Nursing Pay in Australia vs. the UK: What is the Real Difference?

Salary comparisons, Cost of living and hidden expenses
So, you’ve made it this far- are you seriously considering the move? Or have I just tempted you enough to keep reading? Either way, I am happy that you are here! This article will help you navigate the financial side of nursing in Australia versus the UK.
Relocating to another country is a life – changing decision, and while the adventure is exciting, it comes at a cost- both personal and financial. Beyond the emotional toll of being away from family (hello, FaceTime and long-distance letters), you might be wondering:

*How much does it cost to move?

*What is the cost of living in Australia compared to the UK?

*Will I be financially better off?

These are all the questions I asked myself when I made the move, and I am sure they will be similar to the questions you want answering. This article will cover salaries, hidden costs (police checks, medical costs and all that fun stuff) and whether making the move to Australia, truly makes you wealthier.

Let’s talk money: Does Nursing in Australia pay more?
I would love to sit here and say “I do not nurse for the money” but I would be kidding myself, if I did not have bills to pay. It is true, you do not enter this profession to have jet skis sat on the drive, a driveway big enough for a bus, or even a live in butler. Or maybe you do? But who did you marry? Being kind does not pay the bills. So, with that unfortunate truth in mind, let us get down to the nitty gritty.

Salaries vary based on experience, location and demand. Pay scales change dramatically- Government cuts, (or increases), world disasters, labour demand and cost of living. You know the score, whatever happens… our pay is impacted. The figures displayed below should be used as a reference for the salary difference between the UK and Australia. As mentioned, location and job role can massively affect your salary. For up to date information have a google or contact your future employer. These rates are displayed from February 2025 and are a sweeping generalisation.

UK vs. Australia: Nursing Salaries Compared
United Kingdom (NHS Band 5&6) pre-tax rates: 

*Band 5 Registered Nurse: $56,333.47-$68,378.72

*Band 6 Registered Nurse: $70,185.31-$84,515.07

(These figures are all calculated on an exchange rate of 1 GBP to 1.98 AUD – correct at the time of writing.) I have compared all figures in AUD for clarity.

Australia (Registered Nurse)

*Base salary general RN (changes by state) $75,000-$105,000 

*Tax rates can affect take home – this can change dependent on your residency status, up to date tax brackets can easily be found with a google search.

💡 Highest paying states for nurses (at the time of writing) are Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory.

Please take into account these figures are for permanent staff- agency rates change massively, and they have their own figures entirely. (I would say generally speaking you earn more as an agency nurse- but no holiday or sick pay!)

Cost of Living & Tax Considerations

While Australian nurses generally earn more, cost of living factors like rent, tax, superannuation (pension pot- I will cover this in future blogs) and everyday expenses must be considered. Cities in Australia, such as Sydney and Melbourne can be very expensive (think London – everything in London is super expensive!)
I am only speaking from personal experience, but working and living rurally has been, for me, the most lucrative. For example, health boards such as WACHS give highly subsidised accomodation for permanent staff (and a lot of the time free for agency staff!) I personally find eating out is cheaper, but food shopping is more expensive. Flight costs are ludicrous (wave goodbye to 50 pound Ryanair flights) but you do not have to travel for the sun and the sea, a lot of time it is on your doorstep!
This is all personal- so please know that this can vary and this is only what I have experienced. Below are some free resources which can help work out cost of living and salary take home:

* Study Australia Cost of living calculator

* Number Cost of living estimator

* Money-smart income tax calculator

* Pay calculator Australia

Hidden Costs of Moving to Australia

Beyond salary, there are a lot of one-time fees when relocating to Australia.

* IELTS English exam (check for exemption, this is explained in ‘Let’s talk visas- which one won’t ruin my life?) – $545, plus $40 postage for me to send my copy to the UK.

* AHPRA registration – all costs in ‘AHPRA – Registration guide for UK and international nurses’ I explain it in depth on this blog! 

* Medical examinations and police checks– roughly $600 medical, police checks are varied.

* Professional indemnity insurance and union fees– ANMF (PI coverage for Australian Nurses and Midwives – I definitely recommend their services and you get access to their ANF holiday houses in Margaret river and Kalbarri!) Personally, I have kept paying my RCN and NMC registration costs at home. I would recommend doing this until you are a PR – it really helps speed along the PR process! 

Final thoughts: Is the Move Worth it?

I am biased, but….ABSOLUTELY A MILLION TIMES YES !! If finances are what are motivating you for the move- nurses are offered higher salaries. There is a better-work life balance, and you are well supported here. It is important to weigh up the costs (yes it is not a cheap process) and research your potential earnings. You should figure out the financial impact of relocating. As previously mentioned (in blog 1) I had financial issues whilst living in Sydney. I would always recommend working in a rural town, this just sets you up and gives you a nice pathway in to Australian nursing.
If you are serious about making the move, make sure to stay informed. Budget wisely, explore job opportunities and research the different states to maximise your earning potential. These figures (as stated) are relevant to permanent staff. Agency work is usually higher paid, with subsidised or free accommodation, free or subsidised travel and sometimes even support with food costs.
Still thinking about moving? Have any further questions? Please drop them in the comments! Or email me at emilytheuknursedownunder@gmail.com

All the best,
Emily the UK Nurse Down Under xx

Stay tuned for future blog posts, such as, when is the best time to move to Australia
(covering weather, job opportunities and costs specific to travel and accommodation!)