We know from the most recent ABS data available that the average weekly total cash earnings for male registered nurses was $1493.80, compared to only $1365.90 for female registered nurses in 2018. Female registered nurses earned around $128 less per fortnight. This gap needs to close.
Yet, despite the obvious truth of this statement, male nurses on average earn higher salaries than female nurses in Australia. While the gender wage gap for nurses has diminished over time, it needs to close entirely. Currently, Australia's national gender pay gap is 14.2% [1].
Even gender seems to play a role in earning potential. According to the 2022 Nurse Salary Research Report from nurse.com, the median salary for a male RN is $14,000 higher than the median salary for a female RN. This gap was $7,297 in their 2020 survey.
This means women earn, on average, $263.90 less than men each week. The ANMF's membership is predominantly female, with 89% of the nursing profession identifying as women. Measures to eliminate the gender pay gap are vital for our members to enjoy a healthier working life and retirement.
The average registered nurse salary in Australia is $82,541 per year or $42.33 per hour. Entry-level positions start at $77,154 per year, while most experienced workers make up to $110,433 per year.
1. Certified Registered Nurse Anaesthetist (CRNA) – $77k to $258k. Certified registered nurse anaesthetists earn an average of just over $104,000 per year. That works out to an hourly rate of $50 and a monthly salary of $8,668.
The average registered nurse salary in Australia is around $79,550 per year (about $41,00 per hour. Entry-level positions start at $76,063 per year up to $97,568 per year.
Nurses and midwives are some of the worst affected, taking a real pay cut of almost $3000. According to the report: “A first-year nurse working for NSW Health in 2022 earned an annual wage of $76,403.60. When adjusted to 2022 dollars, that same first-year nurse working in 2012 earned $79,184.68.
Graduates of Bachelor of Nursing in Australia earn an average salary of 57,000 AUD (~INR 32.6 lakhs). They can engage in the professions like hospital workers, health administrators, mental health workers, midwives, nurses, and registered nurses.
As alluded to, the profession is facing increasingly stressful working conditions and with evidence of a future shortfall of nurses/midwives, there is a growing need to provide detailed research and evidence as a catalyst and platform for intervention strategies to address issues facing the profession.
Male nurses often face discrimination and may not be respected as equals by their peers or superiors. Male nurses also face unique challenges when it comes to geriatrics care and working with patients who are transgender or gender non-conforming.
Just as women might prefer a woman nurse, men often prefer their nurses to be men. A male nurse provides a comfortable environment to discuss personal issues. Male patients may be less embarrassed if procedures like placing a catheter are carried out by a man.
Within hospitals, nursing staff are divided among every department from pediatrics to critical care unites. In many cases, male nursing professionals are most likely to work within the emergency departments and critical care units of hospitals.
The average practice nurse salary in Australia is $88,314 per year or $45.29 per hour.
Based on our latest GP salary survey (May 2023), the average GP salary in Australia is $334,000 for GPs who work 7 or more sessions per week (full-time). The annual General Practitioner salary for part-time GPs, working 6 sessions or less per week, amounts to an average of $164,000 pa.
1. Surgeon ($457,281) Surgeons were the top-paying job in the country, making an eye-watering $457,281 per year. There are 4,157 in Australia.
Depending on how you enter the healthcare industry, the cost of living may be on par with your salary, however, the good news is that Registered Nurses and above can expect to live relatively comfortably anywhere in Australia.
It's a regulated profession with an average graduate annual salary over $70,000. Data from 2021 indicates that the nursing profession grew by 19% between 2016 and 2021, and Labour Market insights suggest great career diversity for nursing and positive future industry growth.
Getting a nursing job in Australia with no experience can be challenging, but it is possible. By familiarising yourself with the process, doing your research, and preparing for your interviews, you will increase your chances of landing the job you want. Good luck!
Casuals get overtime if they work more than: 38 hours in a week, 76 hours in a fortnight or 152 hours over 28 days. 10 hours in a shift or day.
What kind of nurses get paid the least? Licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) and Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) have the least education requirements among nurses and therefore tend to make lower incomes than other nursing specialties.
Working Hours of Australian Nurses
Keep in mind that most nurses will work an average of 38 hours but overtime opportunities abound. When a nurse first starts off their career they can work up to 12 hour shifts for three days in a row.