Registered Nurse Salary in Sydney (2026)

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Registered Nurses in Sydney earn a median salary of $98,260 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $89,326 and $125,500. That is broadly in line with Sydney's all-roles median of $95,000. Figures are based on 421 jobs advertised in Sydney in the last 30 days.

▲ High demand Top 0% of roles by listing volume in Sydney ↑ +63 listings vs last month
💰 Registered Nurse · Sydney
ADVERTISED RANGE
$89,326 – $125,500
Median: $98,260
Aug $98k
Sep $98k
→ Stable

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

Mid level $92,170 – $125,789
Overall $89k–$125k Mid $92k–$125k $86k $95k $103k $112k $120k $129k
High confidence 421 listings (+63 vs last month) · 30/09/2026

Salary ranges are percentiles calculated from 421 job listings for this role and city, 62.6% sourced from Seek.com.au and the rest from government job boards and employer career sites. Of those, 55.6% stated a salary directly. The remaining 44.4% 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%  $89,326 Median  $98,260 $125,500  Top 10%

Understanding the Sydney Market

At 421 listings this is by far the largest sample in this entire report, up 18% from 358, with demand in the 100th percentile. The median held at $98,000, leaving Sydney below the $100,000 cluster covering Brisbane, Canberra, the Gold Coast, Melbourne, Newcastle and Perth. At 56% salary disclosure and 63% Seek share, this is one of the better-evidenced nursing figures here. Sydney is paying less than six 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 $89,000, the third highest nursing floor in this report behind Newcastle and the Gold Coast. 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. Six other cities pay $100,000 at far lower cost, and Newcastle pays $100,000 with a $95,000 entry floor 90 minutes away. 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
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.