RN 8 Salary NSW Per Hour: Where It Sits on the Australian Salary Index

What does RN 8 salary NSW per hour mean?

The keyword "rn 8 salary nsw per hour" refers to the hourly pay rate for a Registered Nurse classified at Level 8 in New South Wales. In Australian nursing, RN 8 is a senior classification, often held by clinical nurse consultants, nurse managers, or nurse educators. The pay for this role is set by either the Nurses Award 2010 or a specific NSW Health enterprise agreement. Because the exact figure depends on the employer, years of service, and any applicable allowances, we cannot give a precise hourly rate from the reference material. However, we can explain where such a salary would sit on the Australian salary index.

The salary index: a quick reminder

The Salary Index uses a benchmark of 100 for full-time adult ordinary-time earnings, which the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reported as $2,083.70 per week or $108,352 per year (May 2026 data). Any pay figure can be compared to this line: a salary of $54,176 would be index 50, while $216,704 would be index 200. The index helps you see how a role compares to the national average, not whether it is a good or bad wage.

For RN 8 in NSW, we can look at the state and industry benchmarks. NSW has a state index of 101.2, meaning the typical full-time worker in NSW earns about $109,658 per year. The health care and social assistance industry index is 97.8, or about $105,900 per year. But RN 8 is a senior role, so it would likely sit above both the state and industry averages. Without a specific rate, we can only say it is probably above index 100.

How RN 8 fits into nursing pay structures

Nursing pay in Australia is governed by the Nurses Award or enterprise agreements. The award has several levels from RN 1 (graduate) to RN 8 (senior). Each level has a minimum hourly rate, but many employers pay above the award. For example, the national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour (index 48.2), while an entry-level award floor is $25.74 per hour. RN 8 would be significantly higher. A typical RN 8 might earn between $50 and $70 per hour, but that is a general estimate, not a confirmed figure.

In NSW, public hospital nurses are covered by the NSW Health Nurses and Midwives State Award. This award has its own classification structure and pay points. RN 8 in that system might be called a Clinical Nurse Consultant Grade 1 or 2. The hourly rate could be around $60 to $75, but again, this is not from the reference. Always check the specific award or agreement for your employer.

Where RN 8 sits on the index: a reasoned guess

If we assume an RN 8 hourly rate of, say, $65 per hour for a 38-hour week, the annual salary would be about $128,440 (38 hours × 52 weeks × $65). That gives an index of about 118.5 (128,440 ÷ 108,352 × 100). This is above the NSW state index of 101.2 and well above the health industry index of 97.8. It also exceeds the professional, scientific and technical index of 114.7. So an RN 8 in NSW would likely be in the upper half of Australian earners.

But remember: this is an illustration, not a fact. The actual rate could be lower or higher depending on the employer, location (e.g., rural allowances), and years of experience. The Salary Index is a tool to compare any known salary to the national line. If you have a specific offer or pay slip, you can calculate the index yourself: divide your annual gross ordinary-time earnings by $108,352 and multiply by 100.

Superannuation and tax considerations

From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% on earnings up to $270,830. So an RN 8 earning $128,440 would receive $15,412.80 in super per year. That is on top of the salary. Tax for 2026–27 (resident, excluding Medicare) is: nil up to $18,200; 15% from $18,201 to $45,000; 30% from $45,001 to $135,000; 37% from $135,001 to $190,000; 45% above $190,000. Plus a 2% Medicare levy. For $128,440, the tax (excluding Medicare) would be about $29,467, plus $2,569 Medicare levy, leaving about $96,404 after tax and before super. That is a rough estimate; it ignores HELP repayments, salary sacrifice, and the Medicare levy surcharge.

Comparing RN 8 to other roles

To give context, the national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour (index 48.2). A retail trade worker on the award might earn about $30 per hour (index roughly 55). A teacher on the education and training index of 105.5 would earn about $114,000 per year. An RN 8 would likely be above that. The mining industry index is 154.7, so a miner on that average earns about $167,600 per year. RN 8 is below that but still a strong professional wage.

Where to find more information

If you want to explore other roles in NSW, check the states page for state indices. For other industries, see industries. For general pay guides, visit pay guides. The how the index works page explains the calculation. If you have a specific award classification, look up the Nurses Award on the Fair Work Ombudsman website. Never rely on a single estimate; always confirm with your employer.

Final note on junior or casual RN 8

If the keyword might be misinterpreted as "RN 8" meaning a casual or casual rate? No, RN 8 is a classification, not a casual loading. Casual loading is 25% on top of the minimum wage, e.g., $33.05 per hour for adult. But RN 8 is not casual. So the keyword is clear: it is the senior nurse level 8.

Three FAQs

What is RN 8 in nursing?

RN 8 is a senior registered nurse classification. It is not a junior rate. Junior rates are for under-21s, e.g., $9.73 for under 16. RN 8 is an experienced nurse.

How does RN 8 pay compare to the national average?

It likely exceeds the national minimum wage and likely above index 100. But uncertain.

What award covers RN 8 in NSW?

Nurses Award or NSW Health State Award. Check Fair Work.