initial registration requirements.
So without further ado let us delve in and find out what is the value you could encash with your nursing expertise in Australia - Nurses Salary in Australia.
Scope for Nurses in Australia
The scope for nurses in Australia is quite promising, with great potential for employment and career growth.
Nurses have diverse pathways for career advancement, including specialized roles like clinical nurse specialists, nurse practitioners, and educational and research opportunities.
- Projected 8.9% growth in registered nurse employment from 2020 to 2024, as per the Australian Government's Job Outlook.
- Significant increase in registered nurses and enrolled nurses, totaling 394,346 and 71,285 respectively, reported by AHPRA as of September 2020.
- Diverse employment prospects, primarily in hospitals (63.6%), aged care facilities (9.9%), and primary care (7.4%), according to AHPRA.
- Australia provides visa sponsorship for skilled nurses through the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) and the Regional Occupation List (ROL), addressing the demand for nursing professionals.
- The median full-time registered nurse salary in Australia is approximately $76,856 annually, contributing to high job satisfaction (source: Australian Government’s Job Outlook).
Top 10 Highest Paying Cities for Nurses in Australia
So, how much does a nurse make in Australia? Well to answer that, the average nurse salary in Australia annually is around A$87,829 and the average salary of a nurse in Australia per hour is about A$ 45.04.
| City | Average Annual Salary (in AUD) |
|---|---|
| Canberra | $91,133 |
| Cairns | $89,823 |
| Adelaide | $87,151 |
| Gold Coast | $86,233 |
| Perth | $86,155 |
| Melbourne | $85,714 |
| Sydney | $82,534 |
| Leeton | $80,211 |
| Westmead | $78,697 |
| Liverpool | $73,218 |
Average Salaries For Different Nurse Job Roles in Australia
Now that you are familiarized with which are the best cities for nursing jobs in Australia, it is time to learn what type of nurses get paid the most, and their average salary ranges based on the job profile.
| Job Profile | Average Annual Salary (in AUD) |
|---|---|
| Certified Registered Nurse Anaesthetist (CRNA) | $77,000 - $258,000 |
| Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) | $101,000 - $121,000 |
| Nurse Educator | $99,500 - $124,000 |
| Mental Health Nurse | $80,000 - $120,000 |
| Travel Nurse | $88,500 - $155,000 |
| Public Health Nurse | $78,000 - $124,000 |
| Pediatric Nurse | $78,000 - $119,000 |
| Cardiac Nurse | $79,000 - $110,000 |
| Nurse Midwife | $79,000 - $118,900 |
| Oncology Nurse | $79,000 - $119,000 |
Also Read: Best Universities for Nursing in Australia
Top Healthcare Industries Hiring Nurses in Australia and Their Average Annual Salary
Explore the industry-leading companies seeking experienced nursing professionals like you and the competitive average annual salaries they offer. Explore your career options and become a valued member of Australia's healthcare system.
| Company Name | Average Pay (per year) |
|---|---|
| Government of South Australia | $88,188 |
| WA Country Health Service | $82,587 |
| Ramsay Health Care | $79,903 |
| Western NSW Local Health District | $79,778 |
| NSW Health | $79,642 |
| Murrumbidgee Local Health District | $79,382 |
| Hunter New England Health | $75,492 |
| Bolton Clarke | $74,972 |
| Mid North Coast Local Health District | $73,716 |
| Healthscope Limited | $73,632 |
Average Salaries for Experienced Nurses in Australia
Want to know your earning potential based on the years of experience you have gained so far? The average salary of a nurse in Australia per month at the beginning of their career is about $5,629. The table below gives you the average salary that you could expect as a nurse in Australia based on your experience.
| Experience Level | Average Salary Range (in AUD) |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years of Experience | $50,000 - $70,000 per year |
| 3-5 years of Experience | $75,000 - $110,000 per year |
| 6-10 years of Experience | $100,000 - $130,000 per year |
| 10+ years of Experience | $140,000 - $200,000+ per year |
What are the Factors that Affect the Salary of Nurses in Australia?
Nursing offers diverse career opportunities, but it's also about making a positive impact rather than just monetary rewards. The factors that influence nurses salary in Australia include:
- Location: Nurses in less populated areas typically earn more due to a scarcity of healthcare professionals, with cities like Melbourne seeing 8% lower wages compared to Newcastle, Cairns, and Townsville, where nurses earn an additional 9%.
- Experience: Most of the nurses start around $60,000 - $65,000, with annual increases of 4-5% for the first eight years. Beyond that, career advancement, often through further education, becomes crucial for earning more.
- Qualification: Higher qualifications open doors to more advanced roles and better pay. Nurse Practitioners, Nursing Unit Managers, and Directors of Nursing, with higher qualifications, can earn significantly more, sometimes on par with doctors or surgeons.
- Specialization: Specialized roles, like ICU or Operating Room nurses, typically earn more than those in general positions. For instance, ICU nurses might earn 7% above average.
- Employer and Unions: Private facilities and upscale hospitals tend to pay more than public hospitals. Joining a nursing union can also lead to higher wages through collective bargaining.
- Weekends, Public Holidays, and Overtime: Nurses can boost their income by working on weekends, public holidays, and overtime, with extra pay ranging from 50% to double the standard rate
Also Read: Top 10 Highest Paying Countries For Nurses 2023
How to Become a Registered Nurse in Australia?
So far you have gained knowledge regarding the value you could encash working as a nurse in Australia. Moving further let us learn about the minimum eligibility requirements to become a registered nurse in the Australian nation
- For Qualification Requirements:
- Successful completion of all nursing education components.
- Qualification equivalent to a Bachelor's degree in Australia, including a minimum of 800 hours of workplace experience in diverse healthcare settings.
- Consistent evaluation of work and recognition by an external nursing regulatory body with accreditation standards equivalent to those in Australia.
- Maintenance of professional knowledge and skills in alignment with current healthcare practices, nursing research, and health policies.
- Certification from an educational institution confirming the completion of an assessment in medication administration and management.
- Criteria for Meeting Registration Standards:
- Attainment of an overall score of 7 or higher in each component of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) OR
- Achievement of an overall score of 65 or more in the Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic OR
- Earning a total score of 88 or above in the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) iBT.
- Demonstrate to the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) that professional skills and knowledge are current by meeting recency of practice registration standards.
- Undergoing a criminal history check considering various factors, including the nature of any offenses committed, pending charges, or sentences served.
Nurses Salary in Australia: Unleash Your Potential
Nurses' salaries in Australia vary based on various factors, despite which, the profession offers competitive pay and numerous opportunities for career advancement. While financial rewards are significant, nursing remains a deeply fulfilling profession driven by the desire to improve patient lives and contribute to healthcare.
Explore the possibilities for your nursing career in Australia with GetGIS. Our immigration experts understand that the journey to secure the ideal nursing position in Australia can be complex. We are committed to offering personalized support to streamline your transition and facilitate a smooth process as you pursue your nursing career Down Under.
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