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Registered Nurse Salary in Melbourne

Healthcare

Registered nurses provide patient care in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings.

Average Salary
$89,250
per year
Take-Home Pay
$69,902
after tax (no HECS)
Salary Range
$68-116k
$89K
$68K$116K

Job Market Outlook

Low AI Risk

Physical or high-touch work with limited AI automation potential

In Demand

More jobs than qualified candidates in Australia

+14% growth

Moderate projected employment growth over 5 years

Sources: Microsoft Research 2025, Jobs and Skills Australia 2025 Occupation Shortage List

Registered Nurse Take-Home Pay Breakdown in Melbourne

Based on the average Registered Nurse salary of $89,250 in Melbourne, here's what you can expect to take home after tax, Medicare levy, and superannuation.

ComponentWithout HECSWith HECS
Gross Salary$89,250$89,250
Income Tax-$17,563-$17,563
Medicare Levy (2%)-$1,785-$1,785
HELP/HECS Repayment$0-$3,124
Superannuation (11%)+$9,818+$9,818
Annual Take-Home$69,902$66,779
Monthly Take-Home$5,825$5,565
Fortnightly Take-Home$2,689$2,568

Calculate Your Exact Take-Home Pay

Enter your actual salary to see a personalized breakdown including your specific tax situation, HECS debt, and family status.

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Your salary
$89,000
Take-home$69,902
Tax-$17,563
Super+$9,818

How to Become a Registered Nurse

Everything you need to know about breaking into a career as a Registered Nurse in Victoria.

Qualifications Required

Essential Requirements
  • Bachelor of Nursing degree from an accredited university
  • Registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA)
  • Current Working with Children Check
  • National Police Check
Preferred Qualifications
  • Graduate Diploma or Master's in a specialty area
  • Previous healthcare experience (aged care, hospital assistant)
Relevant Certifications
Advanced Life Support (ALS) certificationImmunisation certificationSpecialty certifications (ICU, Emergency, Mental Health)

Career Progression

Salary Growth Trajectory
$71KEntry$89KMid$107KSenior$125KLead
Entry Level

Graduate Nurse

$71,400
estimated in Melbourne
0-1 years
Mid Level

Registered Nurse

$89,250
estimated in Melbourne
1-5 years
Senior Level

Clinical Nurse Specialist

$107,100
estimated in Melbourne
5-10 years
Leadership

Nurse Unit Manager

$124,950
estimated in Melbourne
10+ years

Skills in Demand

Critical care and emergency nursingMental health nursingAged care specializationDigital health literacyLeadership and mentoring skills

Tips for Breaking In

  1. 1Apply for graduate programs at major hospitals for structured training
  2. 2Consider rural placements for faster career progression and bonuses
  3. 3Join professional associations like the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation
  4. 4Pursue specialty certifications to increase earning potential
  5. 5Build experience in high-demand areas like aged care or mental health

Career information is general guidance based on industry standards. Requirements may vary by employer and location.

Registered Nurse Hourly Rate in Melbourne

Based on a standard 38-hour work week (Australian full-time hours):

Entry Level
$35/hr
Average
$45/hr
Senior
$58/hr

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Registered Nurse earn in Melbourne?

The average Registered Nurse salary in Melbourne is $89,250 per year, or approximately $45 per hour. Salaries range from $68,250 to $115,500 depending on experience.

What is the take-home pay for a Registered Nurse in Melbourne?

A Registered Nurse earning $89,250 in Melbourne takes home approximately $69,902 per year after tax, or $5,825 per month. With a HECS debt, take-home drops to $66,779 per year.

How much do Registered Nurses make per hour in Melbourne?

Registered Nurses in Melbourne earn approximately $45 per hour on average, based on a 38-hour work week. Entry-level rates start around $35/hour, while senior professionals can earn up to $58/hour.

Is Melbourne a good place to work as a Registered Nurse?

Melbourne offers Registered Nurse salaries among the highest in Australia at $89,250. The city has a cost of living index of 95 (Sydney = 100), meaning living costs are lower than Sydney.

About Registered Nurse Salaries in Melbourne

The average Registered Nurse in Melbourne, Victoria earns $89,250 per year, or approximately $45 per hour. Salaries typically range from $68,250 for entry-level positions to $115,500 for senior roles with extensive experience.

After income tax, Medicare levy, and other deductions, a Registered Nurse earning the average salary in Melbourne can expect to take home approximately $69,902 per year, or $5,825 per month.

Melbourne is home to approximately 5.1 million people and has a cost of living index of 95 (where Sydney = 100). This means living costs in Melbourne are lower Sydney.

Key Factors Affecting Registered Nurse Salaries

  • Experience Level: Entry-level positions start around $68,250, while senior roles can reach $115,500.
  • Industry: Different industries offer varying compensation for Registered Nurse roles.
  • Company Size: Larger companies typically offer higher salaries and more benefits.
  • Location: Melbourne's cost of living influences salary expectations.
  • Hourly Rate: Based on a 38-hour week, Registered Nurses earn $$35-$58 per hour.

Salary data is based on industry reports, job postings, and government statistics. Individual salaries may vary based on experience, qualifications, and employer. Tax calculations are estimates for the 2024-25 financial year.