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Registered Nurse Salary in Sydney

Healthcare

Registered nurses provide patient care in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings.

Average Salary
$93,500
per year
Take-Home Pay
$71,857
after tax (no HECS)
Salary Range
$72-121k
$94K
$72K$121K

Job Market Outlook

Low AI Risk

Physical or high-touch work with limited AI automation potential

In Demand

More jobs than qualified candidates in Australia

+14% growth

Moderate projected employment growth over 5 years

Sources: Microsoft Research 2025, Jobs and Skills Australia 2025 Occupation Shortage List

Registered Nurse Take-Home Pay Breakdown in Sydney

Based on the average Registered Nurse salary of $93,500 in Sydney, here's what you can expect to take home after tax, Medicare levy, and superannuation.

ComponentWithout HECSWith HECS
Gross Salary$93,500$93,500
Income Tax-$18,838-$18,838
Medicare Levy (2%)-$1,870-$1,870
HELP/HECS Repayment$0-$3,273
Superannuation (11%)+$10,285+$10,285
Annual Take-Home$71,857$68,585
Monthly Take-Home$5,988$5,715
Fortnightly Take-Home$2,764$2,638

Calculate Your Exact Take-Home Pay

Enter your actual salary to see a personalized breakdown including your specific tax situation, HECS debt, and family status.

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Your salary
$94,000
Take-home$71,857
Tax-$18,838
Super+$10,285

How to Become a Registered Nurse

Everything you need to know about breaking into a career as a Registered Nurse in New South Wales.

Qualifications Required

Essential Requirements
  • Bachelor of Nursing degree from an accredited university
  • Registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA)
  • Current Working with Children Check
  • National Police Check
Preferred Qualifications
  • Graduate Diploma or Master's in a specialty area
  • Previous healthcare experience (aged care, hospital assistant)
Relevant Certifications
Advanced Life Support (ALS) certificationImmunisation certificationSpecialty certifications (ICU, Emergency, Mental Health)

Career Progression

Salary Growth Trajectory
$75KEntry$94KMid$112KSenior$131KLead
Entry Level

Graduate Nurse

$74,800
estimated in Sydney
0-1 years
Mid Level

Registered Nurse

$93,500
estimated in Sydney
1-5 years
Senior Level

Clinical Nurse Specialist

$112,200
estimated in Sydney
5-10 years
Leadership

Nurse Unit Manager

$130,900
estimated in Sydney
10+ years

Skills in Demand

Critical care and emergency nursingMental health nursingAged care specializationDigital health literacyLeadership and mentoring skills

Tips for Breaking In

  1. 1Apply for graduate programs at major hospitals for structured training
  2. 2Consider rural placements for faster career progression and bonuses
  3. 3Join professional associations like the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation
  4. 4Pursue specialty certifications to increase earning potential
  5. 5Build experience in high-demand areas like aged care or mental health

Career information is general guidance based on industry standards. Requirements may vary by employer and location.

Registered Nurse Hourly Rate in Sydney

Based on a standard 38-hour work week (Australian full-time hours):

Entry Level
$36/hr
Average
$47/hr
Senior
$61/hr

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Registered Nurse earn in Sydney?

The average Registered Nurse salary in Sydney is $93,500 per year, or approximately $47 per hour. Salaries range from $71,500 to $121,000 depending on experience.

What is the take-home pay for a Registered Nurse in Sydney?

A Registered Nurse earning $93,500 in Sydney takes home approximately $71,857 per year after tax, or $5,988 per month. With a HECS debt, take-home drops to $68,585 per year.

How much do Registered Nurses make per hour in Sydney?

Registered Nurses in Sydney earn approximately $47 per hour on average, based on a 38-hour work week. Entry-level rates start around $36/hour, while senior professionals can earn up to $61/hour.

Is Sydney a good place to work as a Registered Nurse?

Sydney offers Registered Nurse salaries among the highest in Australia at $93,500. The city has a cost of living index of 100 (Sydney = 100), meaning living costs are similar to Sydney.

About Registered Nurse Salaries in Sydney

The average Registered Nurse in Sydney, New South Wales earns $93,500 per year, or approximately $47 per hour. Salaries typically range from $71,500 for entry-level positions to $121,000 for senior roles with extensive experience.

After income tax, Medicare levy, and other deductions, a Registered Nurse earning the average salary in Sydney can expect to take home approximately $71,857 per year, or $5,988 per month.

Sydney is home to approximately 5.3 million people and has a cost of living index of 100 (where Sydney = 100). This means living costs in Sydney are similar to Sydney.

Key Factors Affecting Registered Nurse Salaries

  • Experience Level: Entry-level positions start around $71,500, while senior roles can reach $121,000.
  • Industry: Different industries offer varying compensation for Registered Nurse roles.
  • Company Size: Larger companies typically offer higher salaries and more benefits.
  • Location: Sydney's cost of living influences salary expectations.
  • Hourly Rate: Based on a 38-hour week, Registered Nurses earn $$36-$61 per hour.

Salary data is based on industry reports, job postings, and government statistics. Individual salaries may vary based on experience, qualifications, and employer. Tax calculations are estimates for the 2024-25 financial year.