What a CRNA salary means in Australia and how to compare it with local nurse pay
CRNA salary is a US term for nurse anaesthetist pay. In Australia, the closest roles are nurse practitioners. Compare award rates, salary index, and job offers.
There is no single CRNA salary in Australia; the closest classification, Nurse Practitioner under the Nurses Award 2020, starts at $49.39 per hour (index 47.2) and rises to $71.23 per hour (index 68.1), well below the national full-time ordinary-time earnings index of 100.
What does CRNA salary means in Australia
If you see a job ad or a US-based salary comparison that uses the term "CRNA salary", you are looking at a term that does not exist in Australian industrial relations. CRNA stands for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, a US credential. In Australia, the closest role is a nurse practitioner specialising in anaesthesia, often called a nurse anaesthetist. The pay for these roles is covered by the Nurses Award 2020 (MA000034), administered by the Fair Work Ombudsman.
How to read a job ad that mentions CRNA salary
When an Australian employer uses "CRNA salary", they are likely borrowing US terminology. Do not assume the figure is directly applicable. Instead, ask for the specific classification under the award or an enterprise agreement. The pay guides from the Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay Guide for Nurses Award (published July 2026) lists minimum rates for Nurse Practitioners:
- Nurse Practitioner – 1st year: $49.39 per hour ($1,877.00 per week)
- Nurse Practitioner – 2nd year: $50.86 per hour ($1,932.70 per week)
- Registered Nurse Level 5, Grade 6: $71.23 per hour ($2,706.90 per week)
These are minimums. Many hospitals and health services have enterprise agreements that pay more. The salary index can help you compare: the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings (index 100) is $2,083.70 per week (ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). A Nurse Practitioner at the first-year award rate has an index of about 90 (below the national line). At the top Level 5 Grade 6 rate, the index is about 130 (above the national line).
Where does CRNA salary sit on the index?
Because there is no official CRNA salary figure for Australia, we can only estimate using the closest award classifications. The how the index works page explains that the index is yearly gross divided by the national line times 100. For a nurse practitioner earning the award minimum of $49.39/hr (38 hours, 52 weeks = $97,600), the index is about 89. For the top award rate of $71.23/hr ($140,000 annualised), the index is about 130. Most nurse practitioners in anaesthesia likely earn between these extremes, placing them around the national line (index 100) or slightly above.
Award coverage and super
The Nurses Award 2020 covers all states and covers all states. The award includes penalty rates for Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays. Superannuation guarantee is 12% from 1 July 2026 (maximum contribution base $270,830). The award also includes allowances for certain qualifications and shift work.
Comparing offers across states
State indexes vary: states like NSW (101.2), VIC (98), WA (106.9), and ACT (109.9) show different cost-of-living and wage levels. A nurse practitioner job in WA may pay a higher market rate than one in TAS (index 88.6). Always consider the state index when evaluating a salary offer.
What if the job ad doesn't mention an award classification?
If the ad only says "CRNA salary" without a classification, you cannot reliably compare it. The Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay and Conditions Tool can help you determine the correct award and minimum rate. You can also check the industries page for health care and social assistance (index 97.8) to see how the industry average compares.
Tax and take-home pay
Resident tax rates for 2026–27 are: nil up to $18,200, 15% to $50,000, 30% to $135,000, 37% to $190,000, 45% above $190,000. Medicare levy 2%. For a nurse practitioner earning $100,000, the estimated take-home pay (with tax-free threshold and Medicare) is about $78,000. The salary index uses gross figures, so take-home will be lower.
Key takeaways
- "CRNA salary" is not an Australian term. Use nurse practitioner award rates as a baseline.
- Minimum award rates for nurse practitioners range from $49.39 to $71.23 per hour.
- Actual pay is often higher under enterprise agreements.
- Compare offers using the salary index to see where they sit against the national line.
- Always check the relevant award and state index before accepting a job.
For more detail on how to calculate your salary index, see how the index works. For a list of all award pay guides, visit pay guides.
Questions people ask
Is there a specific CRNA salary in Australia?
No. CRNA is a US term. The closest Australian role is a nurse practitioner specialising in anaesthesia. Minimum award rates for a Nurse Practitioner under the Nurses Award 2020 range from $49.39 to $71.23 per hour, depending on experience and classification. Actual pay may be higher under enterprise agreements.
How does a nurse practitioner salary compare to the Australian average?
The national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings index is 100 ($2,083.70/week). A Nurse Practitioner at the award minimum of $49.39/hr (38-hour week = $1,876.82/week) has an index of about 90. At the top award rate of $71.23/hr ($2,706.74/week) the index is about 130. However, most nurse practitioners earn above award, so the real index is likely between 100 and 130.
What should I look for in a job ad that mentions 'CRNA salary?
Treat it as a US reference. Ask the employer to clarify the classification (e.g., Nurse Practitioner Level 4 or 2, Nurse Practitioner Grade 1). Check if the employer follows the Nurses Award or a specific enterprise agreement. Compare the offered salary against the award minimums and use the [how the index works](/method) to see where it sits relative to the national line.