How much a doctor can earn in Australia? (2025)
Doctor salaries in Australia vary significantly based on specialization, experience level, location, and practice type. In 2025, medical professionals in Australia continue to be among the highest-paid workers in the country, with earnings ranging from approximately AUD $65,000 for junior doctors to over AUD $800,000 for experienced specialists.
The overall average doctor’s salary in Australia is around AUD $190,000, which is substantially higher than the national average salary of AUD $68,289. This places even junior doctors well above the national average, while consultants earn over four times the national average.
Average Doctor Salary vs National Average in Australia
Below is the complete breakdown of different specialties earning potential in Australia as compared to national and average doctor salary.
Junior Doctors & Training Positions Salary Ranges
Junior doctors and trainees earn less because they have fewer years of clinical experience, carry less responsibility, and are still completing their specialist training.
Intern and Resident Medical Officers (RMOs)
| Position | Salary Range (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Entry-level doctors (interns) | 65,000 – 95,000 |
| Senior Resident Medical Officers (RMOs) | 73,000 – 133,000 |
| Career Medical Officers (CMOs) | 120,000 – 160,000 |
Registrars
Registrars are doctors in advanced specialty training who manage complex patient care, perform procedures, and supervise junior medical staff under consultant oversight.
| Registrar Type | Compensation |
|---|---|
| General registrar | AUD 85,000 – 150,000 annually |
| Medical registrar (average) | AUD 138,861 annually |
| Locum registrar | Up to AUD 1,287 per day (hourly AUD 140 – 220) |
General Practitioners (GPs) Salaries
General Practitioners represent a significant portion of Australia’s medical workforce, with substantial earning potential that varies by practice structure and location.
| GP Category | Earnings (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Full-time GPs (7+ sessions/week) | • Average: 365,000 annually • 9–10 sessions: 436,000 annually |
| Part-time GPs (≤6 sessions/week) | 231,000 annually |
| Metropolitan areas | 150,000 – 300,000 annually |
| Rural/Regional areas | 200,000 – 400,000+ annually (higher demand & incentives) |
Most GPs work as independent contractors receiving 60-70% of their billings rather than fixed salaries. Practice owners and those in rural areas typically earn at the higher end of these ranges.
Top-Paying Specialist Salaries in Australia
Neurosurgery Salaries
Neurosurgeons in Australia command some of the highest medical salaries, reflecting their extensive training and the critical nature of their work.
| Level | Salary (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Entry-level | 250,000 – 400,000 annually |
| Mid-level (5–10 years experience) | 400,000 – 800,000 annually |
| Experienced practitioners | Over 1,000,000 annually (with some reaching 2,000,000) |
| Average salary | 292,479 annually |
General Surgery Pay
General surgeons typically earn less than specialist surgeons because they handle a wider variety of routine procedures rather than highly specialized, complex surgeries that command premium fees.
| Metric | Amount |
|---|---|
| Average taxable income | AUD 394,000 |
| Salary range | AUD 200,000 – 750,000 (depending on subspecialty) |
Cardiologist Income
Cardiologists are in particularly high demand in Australia, driven by an aging population and rising prevalence of cardiovascular disease, resulting in strong compensation packages.
| Metric | Amount |
|---|---|
| Salary range | AUD 300,000 – 500,000 annually |
| Average salary (some sources) | AUD 220,000 annually |
| Average salary (comprehensive surveys) | AUD 526,042 annually |
Anaesthetics Salary in Australia
Anaesthetists are in high demand in Australia due to their vital role in surgical and critical care, ensuring patient safety and effective pain management across a wide range of procedures.
| Metric | Salary Range (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Early career | AUD 200,000 – 300,000 annually |
| Mid to late career | AUD 350,000 – 600,000+ annually |
| Average taxable income | AUD 386,065 annually |
| Hourly rates | AUD 180 – 220 per hour (experienced practitioners > AUD 250) |
Other High-Paying Specialties in Australia
These non-GP specialties are experiencing critical shortages in rural and regional areas across Australia, where access to specialist care remains limited
| Specialty | Salary Range (AUD) | Main Areas of Need |
|---|---|---|
| Radiologists | 250,000 – 400,000 | Rural and remote regions |
| Dermatologists | 200,000 – 350,000 | Rural and regional centres |
| Gastroenterologists | 220,000 – 350,000 | Rural and regional centres |
| Oncologists | 220,000 – 350,000 | Rural and regional centres |
| Paediatricians | 150,000 – 300,000 | Rural and regional centres |
Factors That Affect Doctor Pay in Australia
There could be several factors due to which a doctor pay might be affected in Australia.
Geographic Location
Doctor salaries vary significantly across Australian states and territories. Rural and remote areas typically offer higher compensation packages to attract medical professionals to underserved regions.
Private Practice vs Public Sector
- Private practice doctors generally earn more than those in public hospitals
- Public sector offers more regular hours and job security
- Private practitioners can charge private rates but also bear business overhead costs
Experience Level
Medical careers show substantial salary progression with experience:
- Entry-level positions: Starting around AUD $80,000
- Mid-career professionals: AUD $120,000 – $300,000
- Senior consultants and specialists: AUD $200,000 – $600,000+
Locum & Contract Rates for Australian Doctors
Locum (temporary) work offers higher hourly rates but less job security:
Locum Doctor Daily Rates
Locum doctors are temporary physicians who provide flexible, short-term coverage across various healthcare settings, filling staffing gaps and ensuring continuity of patient care.
| Locum Type | Daily Rate Range (AUD) |
|---|---|
| General Practitioner (GP) | 800 – 4,000 |
| Resident Medical Officer (RMO) | ~1,108 |
| Consultant Physician | 1,200 – 2,500 |
| Specialist (all fields) | Up to 3,500 |
Specialty-Specific Locum Rates
These acute care specialties attract higher pay due to the high-stress, high-acuity environment, critical decision-making demands, irregular hours, and workforce shortages in emergency and intensive settings.
| Specialty | Hourly Rate (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Emergency Medicine | 153 per hour |
| Intensive Care | 142 per hour |
| General Medicine | 137 per hour |
Australia vs Global Doctor Salary Comparison
Australian doctors rank fourth globally in terms of average yearly income. While they earn less than their counterparts in the United States and Canada, Australia’s lower cost of living and high quality of life often balance this difference.
| Country/Region | Average Annual Doctor Salary (2025) |
|---|---|
| Australia | AUD 190,000 |
| United States | USD 363,000 |
| Switzerland | USD 388,623 |
| Canada | CAD 244,749 |
| United Kingdom | GBP 47,127 |
| OECD Average (Specialists)¹ | USD 182,657 |
source medrecruit.medworld.com
Career Outlook & Training Investment for Australian Doctors
The medical profession in Australia requires significant educational investment, with specialists completing 6+ years of medical school plus 3-8 additional years of specialty training. However, the financial rewards are substantial, with surgery being the highest-paid specialty averaging around AUD $394,000 in taxable income.
For a European comparison, see our detailed breakdown of how much doctors earn in Norway and discover the earning potential in that market.
Doctor salaries in Australia in 2025 reflect the high value placed on medical expertise and the significant investment required for medical training. From junior doctors earning above the national average to specialist consultants earning multiples of typical Australian salaries, the medical profession offers substantial financial rewards alongside the personal satisfaction of patient care.
The variation in earnings across specialties, locations, and practice types provides multiple pathways for medical professionals to optimize their career and financial goals.