How much do different types of nurses get paid?

Our strong range of industry partnerships provide students with real-world experience, and Western Health is one of our closest connections. Our alliance with them sees 1000 students per year complete over 110,000 hours of industry training. Last year, over 48% of Western Health graduate nursing positions were filled by VU students — more than any other uni. 

Healthcare is one of Australia’s fastest growing industries, and it looks like pay will be increasing for many in the sector. In 2024, Australia’s largest nursing union is settling a deal with Victorian government to secure Victorian nurses a 28.4% pay rise enacted over the next four years. In 2024 alone, increases will range between 5% and 17.5%. 

But what does that mean for specific types of nurses? And how much do different nurses get paid? 

There are many factors in nursing pay — location, sector, and employer policy — but to get an overview of what the Government recommends, we broke it down for you.  

Registered nurses, or RNs, are licensed, hands-on healthcare workers who perform treatment services on patients. They assess and plan healthcare, and administer medication. RNs start at $29.60 per hour but senior roles can earn up to $65.71 per hour. With the profession being highly specialised, RNs require robust clinical expertise, sufficient patient care administration proficiency, and the ability to not just communicate with clients, but understand and build rapport with them. 

Registered nurse salary range: $57,800 - $131,420 

What do I study to become a registered nurse?

• Bachelor of Nursing

Enrolled nurses, or ENs, work under RN supervision and perform direct patient care and support functions. They begin at $27.67 and but work their way up to $29.11, and then many will seek training to become registered. As a comparatively junior role, ENs should have nursing skills, basic knowledge and skills in handling patients and good communication skills. 

Enrolled nurse salary range: $54,100 - $58,220 

What do I study to become an enrolled nurse?

• Diploma of Nursing HLT54121 
• Certificate III in Health Services Assistance HLT33115 

NPs — nurse practitioners — are nurses who have topped up their knowledge and skills to be able to practice both on their own and in collaboration with other health professionals. They start at $52.39 per hour and get up to a tidy $53.95. If you want to work your way up to NP level, you need enhanced clinical experience, problem solving abilities, leadership skills, and to not be afraid of admin. 

Nurse practitioner salary range: $102,800 - $105,900 

What do I study to become a nurse practitioner?

• Bachelor of Nursing 
• Master of Nursing 

Occupational health nurses (OHNs) specialise in workplace health — they’re the ones combating workplace ailments and boosting employee wellness. Hourly rates range from $31.77 to $41.75. If you fancy becoming an occupational health nurse, you’ll need to be adept at preventing workplace injuries, promoting employee well-being, and managing occupational hazards through detailed health programs. 

Occupational health nurse salary range: $63,540 - $83,460 

What do I study to become an occupational health nurse?

• Bachelor of Nursing 
• Master of Mental Health 

Assistants in nursing – also known as nursing support workers or nurse’s aides – help RNs and ENs in delivering simple care to the patients, and help facilitate daily living activities. Their pay rate ranges from $22.56 per hour to $25.81. AINs require fundamental patient care skills, a knack for teamwork, and communication skills. 

Nursing assistant salary range: $45,120 - $51,620 

What do I study to become an AIN?

• Certificate III in Individual Support CHC33021
• Certificate III in Health Services Assistance HLT33115

Mental health nurses support patients by providing care and treatment in mind and body. Their hourly rate begins at $33.23, but, given that they provide crisis intervention, and support during acute episodes, senior roles fetch up to $47.25 per hour. To be a mental health nurse you need to be skilled in therapeutic comms, community care, and mental health assessment. 

Mental health nurse salary range: $66,446 - $94,500 

What do I study to become a mental health nurse?

• Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing
• Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Nursing
• Unit HNO6008: Mental Health Nursing

Australian nursing overtime and penalty rates 

Nurses often work overtime, earning 1.5 times their normal rate for the first two hours, then double that thereafter. Night shifts attract a 15% loading, while public holidays can double the hourly rate. 

This can be great (imagine clocking upwards of $100 per hour!) but it should be noted that Australia’s current nursing shortage means overtime can be prevalent — and nurses can’t care for others if they’re unwell themselves. 

Australian nursing Sunday and Saturday award rates 

Weekend shifts offer higher pay, with Saturday shifts receiving a 50% loading and Sunday shifts attracting a 75% loading. This makes weekend work a lucrative option for nurses. 

And want to do it at a university that sees you for all you can be? VU is the best place for you. Our industry-embedded nursing courses are designed to prepare students for real-world scenarios, which means employers look upon VU grads favourably. 

Our popular nursing courses include: 

• Bachelor of Nursing: A highly-valued nurse degree that is proven to land industry jobs. Get 800 professional practice hours and 140 clinical simulation hours.
• Diploma of Nursing HLT54121: Train to become an enrolled nurse and provide a range of care under the supervision of a registered nurse. Take advantage of hands-on learning in our simulation labs.  
• Postgraduate nursing courses: VU also provides degree-specific postgraduate courses for registered nurses with the aim to enhance their career prospects. These course are for registered nurses and are 100% online.

Explore our courses now.