Nursing is a highly rewarding career that offers strong earning potential, particularly for those who specialise or take on senior roles.
According to salary data from SEEK, nurses in specialised and senior roles can earn significantly more with some positions paying approximately 35 per cent more than a registered nurse.
So, which nursing jobs pay the most? Whether you’re considering a leadership role or a shift into a high-demand speciality, this article will help you explore the top-paying nursing jobs in Australia and how you can work your way towards them.
What are the highest paid nurses in Australia?
1. Scrub nurse
Scrub nurse salary in Australia
A scrub nurse earns an average annual salary of between $95,000 to $105,000 in Australia, approximately 11 per cent more than registered nurses which have an average annual salary of between $85,000 to $95,000.
Who is this role suitable for?
As a scrub nurse you are an integral part of the surgical team, ensuring that operations run smoothly and safely. You are in charge of preparing the operating room, sterilising surgical instruments and assisting the surgeon by passing tools and monitoring the sterile environment.
You may be well-suited for this role if:
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You have strong attention to detail and can maintain focus for extended periods in high-pressure environments
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You thrive in structured, fast-paced settings and enjoy the precision and teamwork required during surgeries
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You are highly organised and excel at preparing and managing surgical instruments and equipment
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You communicate effectively and can anticipate the needs of the surgical team during critical moments
H4: How to become a scrub nurse?
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Obtain a Bachelor of Nursing and register with the NMBA
To become a scrub nurse, you will first need to complete a Bachelor of Nursing. If possible, you’ll want to secure your undergraduate placement in the operating theatre. Upon graduation, you will need to register with the NMBA. -
Gain relevant experience
While working as a registered nurse, look for opportunities to gain hands-on experience in the operating theatre across all stages of surgical care including pre-operative care, operative care and post-operative care. Building experience in these areas will strengthen your skills and prepare you for a scrub nurse role.
2. Clinical nurse
Clinical nurse salary in Australia
Clinical nurses earn between $100,000 to $110,000 a year. Clinical nurses in Queensland typically earn the most with an average salary of $112,000 a year while clinical nurses in South Australia typically earn the least with an average salary of $96,000 a year.
Who is this role suitable for?
In this role you are responsible for providing expert clinical knowledge and care for patients with a variety of conditions while also contributing to the improvement of clinical practices in your department.
You may be well-suited for this role if:
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You are passionate about hands-on patient care and have a high level of clinical knowledge and skills
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You enjoy working in a fast-paced and dynamic healthcare environment and are willing to take an active role in mentoring junior nurses
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You are detail-oriented and capable of following care plans while adapting to patients’ changing needs
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You collaborate well with other healthcare professionals such as doctors, specialists and allied health staff to deliver coordinated care
How to become a clinical nurse?
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Gain a few years of experience working as a registered nurse
After completing a Bachelor of Nursing and registering with the NMBA, you’ll need to gain several years of clinical experience as a registered nurse. This is also a good opportunity to work across different specialities and explore areas where you may want to develop expertise as a clinical nurse. -
Pursue a postgraduate degree to expand your expertise
After gaining clinical experience, consider furthering your education with a postgraduate qualification to deepen your expertise or build your skills in a specific area.If you’re looking to further develop your clinical skills, the Graduate Certificate of Nursing Majoring in Advanced Practice at James Cook University has units such as Advanced Health Assessment and Effective Clinical Governance that will help develop the skills you need to deliver advanced patient care.
If you’re looking to specialise in a specific area, specialised courses like the Master of Nursing (Chronic Disease Ageing) by Victoria University will provide the necessary expertise to work in aged care or chronic disease management as a clinical nurse.
The courses below are listed by qualification level, from lowest to highest.
3. Mental health nurse
Mental health nurse salary in Australia
A mental health nurse makes an average of between $110,000 to $120,000 a year in Australia.
Northern Territory tends to pay mental health nurses the most with an average salary of $120,000 while New South Wales tends to pay the least with an average salary of $98,000.
Who is this role suitable for?
As a mental health nurse, you will provide care and support to patients dealing with mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. Your role involves conducting assessments, developing care plans and delivering therapeutic interventions.
You may be well-suited for this role if:
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You are empathetic and compassionate with a strong desire to support individuals facing mental health challenges
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You are a good listener and can build trust and rapport with patients who may be in vulnerable situations
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You enjoy working in a multidisciplinary team, collaborating with other mental health professionals to deliver comprehensive care
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You are resilient and are able to remain calm and composed in emotionally charged or high-pressure situations
How to become a mental health nurse?
Becoming a mental health nurse involves gaining clinical experience and pursuing a postgraduate degree specialising in mental health nursing.
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Register with the NMBA and gain experience in a mental health setting
After registering with the NMBA, you can start working as a registered nurse and gain experience in the mental health field. -
Complete a postgraduate degree in mental health to become a credentialed mental health nurse
To become a credentialed mental health nurse, you will need to apply for the Australian College of Mental Health Nurses (ACMHN) credential which is currently the only nationally consistent standard for recognition of specialist mental health nurses.Some of the requirements to apply for the ACMHN credential includes holding a recognised specialist mental health nursing qualification and having over three years of experience working in mental health as a registered nurse.
The Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing courses offered by our university partners meets the education requirements for the Australian College of Mental Health Nurses (ACMHN) and is ideal for someone that’s looking to deepen their understanding in mental health nursing.
If you’re looking for a comprehensive course that will build on your nursing practice, the Master of Mental Health Nursing courses offered by our university partners covers units such as Recovery Oriented Mental Health, Assessment in Mental Health, Acute Mental Health and Mental Health Across the Lifespan that will strengthen your understanding and help you forge a successful career as a mental health nurse.
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Apply for the ACMHN credential
Once you have completed your postgraduate course and met the other requirements, you can proceed to apply for the ACMHN credential.
The courses below are listed by qualification level, from lowest to highest.
4. Nurse educator
Nurse educator salary in Australia
Nurse educators earn an average annual salary of $120,000 to $140,000 in Australia. Queensland nurse educators typically earn the most with an average salary of $138,000 while nurse educators in Victoria tend to earn the least with an average salary of $95,000.
Who is this role suitable for?
In this high-paying nursing role, you’ll be responsible for training and mentoring the next generation of nurses or providing ongoing education to nursing staff. You’ll be in charge of creating educational programs, delivering training sessions and staying updated on the latest healthcare practices and policies.
This role may be suitable for you if:
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The idea of teaching and mentoring the next generation of nurses excites you
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You’re knowledgeable and stay up-to-date with current nursing practices, policies and research
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You excel at communication and can explain complex medical concepts in a clear and engaging way
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You’re motivated by the idea of improving nursing practice through education and training
How to become a nurse educator?
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Register with the NMBA and gain clinical experience
Similar to the other nursing positions, to become a nurse educator, you will first need to register with the NMBA before gaining a few years of clinical experience as a registered nurse. -
Complete a postgraduate degree to enhance your job prospects
A postgraduate qualification is highly beneficial and often preferred for nurse educator roles as it equips you with the skills required to take on educational practice roles in clinical and non-clinical environments.A Master of Nursing Majoring in Education delivered by James Cook University, for example, has units such as Teaching in Practice Settings and Clinical Coaching that will provide you with knowledge and expertise in nurse education.
If you’re looking for a shorter course, the Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education by University of Technology Sydney comprises only four subjects such as Speciality Clinical Practice and Designing Innovative Learning.
The courses below are listed by qualification level, from lowest to highest.
5. Nurse unit manager
Nurse unit manager salary in Australia
Nurse unit managers make an average annual salary of $125,000 to $140,000 a year. Nurse unit managers in Queensland typically make the most with an average salary of $138,000 and nurse unit managers in Tasmania tend to make the least with an average salary of $122,000.
Who is this role suitable for?
Nurse unit managers have one of the best paid nursing jobs as they are responsible for the overall management of a nursing unit or department.
As a nurse unit manager, your day-to-day responsibilities involve coordinating staffing, managing budgets, ensuring high standards of patient care and maintaining an efficient and supportive work environment for your nursing team.
This role might be for you if:
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You thrive in leadership roles and enjoy the idea of managing and supporting a team of nurses
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You are highly organised and skilled at multitasking
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You’re passionate about improving patient care through effective management and ensuring that nurses have the support and resources they need
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You excel at problem-solving and can handle fast-paced environments where quick decisions are often required
How to become a nurse unit manager?
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Register with the NMBA and gain clinical experience
Similar to other nursing roles, you will need to be registered with the NMBA and work as a registered nurse for a few years to gain clinical experience. -
Gain leadership experience
Gain leadership experience by taking on roles such as associate nurse unit manager (ANUM) or volunteering for leadership responsibilities within your current role.These opportunities allow you to develop key skills in leadership, team management and resource coordination, preparing you for the responsibilities of managing a nursing unit.
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Pursue a postgraduate qualification to boost your competitiveness
Many nurse unit manager roles favour candidates with postgraduate qualifications. If you’re looking at pursuing further education, courses such as a Graduate Diploma of Nursing Majoring in Leadership and Management or a Master of Nursing Majoring in Leadership and Management that can help to further develop your leadership abilities may be suitable.
The courses below are listed by qualification level, from lowest to highest.
6. Clinical nurse consultant
Clinical nurse consultant salary in Australia
Clinical nurse consultants earn between $130,000 to $140,000 annually.
Clinical nurse consultants in Queensland tend to get paid the most with an average salary of $138,000 and clinical nurse consultants in Tasmania typically get paid the least with an average salary of $115,000.
Who is this role suitable for?
This role is suitable for someone who wants to be the go-to expert in a particular area of clinical practice, providing advanced guidance and support to improve patient care and outcomes. As a clinical nurse consultant, you will assess complex cases, develop care strategies and advise both nursing teams and other healthcare professionals.
This role might be for you if:
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You have a passion for clinical excellence and want to take your expertise to a higher level by influencing care across your organisation
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You enjoy problem-solving and taking on complex cases that require advanced clinical skills
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You are detail-oriented and are interested in the idea of developing care protocols or strategies to enhance patient outcomes
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The idea of advising and mentoring other healthcare professionals piques your interest
How to become a clinical nurse consultant?
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Register with the NMBA and gain clinical experience
After registering with the NMBA, you’ll need to work as a registered nurse for a few years to gain essential clinical experience. During this time, it’s helpful to explore different areas of nursing to see which specialities interest you the most. -
Develop expertise in a speciality area
Once you’ve identified an area of interest, you can work on developing expertise by gaining experience in that setting.For example, if you are interested in women’s health, you might seek opportunities in women’s health clinics or similar healthcare settings. If you are drawn to acute care, you could pursue roles in emergency departments or intensive care units.
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Pursue postgraduate education
Postgraduate education is often looked upon favourably when applying for a clinical nurse consultant position as postgraduate courses can help you build expertise in your chosen area.Some courses that you can consider include:
Graduate Certificate in Acute Care Nursing at the University of Technology Sydney
In this course, you will develop skills in leadership, clinical practice and evidence-based learning and undertake units such as Speciality Clinical Practice and Evidence for Informing Practice.Master of Women’s and Children’s Health at the University of Technology Sydney
This course focuses on the needs of women and children, giving you the knowledge and skills to deliver high-quality, culturally safe and accessible care to all Australians.You will get to select from three majors including health research, leadership and management in healthcare and reproductive health and study core subjects which include Legal and Ethical Issues in Women’s Health and The Child in the Contemporary World.
The courses below are listed by qualification level, from lowest to highest.
7. Nurse practitioner
Nurse practitioner salary in Australia
There are currently only around 2,200 nurse practitioners in Australia and according to SEEK, nurse practitioners earn an average annual salary of between $130,000 to $150,000.
Northern Territory nurse practitioners typically earn the most with an average salary of $158,000 while Australian Capital Territory nurse practitioners tend to earn the least with an average salary of $128,000.
Who is this role suitable for?
Nurse practitioners are one of the highest paid nurses as they have advanced autonomy in their practice, diagnosing and treating patients, prescribing medications and managing complex care cases. As a nurse practitioner, you will work closely with doctors and other healthcare professionals, often leading care plans for high-need patients in hospitals, clinics or community settings.
This role might be a fit for you if you:
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Want more autonomy in your practice and enjoy taking on more responsibility when it comes to diagnosing and managing patient care
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Are passionate about making a deeper clinical impact in a specific area of healthcare such as mental health, acute care or aged care
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Enjoy problem-solving and critical thinking, particularly in managing complex or high-risk cases
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Are comfortable working closely with other healthcare professionals and providing expert clinical input as part of a team
How to become a nurse practitioner?
To become a nurse practitioner, you will need to meet the following criteria:
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Register as a Division 1 registered nurse
After completing your bachelor’s degree, you must hold registration as a division 1 registered nurse in Australia through the NMBA with no restrictions or conditions on your practice. -
Gain advanced clinical experience
You must have completed at least 5,000 hours of experience at an advanced clinical practical level within the past six years. -
Complete a master’s degree
You will need to complete a master’s program approved by the NMBA. -
Meet NMBA practice standards
You must comply with the NMBA’s nurse practitioner standards for practice which outlines the professional capabilities required for safe and effective practice at an advanced level. -
Apply for endorsement as a nurse practitioner
Once you have met the requirements, you can proceed to apply for endorsement through the NMBA.
8. Director of nursing
Director of nursing salary in Australia
A director of nursing is the highest paid nurse in Australia and earns anywhere between $140,000 to $160,000 a year.
In terms of salaries between different states and territories, a director of nursing tends to earn the most in Queensland with an average of $160,000 per year while Victoria typically offers the lowest average annual salary of $125,000.
Who is this role suitable for?
As a director of nursing, you’ll be responsible for overseeing the entire nursing department in a healthcare facility. Your day may consist of strategic planning, managing budgets, mentoring senior nurses and ensuring high standards of patient care.
You will collaborate with healthcare professionals and leaders, influencing key decisions that shape the future of healthcare services.
You might enjoy this role if you:
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Have a few years of nursing experience under your belt and are excited by the opportunity to shape and improve healthcare operations at a strategic level
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Want to further develop your leadership skills by managing teams and leading organisational change
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Are motivated by mentorship and professional development, finding fulfilment in guiding and supporting others in their career growth
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Excel in communication and collaboration, particularly in working with multidisciplinary teams and engaging with stakeholders to achieve organisational goals
How to become a director of nursing?
Becoming a director of nursing requires not only strong clinical experience but also well-developed leadership skills.
Gain clinical experience and leadership skills
After completing a Bachelor of Nursing and registering with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) to become a nurse, you’ll need several years of clinical experience, including a few years in nurse leadership roles before applying for a director of nursing position.
Roles such as nurse unit manager or clinical nurse consultant will prepare you for a director of nursing position as you’ll get to hone your leadership skills by managing teams, overseeing projects and implementing quality care initiatives.
Further develop your leadership skills
Pursuing further education may also help to enhance both your clinical performance and leadership capabilities. Many employees also prefer to hire individuals with a postgraduate degree.
Some courses that you can consider to further develop your leadership skills include:
Graduate Diploma of Leadership (Nursing and Management) at James Cook University
In this course, you’ll undertake units such as Leading and Managing in Health and Effective Clinical Governance, developing the skills to lead nursing practice and optimise patient outcomes.
Master of Nursing (Leadership) at Victoria University
Develop expertise in nurse leadership through units such as Nursing Management, Nursing Leadership and Management and Financial Management for nurses.
The courses below are listed by qualification level, from lowest to highest.
Factors influencing nursing salaries in Australia
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Experience
Nursing salaries in Australia typically increase with experience and will differ depending on whether you’re working for the public or private health sector.For nurses working in the public health sector, wages are structured through various levels and qualifications. For instance, in Queensland, wage rates are outlined in the nursing stream wage rates which detail the salary progression from an assistant in nursing to more senior nursing roles. As nurses gain experience and take on additional responsibilities, they can advance through these levels, leading to higher pay.
In the private sector, salaries are often determined by individual company policies rather than standardised wage structures and employers typically offer salary ranges that scale based on experience. For example, a clinical nurse manager role advertised on SEEK lists a salary range of $115,000 to $120,000 with higher earnings for individuals with greater experience and expertise.
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Postgraduate education
Pursuing a postgraduate degree in nursing may enhance earning potential in Australia. A postgraduate qualification can provide advanced skills and specialised knowledge that can set you apart from the competition and open doors to higher-paying nursing roles.Additionally, many states and territories also offer qualification allowances, a weekly or annual payment that is given to nurses who have attained certain qualifications. These amounts vary depending on the region and level of education.
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Geographic demand
Location also impacts nursing salaries. Nurses working in rural and remote areas often receive higher pay rates, relocation allowances, housing assistance and additional leave entitlements. States and territories also offer incentive packages to attract nurses to these underserved regions.For instance, the Rural Health Workforce Incentive scheme in New South Wales offers incentive packages of up to $20,000 for healthcare workers relocating to rural and remote locations. These packages may include accommodation assistance, professional development opportunities and additional personal leave.
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Specialisation
Specialised areas of nursing such as mental health, critical care and perioperative nursing often command higher salaries due to the advanced skills, experience and training required.Nurses in these fields frequently handle complex patient cases, work in high-pressure environments and may require additional certifications or postgraduate qualifications.
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Overtime and shift work
A nurse’s earnings are often influenced by the number of hours worked, including overtime and shift differentials. Nurses who take on additional hours, work night shifts, weekends or public holidays typically earn higher rates.In Victoria for example, full-time and part-time public sector employees that work on a public holiday will receive double time while casual employees are entitled to double the casual rate.
Common nursing salary questions answered by nursing career coach, Michelle Deroubaix
Michelle Deroubaix is a highly accomplished and dedicated registered clinical nurse with over 40 years of experience and over 18 years as an educator. She has mentored countless nurses, helping them discover their strengths, build confidence and unlock their full career potential across various healthcare sectors.
Here, she answers some of the commonly asked questions pertaining to nursing salary and career growth.
I’ve been in the same nursing role for several years with minimal pay increases. What can I do to advance my career and increase my earnings?
Michelle: The nursing pay system is very structured and has incremental increases for up to eight years before it plateaus for clinical nurses. In private settings, especially smaller organisations like doctor’s surgeries or specialist practices, there may be room for salary negotiation. However, the most reliable way to increase your income is through additional qualifications as you will be compensated for these extra credentials.
Another consideration is working for a not-for-profit healthcare provider as they often offer tax benefits and novated leases. While it doesn’t increase your base salary, it can positively impact your take-home pay.
How do public and private sector nursing roles compare in terms of salary?
Michelle: Public sector nursing roles tend to pay a bit more and can come with other benefits like tax cuts, novated leases, better superannuation funds and entertainment money. When I worked at a private healthcare company, I didn’t get those kinds of benefits so the public system can offer a lot more.
Is pursuing a master’s degree or extra certifications in nursing worth the investment?
Michelle: It’s a good investment because it opens up more opportunities and having that formal qualification makes a real difference. For me, having a master’s degree has always been valuable on my resume. I’ve found I’ve had many more opportunities because I obtained it. And of course, when you combine that with extensive experience, it really helps advance your career.
I’ve heard that switching jobs frequently can lead to higher pay in nursing. Is job hopping an effective strategy to increase my salary?
Michelle: It depends. I think you need to have a strategy for where you're heading. If the job hopping is helping you gain more experience in your target speciality and employers can see that clear direction in your transitions, then it can be effective.
However, if you’re just job hopping without a clear goal or strategy, it can make employers question whether you’ll stay and apply yourself to the role.
What are the best nursing specialities for salary growth?
Michelle: As a nurse unit manager, you can earn up to $140,000 a year. From there, you can progress up through the ranks to clinical manager and then to director of nursing. You can also go into aged care and work as an aged care manager – that’s where you’ll find higher salaries but also more responsibility. Working as a nurse practitioner also commands a high salary.
Additionally, specialised fields like intensive care nursing and emergency care nursing also earn a higher rate and obtaining additional certifications can further boost earnings.
Do rural and remote areas offer better pay and incentives for nurses?
Michelle: Yes, they do offer better pay because they’re compensating you for working in areas that are further from the city. I had a friend who went into remote nursing for a six-week period and earned a significantly higher hourly rate.
When you’re working in these settings, however, you need to have a good amount of experience and be highly independent as there are times where you may be working without a doctor on-site.
How does nursing experience influence pay?
Michelle: Nursing experience impacts pay through annual increments, but only up to a certain point. Once you reach that cap, additional years of experience won’t increase your salary, only further qualifications will.
Advancing into specialised roles, such as clinical nurse specialist or nurse educator places you on a different salary scale which typically increases for a few years before capping again. However, beyond these structured pay scales, the system doesn’t continue to reward experience alone.
How do enterprise bargaining agreements affect salary and working conditions?
Michelle: With enterprise bargaining agreements (EBAs), there’s typically a team of people who assess what’s fair and what’s not fair and this becomes part of the agreement for nurses working in that hospital. You have the opportunity to get involved in this process to ensure your priorities are included in the EBA.
For example, they might negotiate things like extra superannuation percentages. I haven’t been involved with EBAs myself since I've mainly been working as a casual nurse but they do help ensure staff satisfaction through additional benefits.
Do you have any advice for someone that’s looking to become a high-earning nurse?
Michelle: I would recommend pursuing further study earlier in your career. I had my kids first and studied later, but I think it’s better to try and complete your studies before starting a family so you have those qualifications early on.
I tell my students to get into a master’s program as soon as they can, but since you might not be sure about your speciality early on, I suggest doing a general master’s degree that you can use in any area like a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or a leadership master’s. This gives you more versatility because you can use those skills regardless of which speciality you choose later.
Your pathway to a high-paying nursing career
Advancing your nursing career and increasing your earning potential often starts with postgraduate study. At GlobalHealth Education, our university partners offer a wide range of nursing courses from graduate certificates to graduate diplomas and master’s courses, designed to help you take the next step in your career.
Not sure which nursing degree level you should pursue? Take our quiz to find the nursing degree level that best aligns with your aspirations. Once you’ve found a course that interests you, simply enquire to connect with a Student Enrolment Advisor who can answer your questions and guide you through the application process. Alternatively, book a call with our Education Consultant if you have general questions about postgraduate nursing study.
