Registered Nurse Salary in Sydney (2026)

Last updated

Registered Nurses in Sydney earn a median salary of $98,260 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $88,920 and $125,000. That is broadly in line with Sydney's all-roles median of $95,000. Figures are based on 351 jobs advertised in Sydney in the last 30 days.

▲ High demand Top 0% of roles by listing volume in Sydney ↑ +126 listings vs last month
💰 Registered Nurse · Sydney
ADVERTISED RANGE
$88,920 – $125,000
Median: $98,260
Jun $100k
Jul $98k
→ Stable

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

Mid level $88,920 – $125,000
Overall $88k–$125k Mid $88k–$125k $86k $94k $103k $111k $120k $128k
High confidence 351 listings (+126 vs last month) · 02/08/2026

Salary ranges are percentiles calculated from 351 job listings for this role and city, 66.9% sourced from Seek.com.au and the rest from government job boards and employer career sites. Of those, 50.3% stated a salary directly. The remaining 49.7% 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%  $88,920 Median  $98,260 $125,000  Top 10%

Understanding the Sydney Market

At 351 listings this is by far the largest sample in this entire report, and listings grew 56% from 225 in June, the biggest absolute increase anywhere in the data. Despite that surge the median fell $1,740 to $98,000, leaving Sydney below the $100,000 cluster of Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Newcastle and Perth. At 50% salary disclosure this is a well-evidenced figure. Sydney is now paying less than five other markets while advertising more roles than any of them.

Take Home Pay (based on median $98,260)

Weekly (net)
~$1,421
Monthly (net)
~$6,158
Annual (net)
~$73,893
Total package (incl. 2025-26 super at 11.5%) $109,559

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 Sydney?
New graduates start at $88,000, the second highest nursing floor in this report behind Newcastle at $95,000. NSW Health award classifications set this rather than negotiation. Progression through the early pay points is time-based and largely automatic in the public system.
Is $98,260 a good salary in Sydney?
Barely. At $98,000 a registered nurse earns 3.4% above Sydney's all-roles median of $95,000, with take-home near $1,421 a week against the highest living costs in this report. Five other cities pay $100,000 at far lower cost, and Newcastle pays $100,000 with a $95,000 entry floor. On take-home, Sydney is the weakest nursing market in this data.
How much does a Senior Registered Nurse make in Sydney?
The ceiling is $125,000, covering clinical nurse consultant, specialist and management roles rather than standard ward nursing. Postgraduate certification in ICU, emergency, perioperative or mental health is the usual requirement. Nurse practitioner endorsement, requiring a master's degree, is the largest single jump available.

Other roles in Sydney

Registered Nurse salaries in other cities

City Median salary vs Sydney
Sydney (this page) $98,260 0%
Brisbane $100,000 ~same
Canberra $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.