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 $85,000 and $129,014. That sits 11% above Brisbane's all-roles median of $90,000. Figures are based on 191 jobs advertised in Brisbane in the last 30 days.

▲ High demand Top 0% of roles by listing volume in Brisbane ↑ +55 listings vs last month
💰 Registered Nurse · Brisbane
ADVERTISED RANGE
$85,000 – $129,014
Median: $100,000
Aug $99k
Sep $100k
→ Stable

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

Mid level $85,000 – $129,014
Overall $85k–$129k Mid $85k–$129k $82k $92k $102k $112k $122k $132k
High confidence 191 listings (+55 vs last month) · 30/09/2026

Salary ranges are percentiles calculated from 191 job listings for this role and city, 97.4% sourced from Seek.com.au and the rest from government job boards and employer career sites. Of those, 34.7% stated a salary directly. The remaining 65.3% 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%  $85,000 Median  $100,000 $129,014  Top 10%

Understanding the Brisbane Market

Listings rose 40% from 136 to 191 with the median steady at $100,000, putting demand in the 100th percentile. Brisbane sits at the top of a very flat national band alongside Canberra, the Gold Coast, Melbourne, Newcastle and Perth, all at $100,000, with Sydney and Wollongong at $98,000 and Adelaide last at $95,000. The 44% spread reflects the distance between award-linked ward roles at $85,000 and specialist positions reaching $129,000. At 35% salary disclosure the figure is moderately supported.

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 11.1% above Brisbane's all-roles median of $90,000, 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 $129,000 within general registered nursing, with clinical nurse consultants at $118,000 as the 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
Gold Coast $100,000 ~same
Melbourne $100,000 ~same
Newcastle $100,000 ~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.