Registered Nurse Salary in Adelaide (2026)

Last updated 30/09/2026

Registered Nurses in Adelaide earn a median salary of $95,000 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $85,000 and $118,978. That sits 18% above Adelaide's all-roles median of $80,749. Figures are based on 123 jobs advertised in Adelaide in the last 30 days.

▲ High demand Top 0% of roles by listing volume in Adelaide ↑ +28 listings vs last month

ADVERTISED RANGE

$85,000 – $118,978

Median: $95,000

Aug $100k

Sep $95k

↓ Trending down

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

Mid level

$85,000 – $119,972

Salary ranges are percentiles calculated from 123 job listings for this role and city, all sourced from Seek.com.au. Of those, 20.3% stated a salary directly. The remaining 79.7% carried a range estimated from the listing, so this median blends advertised and estimated pay. Figures represent what employers advertise and may differ from actual compensation. Fewer than a quarter of these listings stated a salary, so the median leans heavily on estimates.

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Bottom 10% $85,000 Median $95,000 $118,978 Top 10%

Understanding the Adelaide Market

At 123 listings this is the highest-volume role in Adelaide and it sits in the 100th percentile for demand, up from 95 listings in August. The median fell $5,000 to $95,000 across that growth, which usually signals expansion at the graduate and enrolled end rather than a pay cut. Adelaide remains the lowest-paying nursing market in the country, with every other city between $98,000 and $100,000. Only 20% of listings stated a salary, so read the figure as directional.

Take Home Pay (based on median $95,000)

Weekly (net)

~$1,380

Monthly (net)

~$5,980

Annual (net)

~$71,758

Total package (incl. 2025-26 super at 11.5%) $105,925

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 Adelaide?

New graduate nurses start at $85,000, set by the SA Health enterprise agreement rather than negotiated individually. Progression through the early pay points is time-based and largely automatic in the public system. Private and aged care employers pay similarly at entry but move faster for those taking night and weekend loadings.

Is $95,000 a good salary in Adelaide?

Reasonable locally, weakest nationally. At $95,000 a registered nurse earns 17.6% above Adelaide's all-roles median of $80,000, with take-home near $1,380 a week and the lowest living costs of the mainland capitals. Against other cities Adelaide is last for a third month, with every other market paying $98,000 to $100,000 for the same registration. Low housing costs close much of that gap on take-home.

How much does a Senior Registered Nurse make in Adelaide?

The ceiling is $118,000, covering clinical nurse consultant, specialist and remote roles rather than standard ward nursing. Postgraduate certification in a specialty such as ICU, emergency, perioperative or mental health is the usual requirement. Nurse practitioner endorsement, which requires a master's degree, is the largest single jump available.

Other roles in Adelaide

Registered Nurse salaries in other cities

City	Median salary	vs Adelaide
Adelaide (this page)	$95,000	0%
Brisbane	$100,000	+5%
Canberra	$100,000	+5%
Gold Coast	$100,000	+5%
Melbourne	$100,000	+5%

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