Career Outlook for Registered Nurses in Australia: 2025 Salaries & Hotspots

Discover nursing demand, state-wise salaries, and top regions for registered nurses in Australia. FAQs included for skilled migration and career planning.

Introduction

Australia’s healthcare sector is experiencing rapid growth, with over 346,700 registered nurses employed as of January 2025 and a projected 12.2% job increase by 2028. The country’s aging population, ongoing reforms, and regional disparities present both challenges and unique opportunities for registered nurses seeking secure, rewarding careers. This article explores the career outlook for registered nurses in Australia in 2025, focusing on demand, salaries by state, skilled migration pathways, and regional hotspots. 

Surging Demand for Nurses in Australia

The demand for nurses in Australia is driven by several factors, including demographic changes, policy reforms, and workforce shortages. According to Jobs and Skills Australia, the profession is set to grow by 12.2% by 2028 and 24.5% by 2033, adding tens of thousands of new jobs. 

• Workforce Gap: National nursing supply studies forecast a shortfall of over 70,000 nurses by 2035, with acute care, aged care, and rural regions most affected. 
• Reforms Fueling Demand: The new Aged Care Act, taking effect in July 2025, mandates the presence of at least one RN onsite 24/7 in all residential aged care facilities. This requirement amplifies the demand for skilled nurses, especially those with experience in gerontology and palliative care. 
• Regional Disparities: Rural and remote areas face critical shortages, with up to 50% fewer healthcare professionals per capita than urban centers, resulting in both increased job vacancies and essential community impact. 

These trends make nursing one of Australia’s most resilient and sought-after careers, with a positive outlook for both local and international candidates seeking stability and advancement. 

Registered Nurse Salaries in Australia by State

Nursing salaries vary considerably by state, experience, and specialization. In 2025, average annual earnings for registered nurses range from $82,100 in Tasmania to $93,500 in Western Australia. 

Regional and remote placements frequently offer additional financial incentives, with roles in the Northern Territory and Western Australia consistently delivering higher base salaries, as well as allowances for isolation and professional responsibility. 

Regional Hotspots for Nursing Jobs in Australia

Certain regions stand out as hotspots for nursing careers due to persistent shortages and attractive lifestyle factors. The following cities and areas offer compelling opportunities for nurses in 2025:

• Melbourne, VIC: Highest overall scores for professional environment and quality of life, with 2,052 active job vacancies and robust job growth projected. 
• Sydney, NSW: Offers the most job opportunities for nurses, driven by major hospital networks and strong health sector demand. 
• Adelaide, SA: Recognized as the second-best city for nurses, combining quality of life with ongoing professional opportunities, especially in aged care. 
• Regional Queensland: Destinations like Bundaberg, the Sunshine Coast, and Toowoomba feature high demand for nurses, especially in aged care, community health, and emergency services. Townsville, as a major northern hub, is especially keen to recruit international nurses. 
• Remote Areas: Rural towns and remote communities have the most acute workforce gaps, offering higher salaries and incentives for nurses willing to relocate, often with government-sponsored packages. 

Additionally, smaller cities such as Mount Gambier (SA), Glen Innes (NSW), and regional locations in WA and NT provide unique blends of community engagement, affordability, and career progression for nurses seeking non-metropolitan experiences. 

Skilled Migration Pathways for Nurses Australia

Australia welcomes internationally qualified nurses through a range of skilled migration and employment schemes, reflecting the urgency of nationwide shortages. Skilled migration pathways for nurses in Australia are both accessible and diverse in 2025. 

Key Requirements & Steps

• NMBA Registration: International nurses must obtain registration from the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) after passing skills assessment, demonstrating English proficiency, and meeting professional standards. 
• Visa Options: Three primary skilled visas cater to nurses:
  • Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189): For high-scoring candidates without state or employer sponsorship. 
  • Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190): Requires nomination from an Australian state or territory government, with commitment to work and live in that state. 
  • Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491): Sponsored by regional areas, leading to permanent residency pathways after 3 years. 
• Employer Sponsorship: Many hospitals and medical groups, including Ramsay Health Care and regional services, sponsor international nurses, streamlining employment and immigration processes. 
• Permanent Residency (PR): Nurses who satisfy points-based assessments, work experience, and professional standards become eligible for PR after tenure and skills assessment. 

Tips for Applicants

• Start registration and skills assessment early, as processing can take several months. 
• Secure documentation of qualifications, criminal history, health checks, and English test scores .
• Many agencies and hospitals provide expert consultation and support throughout the migration process, including free advice and community networks. 

Nursing Jobs for International Workers in Australia

Australia’s open stance on nursing jobs for international workers reflects the persistent workforce shortfall. International nurses are needed in every state and territory, with particular urgency in aged care, emergency, mental health, and remote nursing specialties. 

• Pathways: International nurses must meet NMBA registration criteria and secure skill assessment before applying for jobs. Opportunities are plentiful in public hospitals, private medical groups, and government-sponsored contracts. 
• Support & Sponsorship: Many leading hospitals offer sponsored employment, visa assistance, and support services, making relocation more attractive and feasible. 
• Community and Lifestyle: Regional cities and remote communities particularly value international nurses for their skills and contributions, often providing additional incentives and integration support. 

Highest Paying Nursing Jobs in Australia

Registered nurses can access a wide spectrum of salary advancement by specializing or pursuing leadership roles. The highest paying nursing jobs in Australia include:

Senior roles, particularly in remote regions or emergency/critical care, provide not only higher salaries but also additional allowances and rapid career progression. 

Continuing Professional Development and Career Paths

Australian nurses benefit from clearly defined career paths, from junior to senior and leadership levels, as well as diverse opportunities for specialization. Continuous professional development (CPD) is essential, requiring nurses to complete a minimum of 20 CPD hours annually, and encourages the pursuit of postgraduate education, certification in specialist fields, and leadership training. Advancement options include: 

• Nurse Practitioner (NP)
• Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
• Nurse Educator/Manager
• Specializations: Aged care, pediatrics, mental health, emergency care, perioperative nursing

Conclusion

Australia’s healthcare system urgently needs registered nurses in 2025, offering exceptional career prospects, competitive salaries, and diverse opportunities across states and regional hotspots. Whether aspiring for skilled migration or specialization, nurses are uniquely placed to drive essential healthcare improvements and enjoy rewarding professional growth.