How to Compare a Registered Nurse Salary Offer Using Take-Home Pay

Comparing a Registered Nurse Salary Offer: Focus on Take-Home Pay

When you receive a job offer for a nursing role, the headline figure is the registered nurse salary – but what matters most is the amount that lands in your bank account each fortnight. This guide shows you how to compare offers using the latest award rates, tax rules, and Medicare thresholds so you can make an informed decision.

Start with the Award Minimums

The Nurses Award 2020 [MA000034] sets minimum pay rates for most nurses in Australia. These rates are updated by the Fair Work Ombudsman and apply from the first full pay period on or after 1 August 2026. For a full-time employee working 38 hours per week, the minimum weekly rates range from $1,219.50 for a Registered nurse Level 1 Pay Point 1 to $2,706.90 for a Level 5 Grade 6. You can find the full classification table at .

Many employers offer above-award rates, especially in public hospitals or through enterprise agreements. Always check whether the offer is based on the award or a higher schedule.

Convert the Annual Figure to Fortnightly Take-Home

Once you have your base annual salary, you can estimate your take-home pay. For example, a Registered nurse Level 1 Pay Point 1 earns $63,414 per year ($1,219.50 × 52 weeks). Using the 2026–27 tax rates:

• Tax on $63,414: $4,020 plus 30c for each dollar over $45,000 = $9,544.20
• Less Low Income Tax Offset (LITO): at $63,414, LITO is $48.79 (reduced from $325)
• Medicare levy: 2% of $63,414 = $1,268.28 (full rate applies because $63,414 exceeds the single upper threshold of $35,013)
• Total deductions: $10,763.69
• Estimated annual take-home: $52,650.31, or about $2,025 per fortnight

This is an estimate only – your actual tax may vary due to HELP/HECS, salary packaging, or the Medicare levy surcharge. Use the Clearance tool to run your own numbers.

Factor in Superannuation

Super is not deducted from your salary; it is paid on top by your employer. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of your ordinary time earnings, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830. For the example above, your employer would contribute an additional $7,609.68 per year. When comparing offers, always confirm whether the salary is “plus super” (the norm) or “including super” (which reduces your base).

Penalty Rates and Overtime

The award also sets penalty rates for working Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays. For instance, a Registered nurse Level 1 Pay Point 1 earns $48.14 per hour on Saturday (150% of $32.09) and $56.14 on Sunday (175%) and $64.18 on a public holiday (200%). These extras can significantly boost your take-home pay if you work non-standard hours. The pay guide from includes full penalty rate tables.

Medicare Levy Thresholds

The Medicare levy is 2% of your taxable income, but reduced rates apply if your income is below $35,013 (single). The latest published single-person thresholds are $28,011 and $35,013. If your income is between these amounts, you pay 10c per dollar over $28,011. Most full-time registered nurse salaries exceed $35,013, so you will pay the full 2%.

What About Salary Packaging?

Many public hospitals and not-for-profit employers offer salary packaging, which lets you pay for certain expenses (like rent or mortgage) from pre-tax income. This reduces your taxable income and can increase your take-home pay. Check with your employer or see our Salary packaging guide.

Summary: How to Compare Offers

1. Get the base annual salary – ensure it is “plus super”.
2. Check the classification – is it Level 1, 2, 3, etc.? Higher levels mean higher minimums.
3. Estimate take-home using the tax brackets and Medicare levy.
4. Add penalty rates if you will work weekends or public holidays.
5. Factor in super – 12% on top.
6. Consider salary packaging if eligible.

By focusing on the amount that reaches your bank account, you can see which offer truly benefits you most. For more resources, visit our Guides page or the Minimum wage benchmark.