Registered Nurse Salary in Brisbane (2026)

Last updated

Registered Nurses in Brisbane earn a median salary of $100,000 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $85,257 and $125,428. That sits 14% above Brisbane's all-roles median of $87,500. Figures are based on 182 jobs advertised in Brisbane in the last 30 days.

▲ High demand Top 0% of roles by listing volume in Brisbane ↑ +20 listings vs last month
💰 Registered Nurse · Brisbane
ADVERTISED RANGE
$85,257$125,428
Median: $100,000
Jun $99k
Jul $100k
→ Stable

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

Mid level $85,257 – $125,428
Overall $85k–$125k Mid $85k–$125k $82k $91k $101k $110k $119k $129k

Salary ranges are percentiles calculated from 182 job listings for this role and city, 96.8% sourced from Seek.com.au and the rest from government job boards and employer career sites. Of those, 46.0% stated a salary directly. The remaining 54.0% 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.

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Bottom 10%  $85,257 Median  $100,000 $125,428  Top 10%

Understanding the Brisbane Market

At 182 listings this is the highest-volume role in Brisbane and it sits in the 100th percentile for demand, with the median steady at $100,000. Brisbane matches Canberra, Melbourne, Newcastle and Perth exactly, sitting above Sydney at $98,000 and Adelaide at $95,000. The median moved $638 across the month, so this is a large market at a settled rate. The 40% spread reflects the distance between award-linked ward roles and specialist positions reaching $125,000.

Take Home Pay (based on median $100,000)

Weekly (net)
~$1,443
Monthly (net)
~$6,253
Annual (net)
~$75,033
Total package (incl. 2025-26 super at 11.5%) $111,500

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 Brisbane?
New graduates start at $85,000, set by the Queensland 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 match at entry but move faster for those taking night and weekend loadings.
Is $100,000 a good salary in Brisbane?
Yes. At $100,000 a registered nurse earns 14.3% above Brisbane's all-roles median of $87,000, with take-home near $1,443 a week and moderate living costs. It matches the top of the national band while costing considerably less to live in than Sydney or Melbourne. Clinical nurse consultant roles at $118,000 are the clearest next step.
How much does a Senior Registered Nurse make in Brisbane?
The ceiling is $125,000 within general registered nursing, with clinical nurse consultants at $118,000 as a median for the specialist tier. Postgraduate certification in ICU, emergency, perioperative or mental health is the usual requirement. Nurse practitioner endorsement, which needs a master's degree, is the largest single jump available.

Other roles in Brisbane

Registered Nurse salaries in other cities

City Median salary vs Brisbane
Brisbane (this page) $100,000 0%
Canberra $100,000 ~same
Melbourne $100,000 ~same
Newcastle $100,000 ~same
Perth $100,000 ~same

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