What is the salary for Registered Nurses in NSW?
As most of our candidates have a minimum of 3 years' experience (36+ months), salaries typically commence at Year 4 level within NSW Health.
Indicative Base Salaries (2026-2027)
Year 4: AUD $86,500 (EUR52,500 / £45,500)
Year 5: AUD $91,000 (EUR55,000 / £47,500)
Year 6: AUD $95,500 (EUR57,500 / £50,000)
Year 7: AUD $100,000 EUR60,000 / £52,500)
Year 8: AUD $104,500 ( EUR62,500 / £55,000)
Figure are indicative and include recent incremental increases. Final salary will depend on award updates and experience level.
These figures are based on a 38-hour working week and exclude additional earnings, such as:
o Night shift penalties
o Weekend rates
o Public holiday pay
o Overtime
In reality, total earnings are significantly higher than base salary.
What is a realistic monthly take-home salary?
This will vary depending on tax, roster, and salary packaging, but as a general guide:
Estimated Monthly Net Salary Year 4-5:
o AUD $5,000 - $5,700 net per month
oEUR3,050 - EUR3,500 / £2,600 - £3,000
With shift penalties and overtime:
Many nurses earn AUD $5,800 - $7,000+ net per month
What is salary packaging?
Salary packaging (salary sacrifice) allows you to reduce your taxable income by allocating part of your salary towards approved expenses such as:
o Rent or mortgage
o Living expenses
o Meals and entertainment
This can significantly increase your take-home pay.
What annual leave am I entitled to?
Standard Annual Leave
o 4 weeks (20 days) paid annual leave per year
o Accrues progressively and rolls over if unused
Shift Workers
o Typically receive an additional 1 week, giving:
Up to 5 weeks annual leave per year
Public Holidays
o Approx. 10 public holidays per year
o Additional pay or time off if rostered
Annual Leave Loading
o 17.5% loading during annual leave
OR
o Applicable shift penalties (whichever is greater)
Additional Days Off (Roster-Based)
Depending on shift patterns:
o 8-hour shifts: Up to 12 additional days off per year
o 10-hour shifts: Approx. 1 additional day every 5 weeks
Do I have to pay for medical care?
Permanent Residency (Subclass 186)
o Full access to Medicare (Australia's public healthcare system)
o Low-cost or free hospital care
Subclass 482 Visa (Temporary Visa)
o Not eligible for full Medicare
o Employers must ensure adequate health insurance cover
o Often provided or required as part of your contract
Reciprocal Healthcare Agreements (RHCA)
Limited Medicare access may be available for citizens of:
o United Kingdom
o Ireland (hospital treatment only)
o Finland
o New Zealand
o Sweden
o Netherlands
o Italy
o Norway
o Malta
Covers essential or immediately necessary treatment only.
Private Health Insurance
Temporary visa holders are usually required to take out:
o Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC)
Typical Relocation Costs to Consider
o Flights to Australia
o Initial accommodation (bond + rent)
o Living expenses during settling-in period
(Some employers may offer relocation assistance or reimbursement.)
Top Tip
Your base salary is only part of your earnings potential.
With shift penalties, overtime, and salary packaging, many nurses earn 20-40% more than their base salary.
Vacancies:
- AUSTRALIA Registered Nurse - Intensive Care (ICU / ITU)- PR 186 or SID 482 sponsorship
- AUSTRALIA Registered Nurse - CCU (SID 482 visa sponsorship)
- AUSTRALIA Registered Nurse - Spinal Unit- PR 186 and SID 482 visa sponsorship.
- AUSTRALIA Registered Nurse Medical ( SID 482 sponsorship)
- AUSTRALIA Registered Nurse Surgery- 482 visa sponsorship
- AUSTRALIA Registered Nurse -Community Mental Health.
- AUSTRALIA Registered Nurse, Inpatient Mental Health Unit
- AUSTRALIA Registered Nurse - Mental Health
- AUSTRALIA Registered Nurse -Medical Imaging (SID 482 sponsorship)
- AUSTRALIA Registered Nurse - Mental Health Inpatient Unit (IPU)
- AUSTRALIA Mental Health Nurses_ Various Roles
- AUSTRALIA Registered Nurse, Mental Health Intensive Care Unit