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 $80,000 and $135,000. That sits 11% above Melbourne's all-roles median of $90,000. Figures are based on 197 jobs advertised in Melbourne in the last 30 days.

▲ High demand Top 0% of roles by listing volume in Melbourne ↑ +54 listings vs last month
💰 Registered Nurse · Melbourne
ADVERTISED RANGE
$80,000 – $135,000
Median: $100,000
Jun $100k
Jul $100k
→ Stable

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

Mid level $80,000 – $134,352
Overall $80k–$135k Mid $80k–$134k $77k $89k $102k $114k $126k $139k
High confidence 197 listings (+54 vs last month) · 02/08/2026

Salary ranges are percentiles calculated from 197 job listings for this role and city, 88.9% sourced from Seek.com.au and the rest from government job boards and employer career sites. Of those, 31.9% stated a salary directly. The remaining 68.1% 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%  $80,000 Median  $100,000 $135,000  Top 10%

Understanding the Melbourne Market

Listings rose 38% from 143 to 197, the largest absolute increase of any role in this report, while the median held at exactly $100,000. Melbourne matches Brisbane, Canberra, Newcastle and Perth, sitting above Sydney at $98,000 and Adelaide at $95,000. The 55% spread reflects the distance between award-linked ward roles at $80,000 and specialist positions reaching $135,000. Only 32% of listings stated a salary, though the national consistency supports the figure.

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?
New graduates start at $80,000, the lowest nursing floor of the major capitals, set by the Victorian public health enterprise agreement. 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 Melbourne?
Yes. At $100,000 a registered nurse earns 11.1% above Melbourne's all-roles median of $90,000, with take-home near $1,443 a week against high living costs. It matches the top of the national band, though Brisbane pays the same at a considerably lower cost base. Within Melbourne health it sits level with occupational therapy, physiotherapy and speech pathology.
How much does a Senior Registered Nurse make in Melbourne?
The ceiling is $135,000, covering clinical nurse consultant, nurse practitioner and specialist roles rather than standard ward nursing. 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 Melbourne

Registered Nurse salaries in other cities

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