NSW nurse wage increase: a conflicting result for frontline healthcare staff

After arguing that the pandemic, rising inflation and increased workforce demands have put unprecedented pressure on nurses and midwives, on 16 April 2026, the NSW Nurses and Midwives Association won its campaign for a wage increase in a historical ruling from the Industrial Relations Commission. This has resulted in a 16–28 per cent wage increase being awarded across multiple nursing roles.

While this decision ends a lengthy two-year pay dispute, which included multiple strikes and dissatisfaction with the preceding government’s wages cap, it is unclear whether the resulting increases are enough to retain nurses and midwives, potentially placing further strain on an already struggling workforce.

The nursing industry is both challenging and rewarding. There are diverse career opportunities available, with better pay in NSW now adding to the appeal of pursuing a nursing role. Here is a breakdown of the NSW nurse wage increase, what’s changed and how to be a part of this impactful healthcare profession.

How much have NSW nurse wages increased?

In line with the IRC’s decision, wage increases for approximately 60,000 public sector nurses and midwives across NSW are as follows: 

• Registered nurses and midwives: 16 per cent
• Enrolled nurses: 18 per cent
• Assistants in nursing: 28 per cent 

These payments will be backdated to 1 July 2025 and will continue to be delivered over the next two years until 2028.

General secretary of the NSW Nursing and Midwifery Association, Michael Whaites, campaigned alongside union members for a fair increase, highlighting how vastly different and more challenging the nursing and midwifery landscape is today compared to previous decades and ultimately that their work has been grossly undervalued.

Higher pay is a step in the right direction for this essential healthcare sector, as the Commission openly acknowledged the hard work and significant contribution of nurses and midwives to the Australian healthcare system.

This increase comes not long after an interim pay and conditions offer was made in September 2025, which included a 3 per cent pay increase to be backpaid to 1 July 2025, night penalty duty increases to 20 per cent and other relevant rostering and leave inclusions.

Why NSW nurses and midwives feel undervalued

Despite these changes and the Treasurer Daniel Mookhey emphasising “nurses and midwives are the beating heart of our healthcare workforce”, many nurses in NSW feel the increase falls short of reflecting the true value of what they do.

This becomes even more apparent when the highest increase was allocated to AINs, whereas registered nurses and midwives received the lowest. As the nationwide shortage of nurses and midwives continues, some may face increasing pressure to abandon their posts and exit the profession altogether.

When looking at the earning potential for nurses in other parts of the country, such as Victoria, where nurses were awarded a 28.4 per cent wage increase back in 2024, it’s understandable that NSW nurses feel disappointed. Indeed, nursing salaries vary widely across all Australian states and territories, with the ACT and Queensland currently the top-paying regions.

Understanding salary differences and taking back control

The current salary for registered nurses averages at $93,000 per year, while midwives can earn around $105,000 annually. In reality, many factors play into what nurses can earn, including their experience, whether they work in public or private hospitals and what additional qualifications they hold.

Making an empowered choice to take on further study can make a difference in earning potential for nurses and midwives. While the wage increase in NSW will help, equipping yourself with advanced skills or pursuing a specialised qualification can help align your career with your aspirations and with better pay.

For nurses, upskilling in areas such as aged care, forensic nursing, critical care or perioperative nursing can position you as a uniquely skilled professional ready for a rewarding career. You can also pursue a postgraduate qualification in health management and leadership, preparing you for future senior and advanced roles in a variety of nursing and midwifery settings.

Secure your career through postgraduate study

If you’re a nurse or midwife looking to take charge of your career and your salary potential, consider enrolling in a postgraduate course to gain new skills for new career opportunities. There are many midwifery and nursing courses available in the GlobalHealth Education catalogue, delivered by respected Australian universities, including our university partners.

We also list healthcare courses in many different fields, including counselling, mental health, psychology, social work, public health and more. Each course offers a unique opportunity to expand your skill set across many niche areas.