Registered Nurse Salary in Sydney (2026)

Last updated

Registered Nurses in Sydney earn a median salary of $99,400 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $84,633 and $151,164. That sits 10% above Sydney's all-roles median of $90,726. Figures are based on 192 jobs advertised on Seek.com.au in Sydney in the last 30 days.

▲ High demand Top 1% of roles by listing volume in Sydney ↑ +55 listings vs last month
💰 Registered Nurse · Sydney
ADVERTISED RANGE
$84,633 – $151,164
Median: $99,400
Apr $100k
May $99k
→ Stable

Based on 2-month data — short-term movement only.

Mid level $84,633 – $151,164
Overall $84k–$151k Mid $84k–$151k $82k $96k $111k $126k $140k $155k
High confidence 192 listings (+55 vs last month) · 01/06/2026

Salary ranges are percentiles calculated from advertised employer bands on Seek.com.au. Figures represent what employers publicly advertise and may differ from actual compensation.

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Bottom 10%  $84,633 Median  $99,400 $151,164  Top 10%

Understanding the Sydney Market

Registered Nurses in Sydney earned $99,400 at the median in May, down $600 from April, with 192 listings (up 55). Sydney has the largest RN listing volume by a significant margin, and the 55-listing increase in a single month is the biggest volume surge for any role in this dataset. As with Melbourne, the surge in listings is likely pulling the median down marginally by adding more junior or general ward positions. At 9.6% above Sydney's all-roles median, RN earns a real but modest premium in the most expensive city in Australia.

Take Home Pay (based on median $99,400)

Weekly (net)
~$1,435
Monthly (net)
~$6,220
Annual (net)
~$74,640
Total package (incl. 2025-26 super at 11.5%) $110,831

Take-home calculated using 2025-26 ATO tax rates, no HECS debt, full Australian residency. Total package adds 11.5% superannuation to base salary. Adjust for your situation →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good starting salary for a junior Registered Nurse in Sydney?
Registered Nurses in Sydney start at around $84,633 at the p10. NSW Health enterprise agreement rates set the public hospital floor, which is broadly consistent with the listed market entry point. Transitioning from new graduate stipend to full RN classification typically adds $10-$15k to the effective rate after the first 12-18 months.
Is $99,400 a good salary in Sydney?
Modestly yes. At $99,400, a Sydney RN earns 9.6% above the city's all-roles median. Sydney's cost of living is the highest in Australia, and $99,400 is stretched for independent living in most inner suburbs. The premium exists but is thin relative to the care responsibility and clinical skills required. Specialisation into ICU, ED, or perioperative nursing and moving to private hospitals typically adds $10-$20k to the effective pay rate.
How much does a Senior Registered Nurse make in Sydney?
Experienced Registered Nurses in Sydney reach $151,164 at the p90. This ceiling reflects Clinical Nurse Specialists, Nurse Practitioners, and senior Nurse Unit Managers at major Sydney hospital networks. Nurse Practitioners with prescribing authority and specialist scope typically command the upper end of this range, with some community NP positions in areas of high need exceeding the listed p90.

Other roles in Sydney

Registered Nurse salaries in other cities

City Median salary vs Sydney
Sydney (this page) $99,400 —
Adelaide $100,000 ~same
Newcastle $100,000 ~same
Perth $100,000 ~same
Brisbane $99,536 ~same

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Data sourced from publicly listed job advertisements. Not affiliated with or endorsed by Seek or any third-party platforms. Salary ranges represent advertised figures and may differ from actual compensation. Updated monthly.