How to compare a travel nurse salary offer using your take-home pay

How to compare a travel nurse salary offer using your take-home pay

When you receive a travel nurse salary offer, the headline figure can look attractive. But what actually lands in your bank account after tax and the Medicare levy? Understanding your take-home pay helps you compare offers realistically and avoid surprises.

Start with the award minimums

Fair Work publishes the Nurses Award 2020, which sets minimum pay rates for nurses across Australia. The latest pay guide, effective from 1 August 2026, shows weekly and hourly rates for classifications from nursing assistant to registered nurse level 5. For example, a Registered Nurse Level 1, pay point 1 earns $1,219.50 per week or $32.09 per hour. A more experienced Level 1, pay point 8 earns $1,465.50 per week ($38.57 per hour). These are the legal minimums – many travel nurse contracts offer above-award rates, especially for remote or short-term placements.

Fair Work notes that the pay guide is a summary; you should refer to the full award for conditions, allowances, and penalty rates. The Modern Awards Pay Database from the Fair Work Commission also provides detailed classification and penalty rate data.

From gross salary to take-home pay

Once you have your annual gross salary (weekly rate × 52 weeks), you need to subtract income tax and the Medicare levy. For the 2026–27 tax year, the Australian Tax Office applies these resident tax rates:

• $0 – $18,200: Nil
• $18,201 – $45,000: 15c for each $1 over $18,200
• $45,001 – $135,000: $4,020 plus 30c for each $1 over $45,000
• $135,001 – $190,000: $31,020 plus 37c for each $1 over $135,000
• Over $190,000: $51,370 plus 45c for each $1 over $190,000

You may also be eligible for the Low Income Tax Offset (LITO), which reduces tax by up to $700 for incomes up to $37,500, then phases out.

The Medicare levy

The Medicare levy is 2% of your taxable income. However, if you earn below $28,011 as a single person, you pay no levy. Between $28,011 and $35,013, you pay at a reduced rate of 10c per dollar over $28,011. Full-time nurses almost always exceed the upper threshold and pay the full 2%. This is not the same as the Medicare levy surcharge, which applies if you don't have appropriate private hospital cover and earn above a certain amount.

Example take-home calculation for a travel nurse

Suppose you are offered a travel nurse salary of $85,000 per year (plus super). Using the 2026–27 tax rates:

• Tax on $85,000: $4,020 + 0.30 × ($85,000 – $45,000) = $4,020 + $12,000 = $16,020
• LITO: At $85,000, LITO is $325 – 0.015 × ($85,000 – $45,000) = $325 – $600 = $0 (phased out completely)
• Medicare levy: 2% of $85,000 = $1,700
• Total deductions: $16,020 + $1,700 = $17,720
• Annual take-home: $85,000 – $17,720 = $67,280
• Fortnightly take-home: $67,280 ÷ 26 = $2,587.69

This is an estimate only. Your actual tax may differ if you have HELP/HECS debt, salary sacrifice arrangements, or other deductions.

Superannuation is extra

From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee rate is 12% of your ordinary time earnings, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year. Super is paid on top of your salary – it is not deducted from your take-home pay. When comparing travel nurse salary offers, always check whether the quoted figure is inclusive or exclusive of super. An offer of $85,000 plus super means your employer contributes an additional $10,200 to your super fund, but your take-home remains based on $85,000.

How to compare offers

When evaluating multiple travel nurse salary offers, convert each to a fortnightly take-home figure using the method above. Consider also:

• Penalty rates for weekends, public holidays, and overtime (the award specifies Saturday at time-and-a-half, Sunday at double time, etc.)
• Allowances such as travel, accommodation, or vehicle allowances (these may be taxable or tax-free depending on the arrangement)
• Location – some remote area placements offer additional benefits or tax concessions

Use our Take-home pay guide and Tax and Medicare page for more detailed calculators and explanations. You can also check the Minimum wage and Super pages for current rates.

Final thoughts

A travel nurse salary offer is more than the gross figure. By understanding award minimums, tax brackets, the Medicare levy, and superannuation, you can make an informed decision about which offer puts the most money in your pocket. Always request a written contract that specifies the base rate, any loadings, and whether super is included. If you're unsure, consult a tax professional or use the Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay and Conditions Tool for your specific classification.