Pay Comparisons

The Australian Nursing Federation is the national union for nurses and midwives in Australia. The Australian Nursing Federation s core business is the industrial and professional representation of nurses and midwives through the activities of a national office and branches in every State and Territory.

Wages and conditions of employment for nurses in Australia are determined by various awards and agreements. Generally speaking, awards of the Australian Industrial Relations Commission or state industrial tribunals provide the legal minimum for wages and working conditions. In addition to this, nurses in the public health sector and in private hospitals are normally covered by an industrial agreement which provides additional wages and working conditions.

Minimum entitlements for employees are determined by industrial awards and enterprise agreements which detail the conditions of employment such as hours worked, pay rates and leave entitlements.

While there is some degree of consistency, wages and conditions can vary depending on the relevant state/territory and the specific area of nursing.

The table below provides an overview of broad wage ranges that a nurse or midwife may expect to earn in each of the states and territories. For more specific information about wages and conditions of employment visit the website of the Australian Nursing Federation branch in the state or territory where you work or wish to work.

Overview of public sector wage rates for nurses / midwives as at December 2007