Nurse Practitioner Salary Australia: Award Rates, Super, and Tax in 2026
Understand nurse practitioner salary Australia with award minimums, superannuation, and tax. Compare to national average earnings using the Salary Index.
Nurse practitioner salaries in Australia range from an index of about 90 (first-year award) to over 103 (aged care second-year), depending on classification and sector.
Nurse Practitioner Salary Australia: What You Need to Know
A nurse practitioner is an advanced practice registered nurse authorised to diagnose, prescribe medications, and manage patient care independently within their scope of practice. In Australia, nurse practitioners work across hospitals, community health, aged care, and general practice. Understanding the nurse practitioner salary Australia landscape requires looking at award minimums, typical earnings, and how they compare to the national average.
Award Minimums Under the Nurses Award
The Fair Work Ombudsman's Nurses Award 2020 (MA000034) sets minimum pay rates for nurse practitioners. As of 1 August 2026, the weekly rates are:
- Non-aged care employees: 1st year $1,877.00, 2nd year $1,932.70
- Aged care employees: 1st year $2,158.60, 2nd year $2,222.70
These are minimums. Many nurse practitioners are covered by enterprise agreements or individual contracts that pay above award. The award also includes higher rates for registered nurses at Level 5 (grades 4 to 6), which can exceed $2,700 per week.
Where Does This Sit on the Salary Index?
The Salary Index benchmarks gross annual earnings against the national line of 100, which equals $108,352 (ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). Using award minima:
- 1st year non-aged care: $97,604 annualised → index 90.1
- 2nd year non-aged care: $100,500 annualised → index 92.8
- 1st year aged care: $112,247 annualised → index 103.6
- 2nd year aged care: $115,580 annualised → index 106.7
So a nurse practitioner on the aged care award earns above the national average, while non-aged care minima sit slightly below. Actual earnings for experienced nurse practitioners often land between 95 and 110 on the index.
Superannuation and Tax Considerations
From 1 July 2026, the superannuation guarantee is 12% of ordinary time earnings. For a nurse practitioner earning $100,000, the employer must contribute $12,000 to super. This is on top of gross pay, not deducted from it.
For the 2026–27 income year, resident tax rates (excluding Medicare) are:
- $0–$18,200: nil
- $18,201–$45,000: 15%
- $45,001–$135,000: 30%
- $135,001–$190,000: 37%
- Above $190,000: 45%
Plus a 2% Medicare levy. A nurse practitioner earning $100,000 would pay about $22,967 in tax and $2,000 in Medicare levy, leaving roughly $75,033 take-home pay. Super contributions are taxed at 15% within the fund.
State and Industry Context
The health care and social assistance industry has an index of 97.8, slightly below the national average. However, nurse practitioners are a specialised role within that industry and often command higher pay. State indices also matter: ACT (109.9) and WA (106.9) have higher average earnings, while TAS (88.6) is lower. A nurse practitioner in Canberra may earn more than one in Hobart, even under the same award.
What the Data Doesn't Tell Us
The Australian Bureau of Statistics does not publish median weekly earnings specifically for nurse practitioners, according to the Jobs and Skills Australia profile. That means we rely on award rates as the only official benchmark. Actual salaries vary by employer, experience, location, and whether the role is in public or private practice. Some nurse practitioners in remote areas receive additional allowances or higher pay under specific arrangements.
Summary
The nurse practitioner salary Australia ranges from about $97,600 (index 90) on the minimum award to over $115,000 (index 107) in aged care. Most nurse practitioners likely earn between the national average and slightly above, especially with experience. Superannuation adds 12% on top, and tax is progressive. For a personalised estimate, use the pay guides and the Salary Index.
Questions people ask
What is the minimum salary for a nurse practitioner in Australia?
Under the Nurses Award 2020, the minimum weekly rate for a first-year nurse practitioner (non-aged care) is $1,877.00, which annualises to $97,604. For aged care employees, the first-year rate is $2,158.60 per week ($112,247 annualised). These rates apply from 1 August 2026. Actual pay may be higher depending on the employer and experience.
How does nurse practitioner pay compare to the national average?
The national average full-time adult ordinary-time earnings is $108,352 per year (index 100). A first-year nurse practitioner on the award minimum earns about $97,604 (index 90.1), while a second-year aged care nurse practitioner earns about $115,580 (index 106.7). Most nurse practitioners likely fall between these benchmarks, often near or above the national line.
What super and tax apply to a nurse practitioner salary?
Employers must pay superannuation guarantee of 12% on top of gross wages (from 1 July 2026). For a $100,000 salary, that adds $12,000 to super. Income tax for 2026–27 (resident, with tax-free threshold) is: nil on first $18,200, 15% on $18,201–$45,000, 30% on $45,001–$135,000, plus 2% Medicare levy. Take-home pay for a $100,000 salary is roughly $75,000 after tax and Medicare.