Registered Nurse Salary in Melbourne (2026)

Last updated

Registered Nurses in Melbourne earn a median salary of $100,000 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $80,927 and $149,746. That sits 5% above Melbourne's all-roles median of $95,000. Figures are based on 143 jobs advertised on Seek.com.au in Melbourne in the last 30 days.

▲ High demand Top 2% of roles by listing volume in Melbourne ↓ -2 listings vs last month
💰 Registered Nurse · Melbourne
ADVERTISED RANGE
$80,927 – $149,746
Median: $100,000
May $96k
Jun $100k
↑ Trending up

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

Mid level $80,742 – $149,892
Overall $80k–$149k Mid $80k–$149k $78k $93k $108k $123k $139k $154k
High confidence 143 listings (-2 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%  $80,927 Median  $100,000 $149,746  Top 10%

Understanding the Melbourne Market

With 143 listings and a demand score of 98, this is the best-evidenced and most in-demand role in the entire batch. The median rose $3.6k month on month to $100k, though listings dipped slightly (145 to 143), so pay is firming on already-high volume. It sits 5% above Melbourne's all-roles median, and the $100k rate is near-identical across every capital, an award-flattened, nationally consistent figure. The wide $81k to $150k band reflects shift loadings and seniority within the grade.

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 Melbourne?
A graduate RN in Melbourne starts near the $81k floor on award rates. Reaching the $150k top comes almost entirely from shift loading and specialisation: night, weekend and overtime penalties lift base substantially, and critical-care, ED, theatre and ICU roles pay above general wards. A Bachelor of Nursing and AHPRA registration are the baseline; the unit and the roster drive the top end.
Is $100,000 a good salary in Melbourne?
Yes. At $100k the median is 5% above Melbourne's $95k all-roles median and nets roughly $75k after tax, solid for a role with such high demand and job security. The $100k rate holds across every capital, so there is no interstate premium to chase, this is a nationally consistent, award-driven figure. For a role this in-demand, the pay and stability together make a strong case.
How much does a Senior Registered Nurse make in Melbourne?
There is no separate senior tier in the data, but the $150k top of the range reflects it: Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse Unit Manager and critical-care roles sit at the upper end. The step up is about specialisation and responsibility, a postgraduate qualification in a clinical area, or a move into unit management and clinical leadership. Higher-acuity units and management scope are what carry pay toward the top.

Other roles in Melbourne

Registered Nurse salaries in other cities

City Median salary vs Melbourne
Melbourne (this page) $100,000 —
Wollongong $105,347 +5%
Adelaide $100,000 ~same
Gold Coast $100,000 ~same
Perth $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.