If you have ever considered making the switch to agency nursing, one of the first questions you are probably asking is: how much will I actually earn?
It is a fair question, and the answer might surprise you. In 2026, agency nurses in Australia are earning significantly more than their permanent counterparts in many cases, particularly when you factor in penalty rates, overtime, and the flexibility to choose your own hours.
In this guide, we break down exactly what agency nurses can expect to earn across different specialties, states, and settings, so you can make an informed decision about your career.
What is agency nursing?
Agency nursing (also called casual or locum nursing) involves working through a healthcare recruitment agency like MediRec rather than being directly employed by a single hospital or aged care facility. You are placed on shifts where you are needed most, giving you flexibility over your schedule while often earning a higher hourly rate than permanent staff.
Averarge hourly rates for agency nurses in australia (2026)
Rates vary depending on your specialty, experience, location, and the type of facility you work in.
Here is a general guide to what agency nurses are earning in 2026:
Enrolled Nurse (EN): $35 to $50 per hour
Registered Nurse (RN) — General: $50 to $92 per hour
Registered Nurse (RN) — Aged Care: $45 to $68 per hour
Registered Nurse — ICU / Emergency / Theatre: $60 to $85 per hour
Remote Area Nurse (RAN): $80 to $110 per hour
Midwife: $55 to $80 per hour
Nurse Unit Manager (NUM): $75 to $100 per hour
These rates are base hourly figures. Agency nurses are also entitled to penalty rates on top of base pay, which can significantly increase your weekly take-home.
penalty rates: where agency nurses really win
One of the biggest financial advantages of agency nursing is penalty rates.
Under the Nurses Award 2020, casual and agency nurses are entitled to loading on top of their base rate for:
• Saturday shifts: typically 150% of base rate
• Sunday shifts: typically 175% of base rate
• Public holidays: typically 250% of base rate
• Night shifts: additional loading applies
• Casual loading: an additional 25% on top of base pay
When you add casual loading plus weekend penalties, an RN earning $55 per hour base could take home significantly more on a Sunday shift. That is a meaningful difference compared to a permanent salaried role.
Agency nursing vs. permanent nursing: a pay comparison
Let us compare a Registered Nurse working in aged care in both a permanent and agency capacity:
Permanent RN (Aged Care):
• Annual salary: approximately $72,000 to $85,000
• Includes: annual leave, sick leave, superannuation
Agency RN (Aged Care):
• Hourly rate: $50 to $68 base
• Weekend penalty rates applied
• Superannuation still paid
• No paid leave (offset by higher hourly rate)
For nurses who are healthy, available, and strategic about the shifts they take, agency nursing can generate $94,500 or more per year, with some specialised roles exceeding $120,000 annually, well above the permanent equivalent.
Which Specialties Earn the Most as Agency Nurses?
- Remote Area Nurses (RAN) — $80 to $110 per hour. Working in remote and rural communities, particularly in the Northern Territory and outback Australia, RANs are among the highest-paid nurses in the country. The role is demanding and requires broad clinical skills, but the financial rewards — plus accommodation and travel allowances — make it very attractive. ICU and Critical Care Nurses — $65 to $85 per hour. Intensive care specialists are always in high demand across metro hospitals. With specialised skills comes premium pay.
- Theatre Nurses (Scrub/Scout, Anaesthetics, Recovery) — $55 to $80 per hour. Perioperative nurses are consistently sought after for both public and private hospital placements.
- Emergency Department Nurses — $60 to $80 per hour. ED nurses with agency experience can pick up shifts across multiple hospitals, often at premium rates.
- Aged Care Registered Nurses — $50 to $68 per hour. While not the highest-paying specialty, aged care nursing offers consistent, reliable shift availability, making it a strong option for income stability.
Does Location Affect Agency Nurse Pay?
Yes.
Where you work in Australia can have a meaningful impact on your earnings.
Metropolitan areas like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane typically offer the highest volume of shifts and competitive base rates.
Regional and rural areas often offer higher base rates to attract talent, plus accommodation and travel allowances.
Remote placements in the Northern Territory, outback Queensland, and Western Australia offer the highest pay of all, often with full accommodation, flights, and meals included on top of your hourly rate.
If you are open to working regionally or remotely, even for a short contract, the financial upside can be significant.
Other Financial Benefits of Agency Nursing
Superannuation: Your agency is required to pay superannuation contributions on your behalf, currently 12% of ordinary time earnings as of 1 July 2025.
Salary packaging: Some healthcare agencies and facilities offer salary packaging options, allowing you to reduce your taxable income.
Travel and accommodation allowances: Common for remote and regional placements.
Tax deductions: As an agency nurse, you may be eligible to claim work-related expenses such as uniforms, registration fees, and professional development costs.
How to Maximise Your Earnings as an Agency Nurse
- Specialise. The more specialised your skills, the higher the rate you can command. Consider upskilling in ICU, theatre, or emergency care.
- Be flexible with shifts. Picking up weekend, night, and public holiday shifts dramatically increases your hourly take-home.
- Register with a reputable agency. A good agency like MediRec will advocate for competitive rates on your behalf and ensure you are paid correctly and on time.
- Consider remote placements. Even a 4 to 8 week remote contract can dramatically boost your annual earnings.
- Keep your credentials current. Nurses with up-to-date mandatory training, full AHPRA registration, and clean compliance records get first access to the best-paying shifts.
Is Agency Nursing Right for You?
Agency nursing is not for everyone. It requires flexibility, resilience, and the ability to adapt quickly to new environments. But for nurses who value variety, autonomy, and strong earning potential, it is one of the most rewarding career paths available.
Whether you are a newly qualified RN exploring your options, an experienced nurse looking for a change, or a specialist seeking flexibility around family commitments, agency nursing in Australia in 2026 offers genuine financial opportunity.
Ready to Find Out What You Could Earn?
At MediRec, we are transparent about pay rates and work hard to match our nurses with the roles that best fit their skills, lifestyle, and goals. Whether you are interested in aged care shifts, hospital nursing, or remote area placements, we would love to have a conversation.
Get in touch with our team today or browse our latest nursing jobs to see what is available near you.