Top 10 Nursing Jobs and Their Annual Package in Australia

Apr 27, 2023

Nursing as a career has a high demand and has always been an essential part of the healthcare system, responsible for various duties that ensure their patients' care and well-being. 


With diverse roles available at different levels of education and experience, nursing is a flourishing career option for those interested in actually helping people. Well, the question is– Are you looking to build a career for yourself in Nursing in Australia? We got you covered!


As nursing is the most sought-after career in Australia, due its nature of work of helping all types of patients. Nurses in Australia are respected and valued, as well as offered competitive salaries within different nursing fields.


Since you’re considering a career in nursing by pursuing nursing courses, I will highlight the top 10 highest-paid nursing positions in Australia, as well as provide insights of the most popular roles you should specialize in according to your preference. Let’s get started!


Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)


Job Levels

Salary Range (AUD)

Entry-Level

$77,000 / year

Experienced-Level Salary

$258,000 / year

Average Salary

$105,545 / year


Role of a CRNA:


A Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) is considered to be an advanced healthcare professional. A CRNA has specialization in administering anesthesia to patients during surgical and medical procedures. Additionally, a CRNA collaborates with other medical staff, including anesthesiologists, to evaluate patients' health status and develop an anesthesia plan.


Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist

A CRNA is responsible for evaluating patients, administering anesthesia, monitoring vital signs, and handling complications during a surgical procedure. They are likely to be highly trained and experienced professionals, as well as considered to be integral members of the healthcare team, dedicated to providing optimal patient care.


Mental Health Nurse Practitioner


Job Levels

Salary Range (AUD)

Entry-Level

$80,562 / year

Experienced-Level Salary

$124,212 / year

Average Salary

$99,122 / year


Role of a Mental Health Practitioner:


A Mental Health Nurse is a highly-paid healthcare profession in Australia. Specializing in treating or overcoming issues related to mental health. Working closely with mental health professionals, they ensure the best treatment and support for the patients.


Mental Health Practitioner

Moreover, a Mental Health Practitioner could also educate and support family members and caregivers. They tend to empower their patients to take an active role in their mental health care. They devote themselves to promoting proactive recovery and preventative care for their patients.


Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)


Job Levels

Salary Range (AUD)

Entry-Level

$100,708 / year

Experienced-Level Salary

$131,913 / year

Average Salary

$104,064 / year


Role of a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS):


CNS is among the highest-paid nursing jobs in Australia. Registered nurses specializing in a specific area of patient care. Furthermore, providing direct care to patients and families, as well as educating other healthcare providers. 


Clinical Nurse Specialist

A CNS would implement evidence-based practice to improve patient outcomes and act as a link between the patient, family, and healthcare team to ensure individualized care. Additionally, a CNS may conduct research and collaborate with other healthcare professionals in order to develop new care standards.


Nurse Midwife


Job Levels

Salary Range (AUD)

Entry-Level

$78,964 / year

Experienced-Level Salary

$118,125 / year

Average Salary

$84,611 / year


Role of a Nurse Midwife:


A Nurse Midwife is an advanced practice, where registered nurses specialize in providing obstetric, gynecological, and newborn care to women. 


Offering primary care to women from adolescence to menopause, including preventive care, diagnosis, prescription of medication, diagnostic tests, and minor procedures.


Nurse Midwife

Additionally, a nurse midwife may also provide family planning, support, and education to pregnant women and their families. They work in different settings, such as hospitals, health clinics, private practices, and home birth settings.


Pediatric Nurse


Job Levels

Salary Range (AUD)

Entry-Level

$62,537 / year

Experienced-Level Salary

$97,488 / year

Average Salary

$77,386 / year


Role of a Pediatric Nurse:


A Pediatric Nurse is another highly paid Registered Nurse (RN) profession in Australia.


Pediatric Nurse

Specializing in the care for infants, children, and adolescents. Moreover, a Pediatric Nurse assesses patients' physical, mental, and emotional health, offering preventive care, treatments, and educating families on what’s the best way to take care of their children.


Orthopedic Nurse


Job Levels

Salary Range (AUD)

Entry-Level

$78,964 / year

Experienced-Level Salary

$118,111 / year

Average Salary

$80,963 / year


Role of an Orthopedic Nurse:


An Orthopedic Nurse specializes in caring for patients with musculoskeletal conditions, such as broken bones, joint and muscle problems, spine and foot issues, and other bone and joint-related disorders.


Orthopedic Nurses work closely with physicians and other healthcare professionals to create effective treatment plans. 


Orthopedic Nurse

In order to provide high-quality care, an Orthopedic Nurse must have in-depth knowledge of musculoskeletal anatomy, physiology, pathology, and pharmacology.


Cardiac Nurse


Job Levels

Salary Range (AUD)

Entry-Level

$78,967 / year

Experienced-Level Salary

$112,444 / year

Average Salary

$87,500 / year


Role of a Cardiac Nurse:


Cardiac Nurses are considered to be among the highest-paid professionals in Australia specializing in caring for patients with heart-related conditions.


Cardiac Nurse

They provide assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and long-term care to patients with heart problems. Additionally, they educate patients and families about cardiac conditions and treatments and play a vital role in helping patients manage their care.


Registered Nurse (RN)


Job Levels

Salary Range (AUD)

Entry-Level

$77,154 / year

Experienced-Level Salary

$100,015 / year

Average Salary

$80,963 / year


Role of a Registered Nurse:


A Registered Nurse (RN) is a licensed healthcare professional, providing medical assistance to patients of all ages. It’s a career pathway for you to do wonders as a nurse in Australia, along with excellent work-life balance and benefits, you get to assist patients to become better.


Registered Nurse

From creating care plans to working as part of the healthcare team, an RN can specialize in various fields and assist doctors with procedures and medication management. They are considered to be a vital member in delivering high-quality and required care to patients.


Home Care Registered Nurse


Job Levels

Salary Range (AUD)

Entry-Level

$77,270 / year

Experienced-Level Salary

$83,581 / year

Average Salary

$78,964 / year


Role of a Home Care Registered Nurse:


A Home Care Registered Nurse is a healthcare professional who assists patients and their families in managing their health and well-being while staying at home. 


Home Care Registered Nurse:

They perform various tasks such as monitoring vital signs, administering medications, providing wound care, and educating patients and caregivers about disease management and health promotion.


Nurse Practitioner


Job Levels

Salary Range (AUD)

Entry-Level

$126,506 / year

Experienced-Level Salary

$136,651 / year

Average Salary

$129,500 / year


Role of a Nurse Practitioner:


A Nurse Practitioner (NP) is among the highest-paid nursing jobs in Australia in 2023 and in this healthcare profession, nurses are trained to diagnose and treat illnesses, promote health and prevent disease, and coordinate care. 


Nurse Practitioner

An NP acquires advanced knowledge and skills in diagnosing and managing common medical conditions, interpreting diagnostic tests, as well as prescribing medications.


Conclusion


I bet you didn’t know there were so many fields within Nursing. It is one of the most exciting and valued career opportunities you can opt for if you are an enthusiast towards this field. 


However, you may ask yourself how would you be able to pursue nursing courses in Australia being an international student.


Book free consultation at PFEC Global to know more about nursing courses in Australia, and let us assist you in achieving your dreams. We have experienced counselors who can provide you with insights that will make you enlightened and your path to becoming a successful nurse in Australia possible. Contact us today!

Please reach out to us at +610396201773 (Melbourne), +610283784282 (Sydney), +610870992258 (Adelaide) for more details.

Got a question?

If you have any queries, please drop us a message by filling out the form. We will connect you with an advisor as soon as possible!

Related articles

How to Study Nursing in Australia as an International Student?

Nursing is a highly promising subject for international students. In addition to lucrative pay and benefits, nurses can pursue careers in a wide variety of settings, including hospitals, schools, clin...

Read More

Choose your own destination

Ready to take the next step towards your success?