
Nursing is a highly demanding and rewarding profession that requires specialised knowledge and skills. Nurses with several years of experience or advanced education tend to earn higher salaries. The highest-paid nursing positions in Australia include nurse practitioners, nurse unit managers, clinical nurse consultants, nurse educators, certified registered nurse anaesthetists, clinical nurse specialists, travel nurses, and mental health nurses. These specialised roles provide and oversee patient care, requiring advanced expertise and qualifications. Factors such as experience, education, specialisation, geographical location, and organisation type influence the salaries of nurses in Australia.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Certified Registered Nurse Anaesthetists | AUD 125,000 per year |
| Clinical Nurse Specialists | AUD 108,035 per year |
| Travel Nurses | AUD 122,407 per year |
| Public Health Nurses | AUD 109,035 per year |
| Oncology Nurses | AUD 89,080 per year |
| Nurse Managers | AUD 121,000 per year |
| Directors in Nursing | AUD 132,341 per year |
| Nurse Practitioners | AUD 126,412 per year |
| NICU Nurses | AUD 90,170 per year |
| Midwifery Nurses | AUD 110,000 per year |
| Emergency Nurses | NA |
| Geriatric Nurses | NA |
| Critical Care Nurses | AUD 100,000 per year |
| Nurse Unit Managers | AUD 133,952 per year |
| Clinical Nurse Consultants | AUD 133,358 per year |
| Nurse Educators | AUD 133,358 per year |
| Clinical Nurse Educators | AUD 120,637 per year |
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Oncology nurses
In comparison to other nursing specialisations in Australia, oncology nursing falls within a similar salary range. Certified registered nurse anaesthetists, for example, earn an average of just under $125,000 per year, while clinical nurse specialists can expect an average salary of just under $108,000 per year. The highest-paying position in clinical nursing is that of a director, with a national average salary of $132,341 per year.
Pursuing a career in oncology nursing in Australia can be a lucrative path, especially with several years of experience and a Bachelor's degree in Nursing.
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Nurse practitioners
In Australia, nurse practitioners are among the highest-paid nurses. The national average salary for nurse practitioners is $126,412 per year, with entry-level positions starting at $127,226 per year. Experienced nurse practitioners can earn up to $151,650 per year. In Queensland, nurse practitioners (grade 7 year 1) earn $123,000 per year, increasing to $134,000 in year 4. Grade 8 nurse practitioners earn between $139,000 and $145,000 per year.
Other highly paid nursing roles in Australia include mental health nurses, who earn an average of $108,000 per year, and home care registered nurses, who are paid around $122,407 annually. Travel nurses, who work in various short-term healthcare settings, earn an average of $10,000 per month, or $122,407 per year. Oncology nurses, who work with cancer patients, earn an average of $89,080 per year, while certified registered nurse anaesthetists, who specialise in administering anaesthesia, earn just under $125,000 per year. Clinical nurse specialists, with advanced knowledge in a particular patient care area, can expect an average salary of $108,000 per year.
Overall, nurse practitioners in Australia can expect to earn competitive salaries, with the potential to increase their earnings through experience and specialisation.
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Nurse managers
Overall, nurse managers are well-compensated for their expertise, experience, and leadership skills, making them one of the highest-paid nursing roles in Australia.
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Mental health nurses
In Australia, nursing is a highly demanding and well-paid profession due to the specialised knowledge and skills required. Nurses with several years of experience or additional education tend to earn more. A clinical nurse specialist, for example, earns an average of just under $108,000 per year, while a nurse manager earns an average of $121,000 annually. The highest-paying position in clinical nursing is a director of nursing, with a national average salary of $132,341 per year.
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Travel nurses
To become a travel nurse in Australia, registration through the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA) is mandatory. This process includes providing proof of proper schooling and experience, as well as verification of English proficiency through the International English Language Testing System exam (IELTS) for non-US citizens. The application fee is $576 AU, and the process typically takes around seven months. Obtaining a visa is also necessary, with options including Work-Holiday Visas for those under 30 and Sponsorship Visas for older applicants.
Travel nursing in Australia offers flexibility in terms of contract length and location. Nurses can choose between per diem assignments, which allow for greater mobility, and lengthier contracts that provide more stability. Rural and remote nursing positions are available, with travel and accommodation often covered by the employer. These positions offer the opportunity to explore different parts of Australia, such as Western Australia (WA) and Queensland (QLD), while earning competitive wages.
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Frequently asked questions
Nurse practitioners are the highest-paid type of nurses in Australia, earning up to $151,292 in Queensland and an average maximum of $143,509 across the country.
To become a nurse practitioner, you need to be a registered nurse with a Master's degree and be approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Board.
Other nursing roles that are among the highest-paid in Australia include:
- Nurse unit managers
- Clinical nurse consultants
- Nurse educators
- Travel nurses
- Mental health nurses
- Midwifery nurses
- Oncology nurses
To become a nurse in Australia, you typically need a Bachelor of Nursing or a Bachelor of Science with a major in Nursing. After completing your degree, you can apply to the Nursing and Midwifery Board for registration.
There are several ways to increase your salary as a nurse in Australia:
- Gain several years of experience in a hospital or aged care facility
- Obtain additional certifications, diplomas, or postgraduate degrees
- Move into specialised roles such as diabetes nurse, school nurse, cosmetic nurse, or nurse anaesthetist











































