Registered Nurse vs Surgeon salary
In Australia, a surgeon earns about 378% more than a registered nurse — $478,146 vs $99,932 per year.
Showing amounts in USD (USD default; source data is AUD). FX as of Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:02:31 +0000. Convert currencies
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | Registered Nurse | Surgeon |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $72,936 | $306,041 |
| 25th | $86,469 | $392,094 |
| Median | $99,932 | $478,146 |
| 75th | $116,448 | $583,352 |
| Senior (90th) | $132,895 | $688,558 |
National Australia figures in AUD. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Healthcare comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a registered nurse or surgeon earn more in Australia?
- A surgeon earns more, at about $689,000 per year vs $144,000 for a registered nurse — roughly 378% ($545,000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in Australia?
- A registered nurse typically earns $105,100–$191,500, while a surgeon earns $441,000–$992,200 per year.
- How much do these jobs pay per month in Australia?
- On a monthly basis before tax, a registered nurse averages about $12,000 and a surgeon about $57,400.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in Australia, a registered nurse earns about $105,100 while a surgeon earns about $441,000 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in Australia, a registered nurse earns about $191,500 while a surgeon earns about $992,200 per year.
- Are registered nurse and surgeon similar careers?
- Both roles sit in the Healthcare category on Pay by Role, which is why we compare them head-to-head. Day-to-day work still differs — review each job page for skills and outlook.