Registered Nurse Salary in Brisbane (2026)

Last updated

Registered Nurses in Brisbane earn a median salary of $99,362 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $85,000 and $149,622. That sits 17% above Brisbane's all-roles median of $85,000. Figures are based on 162 jobs advertised on Seek.com.au in Brisbane in the last 30 days.

▲ High demand Top 1% of roles by listing volume in Brisbane ↑ +32 listings vs last month
💰 Registered Nurse · Brisbane
ADVERTISED RANGE
$85,000 – $149,622
Median: $99,362
May $99k
Jun $99k
→ Stable

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

Mid level $85,000 – $149,622
Overall $85k–$149k Mid $85k–$149k $82k $96k $111k $125k $139k $154k
High confidence 162 listings (+32 vs last month) · 05/07/2026

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%  $85,000 Median  $99,362 $149,622  Top 10%

Understanding the Brisbane Market

With 162 listings and a demand score of 99, registered nurse is by far the highest-volume role in this batch, and hiring surged from 130 to 162 in a month. Yet Brisbane pays $99,362, the lowest of any capital: Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide and the Gold Coast all sit at $100k or above. The gap is tiny (a few hundred dollars) but consistent. Pay was essentially flat, so demand is not lifting the award-anchored rate.

Take Home Pay (based on median $99,362)

Weekly (net)
~$1,435
Monthly (net)
~$6,218
Annual (net)
~$74,615
Total package (incl. 2025-26 super at 11.5%) $110,788

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?
Nursing requires a degree and registration, so new RNs start near the $85k p10 rather than lower, moving up the award scale with experience. Reaching the $99,362 median comes with a few years on the ward. A postgraduate qualification or a specialty (ICU, ED, theatre, mental health) is what pushes pay toward the $149,622 top of the band. Specialty and shift loadings drive the upper range.
Is $99,362 a good salary in Brisbane?
Broadly yes. At $99,362 the median earns 17% above Brisbane's $85k all-roles median and nets about $75k after tax, solid for a degree-qualified profession. The honest caveat is that every other capital pays a touch more (all at or above $100k), so Brisbane is the marginally lowest-paying market for RNs. The award structure keeps pay predictable.
How much does a Senior Registered Nurse make in Brisbane?
There is no separate senior band in this single-tier sample, so the $149,622 p90 reflects specialty and senior-clinical roles rather than a formal grade. Getting there means a specialty qualification (ICU, ED, theatre) and moving toward clinical nurse or nurse-unit-manager roles. The related Clinical Nurse Consultant title ($118,351) shows the next rung.

Other roles in Brisbane

Registered Nurse salaries in other cities

City Median salary vs Brisbane
Brisbane (this page) $99,362 —
Wollongong $105,347 +6%
Adelaide $100,000 ~same
Gold Coast $100,000 ~same
Melbourne $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.