Charlestown NSW
Data from published sources[20]
| Medical Specialty | Junior (0-3 yrs) | Intermediate (4-9 yrs) | Senior (10+ yrs) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Practice | $150,000 – $190,000 | $190,000 – $280,000 | $280,000 – $400,000+ | Higher in rural areas[3] |
| Emergency Medicine | $180,000 – $220,000 | $220,000 – $310,000 | $310,000 – $450,000+ | Includes shift penalties[4] |
| Surgery (General) | $180,000 – $240,000 | $240,000 – $350,000 | $350,000 – $600,000+ | Higher for subspecialties[5] |
| Pediatrics | $160,000 – $200,000 | $200,000 – $300,000 | $300,000 – $450,000+ | Subspecialties earn more[6] |
| Psychiatry | $170,000 – $220,000 | $220,000 – $320,000 | $320,000 – $500,000+ | High demand nationwide[7] |
| Anesthesiology | $200,000 – $250,000 | $250,000 – $350,000 | $350,000 – $550,000+ | Private practice higher[8] |
| Radiology | $200,000 – $260,000 | $260,000 – $380,000 | $380,000 – $600,000+ | Interventional higher[9] |
| Obstetrics & Gynecology | $180,000 – $230,000 | $230,000 – $340,000 | $340,000 – $550,000+ | Rural incentives available[3] |
| All salaries shown in Australian dollars (AUD). Figures represent typical annual earnings including base salary and common benefits. | ||||
Doctors’ earnings vary significantly based on geographical location across Australia, with rural and remote areas typically offering higher compensation.[11]
Major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane offer:
Doctors in Australia are paid through different models depending on their role and workplace setting.[15]
Most public hospital doctors work on fixed salaries with increments based on experience and seniority. Additional payments for overtime, on-call, and shift work are standard.[16]
Hospital doctors' base salaries are determined by state-based awards that establish minimum pay rates, working hours, and conditions.[17]
Salaries increase substantially as doctors progress from Registrar (trainee specialist) to Consultant/Specialist, with pay jumps of 40-60% common.[18]
Hospital doctors are typically paid fortnightly with superannuation (retirement) contributions of 11% paid by the employer.[19]
Many GPs earn a percentage (typically 60-70%) of the billings they generate, combining Medicare rebates and patient gap payments.[20]
Practices may use bulk billing (Medicare pays directly) for some patients and charge private fees (with gaps) for others, significantly affecting earnings.[21]
Some practices offer minimum hourly rates (typically $120-180/hr) during initial employment periods before transitioning to percentage-based payments.[22]
GPs in private practice typically receive monthly payments based on previous month's billings, but payment structures vary between practices.[23]
Understanding the benefits and tax implications for doctors practicing in Australia.[24]
Employers contribute 11% on top of base salary to retirement funds, which is compulsory.[25]
4 weeks paid annual leave plus leave loading (typically 17.5%) is standard for employed doctors.[26]
Public hospital doctors can access tax-advantaged salary packaging options, potentially saving $5,000-$10,000 annually in tax.[27]
Conference allowances, study leave, and professional development funding often provided ($2,000-$10,000 annually).[28]
Additional payments, relocation assistance, accommodation subsidies for rural/remote practice.[29]
Progressive tax system with rates from 0% to 45%, plus 2% Medicare Levy. Most doctors fall in the higher brackets.[30]
Medical professionals can claim various expenses including professional memberships, medical journals, conference costs, and continuing education.[31]
Various business structures (sole trader, company, trust) have different tax implications and benefits for private practitioners.[32]
Tax benefits available for doctors working in remote areas, providing additional financial incentives.[33]
Medical professionals should seek tax advice from accountants specializing in healthcare finances due to the complexity of available options.[34]
Several factors influence a doctor’s earning potential in Australia beyond their specialty and location.[35]
Most full-time doctors work 38-45 hours per week, but additional after-hours work, on-call duties, or weekend work can substantially increase earnings by 20-40%.[36]
Areas with higher socioeconomic status may support higher private billing rates, while areas with special needs populations can access additional Medicare incentives.[37]
Understanding Medicare item numbers and appropriate billing practices can significantly increase earnings, with efficient practitioners earning 15-25% more than less-informed colleagues.[38]
Additional procedural skills (minor surgery, joint injections, women's health procedures) enable access to higher-paying Medicare item numbers and increased earning potential.[39]
Practice owners and partners typically earn 20-40% more than employee doctors, though this comes with additional business responsibilities and risks.[40]
Many doctors supplement their clinical income with teaching, research, medico-legal work, or administrative roles, potentially adding $20,000-100,000+ annually.[41]
Common questions about doctor salaries and compensation in Australia
Australian doctor salaries are among the highest globally, typically 15-30% higher than the UK and comparable to or slightly below the US (depending on specialty and location). The Australian healthcare system offers a balance of competitive compensation with better work-life balance than many other countries.[42]
Beyond clinical work, doctors can supplement their income through academic appointments, research, medical writing, telehealth consultations, medico-legal assessments, pharmaceutical consulting, and medical education. Many specialists also work across both public and private sectors to maximize earnings.[43]
The Australian Medical Council (AMC) assesses international medical qualifications. Generally, doctors from comparable healthcare systems (UK, Ireland, Canada, US, NZ) have a streamlined pathway. Years of overseas experience are typically recognized for salary calculations once registration is complete, though the process varies by state and employer.[44]
Key expenses include medical indemnity insurance ($2,000-20,000+ depending on specialty), professional memberships and college fees ($1,000-5,000 annually), continuing medical education requirements ($2,000-10,000), and potentially practice costs for those in private practice. Tax deductions are available for many professional expenses.[45]
The Australian government offers substantial incentives for rural practice, including direct salary supplements (20-50% above urban rates), relocation payments ($20,000-60,000), housing subsidies, additional leave, and education allowances. The more remote the location, the higher the financial incentives, potentially doubling total compensation compared to urban areas.[46]
Browse our selection of current opportunities for UK doctors in Australia. These represent just a sample of the positions we’re currently recruiting for.
Charlestown NSW
Charlestown NSW
Health Pro Talent recruits specialist doctors from across the world in accordance with Australian Medical Council (AMC) guidelines.
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