How Much Does a Doctor Earn in Australia a Complete Salary Guide

 

A comprehensive breakdown of doctor salaries across all specialties, experience levels, and states in Australia

Did you know that the average Australian doctor earns significantly more than most other professionals, with some specialists pulling in over $500,000 annually? If you're considering a medical career or simply curious about physician compensation in Australia Down Under, you're in the right place!

Understanding doctor salaries in Australia isn't straightforward. The earning potential varies dramatically based on specialization, experience level, location, and whether you work in the public or private sector. 

We have compiled this comprehensive guide to break down exactly what doctors earn across different medical fields in 2025.

Whether you're a medical student planning your career path, an international doctor considering relocation, or someone researching healthcare jobs in Australia, this guide covers everything you need to know about medical compensation . Let's dive into the numbers and discover what really determines a doctor's paycheck!

Average Doctor Salary in Australia: The Big Picture

The medical profession in Australia remains one of the highest-paying career paths in 2025. According to the latest data, the average doctor in Australia earns between $150,000 to $400,000annually, depending on their specialty and experience level. But that's just scratching the surface!

When we break down the numbers, we see significant variation. Junior doctors and interns start at around $70,000-$90,000, while established specialists can command salaries exceeding $500,000. The median salary across all medical professionals sits at approximately $200,000, which is nearly three times the Australian median wage.

Career StageAverage Annual SalarySalary Range
Intern (PGY1)$75,000$70,000 - $85,000
Resident (PGY2-3)$85,000$80,000 - $95,000
Registrar$110,000$95,000 - $140,000
General Practitioner$200,000$120,000 - $350,000
Medical Specialist$300,000$200,000 - $600,000+

Key Insights:

  • Australian doctors earn 15-30% more than their UK counterparts on average
  • Medical professionals have seen a 12% salary increase over the past five years
  • Doctor earnings significantly outpace inflation and general wage growth
  • The gender pay gap in medicine has narrowed to approximately 8% in 2025
  • Economic factors including Medicare rebate adjustments directly impact physician income

Compared to other Australian professions, doctors consistently rank in the top 5% of earners. Legal professionals and senior executives may match specialist earnings, but the job security and career progression in medicine remain unparalleled. If you're exploring medical career opportunities, understanding these baseline figures is crucial for your planning.

General Practitioner (GP) Salaries in Australia

General Practitioners form the backbone of Australia's healthcare system, and their compensation reflects both their essential role and the diversity of practice models available. In 2025, the average GP earns approximately $200,000 annually, but this figure masks significant variation based on several factors.

The GP salary structure in Australia is unique compared to many other countries. Most GPs work on a billing model rather than a fixed salary, which means their income is directly tied to patient volume and the services they provide. This creates both opportunities and challenges for income optimization.

💡 Important Note: GP income varies dramatically based on practice ownership, billing methods, and location. A practice owner in a thriving suburban area can earn 2-3 times more than a salaried GP in the same region.

GP Income by Practice Type

Practice ModelTypical ArrangementAverage Annual Income
Bulk Billing GP (Employee)Fixed salary or low commission$120,000 - $180,000
Mixed Billing GP (Employee)40-50% of billings$180,000 - $250,000
Private Billing GP (Employee)50-65% of billings$220,000 - $320,000
Practice Owner/PartnerProfit share after expenses$250,000 - $450,000+
Rural/Remote GPEnhanced incentives + billings$280,000 - $500,000+
Locum GPHourly/daily rates$150,000 - $350,000

Understanding GP Commission Structures

Most employed GPs work on commission-based arrangements, where they receive a percentage of their billings. Here's what you need to know:

  • 40-45% Commission: Common for new GPs or bulk-billing practices. The practice covers all expenses including nursing support, administration, and premises.
  • 50-60% Commission: Standard for experienced GPs in mixed or private billing practices. Better work-life balance with moderate earning potential.
  • 65-70% Commission: Higher rates offered by some metropolitan practices, but GPs may need to cover their own indemnity insurance and professional development.
  • Profit Share: Practice partners typically share profits after all expenses, which can result in higher income but with greater financial responsibility.

Rural vs Urban GP Salary Comparison

Location dramatically impacts GP earnings. Rural and remote GPs can earn significantly more due to government incentives, lower competition, and higher patient demand. Here's the breakdown:

Location TypeAverage IncomeAdditional Benefits
Major Metropolitan$180,000 - $280,000Access to professional networks, training
Regional Cities$220,000 - $320,000Lower cost of living, steady patient base
Rural/Remote (MM 3-7)$280,000 - $500,000+Relocation assistance, housing, tax benefits

After-hours and Weekend Premiums: GPs who provide after-hours services or weekend consultations can significantly boost their income. Weekend rates are typically 1.5-2x standard consultation fees, and after-hours premiums can add $30,000-$80,000 to annual earnings. Many GPs supplement their income through telehealth consultations, which have become increasingly popular and lucrative since 2020.

For international doctors considering healthcare opportunities in Australia, general practice offers an excellent pathway with strong earning potential and diverse practice options.

Medical Specialist Salaries by Field

Specialist physicians in Australia command some of the highest salaries in the medical profession. After completing years of additional training and obtaining fellowship qualifications, specialists can expect substantial financial rewards. However, earnings vary significantly across different specialties!

The highest-earning specialists typically work in procedure-heavy fields or those requiring extensive technical expertise. Let's break down the earnings by specialty category.

High-Earning Specialist Salaries

SpecialtyAverage Annual SalarySalary RangeTraining Years
Neurosurgeon$550,000$400,000 - $800,000+12-14 years
Orthopaedic Surgeon$520,000$380,000 - $750,00011-13 years
Cardiothoracic Surgeon$500,000$380,000 - $720,00012-15 years
Plastic/Cosmetic Surgeon$480,000$350,000 - $900,000+11-13 years
Anaesthetist$450,000$350,000 - $600,0008-10 years
Radiologist$420,000$320,000 - $580,0008-10 years
Ophthalmologist$400,000$280,000 - $650,0009-11 years

Mid-Range Specialist Salaries

SpecialtyAverage Annual SalarySalary RangeTraining Years
Cardiologist$380,000$280,000 - $520,0009-11 years
Gastroenterologist$360,000$270,000 - $480,0008-10 years
Dermatologist$350,000$260,000 - $550,0008-10 years
Urologist$340,000$260,000 - $480,0009-11 years
Emergency Physician$320,000$240,000 - $450,0007-9 years
Oncologist$310,000$240,000 - $420,0009-11 years
Endocrinologist$290,000$220,000 - $400,0008-10 years
Psychiatrist$280,000$200,000 - $420,0008-10 years
Paediatrician$270,000$200,000 - $380,0008-10 years
Rheumatologist$260,000$200,000 - $360,0008-10 years

⚠️ Important Consideration: These figures represent gross income before expenses. Specialists in private practice must deduct professional indemnity insurance ($20,000-$150,000 annually), practice expenses, and staff costs. Net income is typically 60-75% of gross billings.

Factors Creating Salary Variations Within Specialties

  • Private vs Public Practice: Specialists working exclusively in private practice can earn 40-80% more than their public hospital counterparts.
  • Procedural Volume: Specialists performing high volumes of procedures (interventional cardiologists, endoscopists) earn more than consultative specialists.
  • Geographic Location: Metropolitan specialists face more competition, while regional specialists often have higher patient demand and less competition.
  • Subspecialization: Further specialization (e.g., paediatric cardiology, interventional radiology) can command premium rates.
  • Professional Reputation: Established specialists with strong referral networks and reputations can charge higher fees and maintain full patient schedules.
  • Practice Ownership: Owning diagnostic facilities or procedure centers adds significant income streams.

For medical professionals exploring specialist positions, it's crucial to consider both the financial rewards and the extensive training investment required. Most specialists don't reach full earning potential until their late 30s or early 40s after completing fellowship training.

Junior Doctor and Resident Salaries

Junior doctors form the foundation of Australia's hospital workforce, working long hours while gaining essential clinical experience. While starting salaries are modest compared to established doctors, they still compare favourably with most other graduate professions in Australia.

The salary structure for junior doctors is standardized through award agreements, which means there's less variation than seen in GP or specialist roles. However, overtime, penalty rates, and location bonuses can significantly boost take-home pay!

Junior Doctor Salary Progression

Career LevelYears Post-GraduationBase SalaryWith Overtime/Penalties
Intern (PGY1)1st year$72,000 - $78,000$85,000 - $95,000
RMO Year 2 (PGY2)2nd year$80,000 - $86,000$95,000 - $105,000
RMO Year 3 (PGY3)3rd year$88,000 - $94,000$105,000 - $115,000
Registrar Year 14th-5th year$96,000 - $108,000$115,000 - $130,000
Registrar Year 3-46th-8th year$110,000 - $125,000$130,000 - $150,000
Senior Registrar8th+ year$125,000 - $145,000$150,000 - $175,000

Understanding Overtime and Penalty Rates

Junior doctors often work well beyond their standard 38-hour week. Overtime and penalty rates can add 20-40% to base salary:

  • Overtime Rates: Typically 150% for the first 2 hours, 200% thereafter on weekdays
  • Saturday Work: 150% of base hourly rate
  • Sunday Work: 200% of base hourly rate
  • Public Holidays: 250% of base hourly rate
  • Night Shift Allowances: Additional $30-50 per shift
  • On-Call Rates: $200-400 per night for home on-call, with call-back at overtime rates

State-by-State Junior Doctor Salary Comparison

State/TerritoryIntern Base SalaryPGY3 Base SalaryRegistrar Base Salary
New South Wales$76,500$92,800$108,000 - $128,000
Victoria$75,200$91,400$106,000 - $125,000
Queensland$77,800$94,200$110,000 - $130,000
Western Australia$78,900$95,600$112,000 - $135,000
South Australia$74,800$90,200$105,000 - $123,000
Tasmania$75,500$91,800$107,000 - $126,000
Northern Territory$82,500$98,900$118,000 - $142,000
ACT$76,200$92,400$108,000 - $127,000

💰 Maximizing Junior Doctor Income:

  • Work in high-demand specialties (Emergency, ICU) for better overtime opportunities
  • Consider rural or remote positions with location allowances (+$10,000-$25,000)
  • Take advantage of weekend and night shifts for penalty rates
  • Supplement income with locum shifts at different hospitals
  • Negotiate salary packaging to reduce taxable income

Training Program Stipends and Allowances: Many specialty training programs provide additional allowances beyond base salary. These can include study leave allowances ($2,000-$5,000 annually), exam fees coverage, conference attendance funding, and relocation assistance for rural rotations.

While junior doctor salaries might seem modest compared to established specialists, they represent a solid starting point for a medical career. Most junior doctors see their income double or triple within 5-7 years as they progress through training programs and into specialist or GP roles. If you're looking for junior doctor positions in Australia, understanding these salary structures is essential for career planning.

Surgeon Earnings in Australia

Surgeons represent the highest-earning medical professionals in Australia, reflecting their extensive training (often 12-15 years post-graduation), high-pressure work environment, and the technical expertise required. However, there's substantial variation in earnings across different surgical specialties and practice models.

The pathway to becoming a surgeon is long and demanding, but the financial rewards are significant. Let's break down exactly what surgeons earn across different specialties and settings in 2025!

Surgical Specialty Earnings Breakdown

Surgical SpecialtyAverage Annual IncomePrivate Practice RangePublic Hospital Range
Neurosurgery$550,000$450,000 - $800,000+$280,000 - $420,000
Cardiothoracic Surgery$500,000$420,000 - $720,000$270,000 - $400,000
Orthopaedic Surgery$520,000$400,000 - $750,000$260,000 - $380,000
Plastic & Reconstructive$480,000$380,000 - $900,000+$250,000 - $360,000
Vascular Surgery$420,000$350,000 - $620,000$240,000 - $350,000
ENT (Otolaryngology)$400,000$320,000 - $580,000$230,000 - $340,000
General Surgery$380,000$300,000 - $550,000$220,000 - $320,000
Colorectal Surgery$370,000$290,000 - $520,000$220,000 - $310,000
Urology$360,000$280,000 - $500,000$215,000 - $300,000
Obstetrics & Gynaecology$350,000$270,000 - $520,000$210,000 - $290,000
Paediatric Surgery$340,000$260,000 - $480,000$220,000 - $310,000

How Surgeons Are Paid: Understanding the Fee Structure

Surgeon compensation is complex and varies significantly based on practice model. Here's how it works:

  • Public Hospital Surgeons: Receive a salaried position as a Visiting Medical Officer (VMO) or Staff Specialist. Salaries are fixed but include superannuation, leave entitlements, and professional development allowances. Many public surgeons also maintain limited private practices.
  • Private Practice Surgeons: Bill patients directly using MBS (Medicare Benefits Schedule) item numbers plus private fees. A typical procedure might have a Medicare rebate of $1,500 and a surgeon fee of $3,500-$8,000, with patients paying the gap.
  • Session Fees: Private hospitals pay surgeons operating theatre session fees ($800-$2,000 per session) in addition to procedure fees.
  • Consultation Fees: Initial consultations ($200-$400) and follow-ups ($120-$250) provide additional income streams.
  • Hospital Contracts: Some surgeons have hybrid arrangements with guaranteed sessional payments from private hospitals.

⚠️ Surgeon Practice Expenses:

Before celebrating those six-figure salaries, remember that private practice surgeons face significant expenses:

  • Professional Indemnity Insurance: $50,000 - $180,000 annually (varies by specialty)
  • Practice Staff: Receptionist, practice manager, nursing staff ($80,000-$200,000)
  • Rooms & Equipment: Rent, medical equipment, IT systems ($40,000-$100,000)
  • Professional Development: Conferences, courses, journals ($10,000-$30,000)
  • Total Practice Costs: Typically 25-40% of gross billings

How Case Volume Impacts Surgeon Income

A surgeon's income is directly tied to the number and complexity of procedures they perform. Here's a realistic breakdown:

Activity LevelProcedures/MonthConsultations/WeekEstimated Annual Income
Part-Time Practice8-12 major procedures15-25 patients$220,000 - $320,000
Standard Practice15-25 major procedures30-45 patients$380,000 - $520,000
High-Volume Practice30-40 major procedures50-70 patients$580,000 - $800,000+

Fellowship and Subspecialty Income Differences

Surgeons who pursue additional fellowship training in subspecialties often command higher fees due to their specialized expertise:

  • Spine Surgery: Orthopaedic or neurosurgeons with spine fellowships can earn 20-30% more than general practitioners in their field
  • Hand Surgery: Specialized hand surgeons (ortho or plastic surgery background) often have high-volume practices with excellent earnings
  • Paediatric Cardiac Surgery: Among the highest-paid surgical subspecialties due to complexity and limited practitioners
  • Cosmetic Surgery: Plastic surgeons focusing on cosmetic procedures can earn significantly more, but face higher marketing costs and practice expenses
  • Interventional Procedures: Surgeons performing minimally invasive procedures often have higher case volumes and shorter recovery times, allowing for more procedures

The surgical career path requires immense dedication, but for those who complete the journey, the financial and professional rewards are substantial. If you're exploring surgical career opportunities, understanding these income structures helps you make informed decisions about specialization and practice models.

Public vs. Private Sector Doctor Salaries

One of the most significant factors affecting doctor income in Australia is the choice between public hospital employment and private practice. Each pathway offers distinct advantages, challenges, and earning potential. Let's dive deep into what you can expect from each sector!

Many doctors don't choose one or the other exclusively—hybrid models combining public hospital work with private practice have become increasingly common, offering the best of both worlds.

Comprehensive Salary Comparison

Position TypePublic HospitalPrivate PracticeMixed Model
Junior Doctor (Intern-Resident)$75,000 - $95,000N/AN/A
Registrar$95,000 - $145,000Locum: $150-$250/hr$110,000 - $175,000
Staff Specialist/VMO$200,000 - $350,000N/A (full private only)$250,000 - $420,000
General Practitioner$150,000 - $220,000$200,000 - $450,000$180,000 - $320,000
Medical Specialist$220,000 - $380,000$300,000 - $700,000+$280,000 - $550,000
Surgeon$240,000 - $420,000$350,000 - $900,000+$320,000 - $650,000

Public Hospital Employment: Benefits Beyond Salary

While public sector salaries may appear lower, they come with substantial benefits that significantly increase total compensation value:

  • Superannuation Contributions: Employer contributes 11.5% (2025 rate) on top of base salary, often with additional employer co-contributions available
  • Annual Leave: 4-6 weeks paid annual leave, fully funded without impact on patient revenue
  • Sick Leave: 10-15 days paid sick leave annually, accumulating if unused
  • Professional Development: $5,000-$15,000 annual allowance for conferences, courses, and training
  • Study Leave: 1-2 weeks paid leave specifically for education and exams
  • Indemnity Insurance: Fully covered by the hospital for all public work
  • Parental Leave: Up to 12-18 weeks paid parental leave (varies by state)
  • Job Security: Permanent positions with strong employment protections
  • Predictable Hours: Defined rosters and work hours (though still demanding)
  • No Business Risk: No exposure to practice expenses, billing issues, or business management

Private Practice: Higher Earnings, Higher Responsibilities

Private practice offers significantly higher earning potential, but comes with substantial additional costs and responsibilities:

Income/Expense CategoryAnnual AmountPercentage of Revenue
Gross Billings (Example GP)$400,000100%
Less: Practice Rent/Facilities-$40,000 - $60,00010-15%
Less: Staff Salaries-$50,000 - $80,00012-20%
Less: Indemnity Insurance-$8,000 - $15,0002-4%
Less: Other Expenses (equipment, supplies, IT, etc.)-$20,000 - $40,0005-10%
Net Income Before Tax$200,000 - $280,00050-70%

Mixed Billing Models: Finding the Balance

Many Australian doctors work in mixed billing arrangements, seeing both public and private patients. This model offers several advantages:

  • Base Salary Security: Public hospital position provides stable income base
  • Private Income Supplement: Additional earnings from private patients (typically 1-3 days per week)
  • Shared Indemnity: Public work covered by hospital, private work requires separate insurance
  • Diverse Patient Mix: Exposure to both complex public cases and elective private work
  • Teaching Opportunities: Public hospitals offer registrar supervision and academic involvement
  • Flexibility: Ability to adjust public/private ratio based on life stage and preferences

💡 Which Model is Right for You?

  • Choose Public if: You value work-life balance, job security, teaching, and don't want business responsibilities
  • Choose Private if: You're entrepreneurial, want maximum earning potential, and are comfortable with business risk
  • Choose Mixed if: You want the best of both worlds and can manage the complexity of dual practice

Work-Life Balance Considerations

Beyond salary, work-life balance differs significantly between sectors:

FactorPublic HospitalPrivate Practice
Working HoursRostered shifts, defined hours (though often extended)Flexible but often longer to maximize income
On-Call DutiesRegular on-call with overtime paymentsSelf-determined, can limit if desired
Holiday CoverageHospital arranges coverage, paid leaveMust arrange own coverage or lose income
Administrative BurdenClinical focus with hospital admin supportSignificant business management responsibilities
Patient ComplexityMore complex, acute casesOften more elective, less acute
Income StabilityGuaranteed regular salaryVariable based on patient volume

When considering medical positions in Australia, the public vs. private decision is about more than just salary—it's about lifestyle, career goals, and personal values. Many doctors find their ideal arrangement evolves throughout their career as priorities shift.

State-by-State Salary Variations

Where you practice medicine in Australia significantly impacts your earning potential! Each state and territory has different award rates, cost of living considerations, and market dynamics that affect doctor salaries. Let's break down what you can expect across Australia's regions.

Comprehensive State Salary Comparison 2025

State/TerritoryJunior Doctor (PGY1-3)RegistrarGP AverageSpecialist Average
New South Wales$76,500 - $92,800$108,000 - $128,000$195,000 - $310,000$290,000 - $520,000
Victoria$75,200 - $91,400$106,000 - $125,000$190,000 - $305,000$285,000 - $510,000
Queensland$77,800 - $94,200$110,000 - $130,000$200,000 - $340,000$295,000 - $550,000
Western Australia$78,900 - $95,600$112,000 - $135,000$210,000 - $380,000$310,000 - $620,000
South Australia$74,800 - $90,200$105,000 - $123,000$185,000 - $295,000$275,000 - $480,000
Tasmania$75,500 - $91,800$107,000 - $126,000$195,000 - $320,000$280,000 - $500,000
Northern Territory$82,500 - $98,900$118,000 - $142,000$240,000 - $480,000$350,000 - $700,000+
Australian Capital Territory$76,200 - $92,400$108,000 - $127,000$200,000 - $330,000$295,000 - $540,000

Cost of Living Adjusted Earnings

Raw salary figures don't tell the complete story—cost of living varies dramatically across Australian states. Here's what your salary really buys you:

State/TerritoryCost of Living IndexMedian House PriceReal Purchasing Power
New South Wales (Sydney)110 (High)$1,200,000Medium
Victoria (Melbourne)105 (High)$950,000Medium
Queensland (Brisbane)98 (Moderate)$820,000High
Western Australia (Perth)102 (Moderate)$750,000High
South Australia (Adelaide)92 (Low)$680,000Very High
Tasmania (Hobart)94 (Low)$720,000Very High
Northern Territory (Darwin)108 (High)$580,000Very High
ACT (Canberra)106 (High)$890,000Medium-High

Rural and Remote Area Incentives

Working in rural or remote areas can significantly boost your income through various government and employer incentives. Australia uses the Modified Monash (MM) classification system to categorize locations:

MM ClassificationLocation TypeTypical IncentivesIncome Boost
MM 1Major CitiesNoneBaseline
MM 2Regional CentersMinor incentives+$5,000-$15,000
MM 3-4Large Rural TownsRelocation, housing assistance+$15,000-$40,000
MM 5-6Medium Rural TownsSignificant bonuses, housing, car+$40,000-$80,000
MM 7Very RemoteMajor packages, tax benefits+$80,000-$150,000+

🏥 Top Earning States for Doctors:

  • Western Australia: Highest base salaries + mining boom demand = excellent earning potential
  • Northern Territory: Exceptional incentives for remote work, though high cost of living in Darwin
  • Queensland: Strong private sector + lifestyle appeal = competitive salaries with better purchasing power
  • South Australia: Best value proposition with decent salaries and lowest cost of living
  • Tasmania: Growing demand, lower competition, excellent lifestyle with improving salaries

State-Specific Practice Opportunities

  • New South Wales: Largest medical workforce, excellent specialty training, competitive but saturated in Sydney. Regional NSW offers better opportunities.
  • Victoria: Strong public hospital system, world-class training facilities, but Melbourne GP market is highly competitive.
  • Queensland: Fastest-growing state, increasing demand especially on Gold and Sunshine Coasts. Excellent tropical lifestyle.
  • Western Australia: Mining industry creates wealth and demand, particularly in Perth and regional mining towns. FIFO opportunities available.
  • South Australia: Aging population creates strong demand for GPs and geriatric specialists. Adelaide offers city lifestyle with regional pricing.
  • Tasmania: Significant GP shortages, excellent recruitment packages, stunning natural environment, growing tourism sector.
  • Northern Territory: Exceptional remote medicine experience, indigenous health focus, adventure lifestyle, tax concessions.
  • ACT: Government employment opportunities, research institutions, excellent schools, but limited private sector growth.

When exploring medical positions across Australia, don't just focus on base salary—consider the complete package including incentives, cost of living, career opportunities, and lifestyle factors. The highest-paying location isn't always the best choice for long-term career satisfaction and financial success!

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