Ruqayyah Snyder
Doctors in Australia are well-paid, with salaries that are above the world average. Surgeon and doctor salaries vary depending on factors such as experience, location, and specialisation. Junior doctors typically earn the lowest salaries, with earnings increasing as they gain experience and specialise in specific fields. The average yearly salary for doctors in general practice is around $101,000, while those in emergency departments earn about $102,000. Experienced general practitioners can earn between $200,000 and $300,000. Surgeons are the highest-paid doctors, with neurosurgeons having the highest average taxable income at $575,687. Overall, doctors in Australia have lucrative career prospects, with strong job security and opportunities for specialisation and growth.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average salary | AUD 150,000-119,000 annually |
| Average hourly rate | AUD 80 |
| Entry-level salary | AUD 119,764 annually |
| Experienced worker salary | AUD 276,640 annually |
| Intern salary | AUD 60,000-80,000 annually |
| Senior registrar salary | AUD 293,564 annually |
| Highest-paid specialisations | Neurosurgeons, Cardiothoracic surgeons, Ophthalmologists, ENT Surgeons, Cardiologists, Urologists, Orthopaedic Surgeons, Plastic Surgeons, Vascular Surgeons, Gastroenterologists |
| High-paying procedures | Significant procedural work |
| Taxable income | AUD 394,303 |
| On-call pay in NSW | AUD 16.60 for a 24-hour period |
| Overtime, penalty rates, and on-call pay | Likely to increase junior doctor's salary |
| Benefits | Health insurance, retirement plans, leave entitlements |
| Job security | Strong within the healthcare sector |
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Surgeon salaries
Surgeons in Australia are among the country's highest-paid professionals, with an average taxable income of around AUD$394,000. However, it is important to note that surgeon salaries in Australia can vary significantly depending on various factors such as experience, location, and area of specialisation.
Factors Affecting Surgeon Salaries
Experience
Experience plays a crucial role in determining surgeon salaries in Australia. Entry-level surgeons who are still training can expect to earn considerably less, with salaries starting from around AUD$100,000 to AUD$120,000 per year. As surgeons gain more experience, their earning potential increases significantly. Senior surgeons with vast experience, particularly those in private practice or with subspecialisations, can earn upwards of AUD$1 million annually.
Location
The location of practice also impacts surgeon salaries in Australia. Surgeons working in major cities or areas with a high demand for surgical services may command higher salaries. Additionally, working in rural or remote communities can offer higher pay rates due to the greater demand for surgical services in these areas. Certain states, such as Western Australia and New South Wales, are known to pay higher salaries for general surgeons.
Specialisation
The area of specialisation within surgery also influences earning potential. Neurosurgeons, who specialise in the complex treatment of disorders of the central and peripheral nervous system, consistently rank among the highest-paid medical professionals in Australia. The average salary for a neurosurgeon ranges from AUD$300,000 to over AUD$800,000 annually, with some experienced neurosurgeons earning over AUD$1 million. Other high-paying surgical specialties include cardiothoracic surgery, orthopedic surgery, and plastic surgery, with average salaries exceeding AUD$550,000 per year.
Examples of Surgeon Salaries in Australia
- Orthopaedic Surgeon: AUD$250,000 - AUD$500,000 per annum
- General Surgeon: AUD$394,000 per annum
- Neurosurgeon: AUD$300,000 - AUD$800,000+ per annum
- Plastic Surgeon: AUD$150,000 (average) to AUD$300,000+ (senior) per annum
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Specialisations
A doctor's salary in Australia depends on several factors, including experience, location, and specialisation. Doctors in Australia are well-paid, with specialists earning particularly high salaries.
Neurosurgery
Neurosurgeons deal with the intricate world of the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. Their role is critical and often involves life-saving surgeries. Due to the level of expertise required and the extended period of training, neurosurgeons are among the top earners in the medical field in Australia, with an average taxable income of $575,687 AUD.
Ophthalmology
Ophthalmologists specialise in the treatment of eye conditions and diseases. They perform eye surgeries, prescribe medications and lenses, and manage patients' eye health. Ophthalmologists are the second-highest paid doctors in Australia, with an average income of $524,804 AUD.
Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Surgery
ENT surgeons specialise in treating conditions and performing surgeries involving the ear, nose, and throat. They address issues such as hearing loss, sinus problems, and throat disorders. ENT surgeons are the third-highest paid doctors in Australia, with an average income of $468,525 AUD.
Cardiology
Cardiologists are specialists who focus on their patients' heart health. They often deal with issues such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and cardiac arrhythmias. Cardiology is a highly sought-after specialisation, and cardiologists are among the top-earning doctors in Australia.
Urology
Urology is a specialised field that requires specific knowledge and skills. Urologists treat conditions and disorders of the urinary tract and the male reproductive system. It is a highly skilled specialisation, and urologists are well-compensated in Australia.
Orthopaedic Surgery
Orthopaedic surgeons specialise in treating conditions and performing surgeries involving the musculoskeletal system. They address bone and joint injuries, spinal disorders, and sports-related traumas. Orthopaedic surgeons are among the highest-paid doctors in Australia.
It is worth noting that these salary figures are subject to variation based on various factors, including geographic location, qualifications, experience, and the type of employer (public or private sector). Additionally, junior doctors in Australia typically earn lower salaries, with their earnings increasing as they gain experience and specialise.
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Experience
A doctor's salary in Australia varies depending on factors such as experience, location, and specialisation. Doctors who are just starting their medical careers, often termed interns or first-year residents, can expect to earn between AUD $60,000 and $80,000 annually. As they gain more experience and climb to higher resident years, remuneration can increase to between AUD $80,000 and $100,000.
Junior doctors in Australia typically earn the lowest salaries within the profession, with their earnings increasing as they gain experience and specialise in specific fields. For example, an "average" surgeon salary for a plastic surgeon might be around $150,000, but a "senior" plastic surgeon would commonly earn well over $300,000. Similarly, the average salary for a neurosurgeon is $575,687 AUD, but they can earn up to $600,000 AUD with more experience.
In addition to salary, doctors in Australia also receive a range of benefits, including health insurance and retirement plans. They also have the flexibility to work in various settings, from urban hospitals to rural clinics. Furthermore, locuming provides the opportunity to travel, learn, and work in different settings, and travel and accommodation are often covered, allowing for savings on the job.
It is worth noting that doctors in Australia are required to pay taxes based on their income, and the tax rate depends on their annual income under the progressive Australian tax system. However, doctors can claim deductions for work-related expenses such as professional memberships, equipment, and continuing education.
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Location
A doctor's salary in Australia varies depending on several factors, including location, experience, and specialisation. Doctors in cities like Sydney and Melbourne tend to earn higher incomes than those in rural areas. However, rural areas may offer additional benefits, such as higher pay or other fringe benefits, which can impact the overall compensation.
For example, in New South Wales (NSW), an intern doctor's annual salary is $76,000 AUD, the lowest in Australia. In contrast, a Senior Registrar in Year 2 in Western Australia earns $192,371 AUD, making them the best-paid trainee doctor in the country.
The average salary for doctors in Australia generally ranges from $80,000 to $207,000 per year. Entry-level positions start at approximately $119,764, while experienced doctors can earn up to $276,640.
Specialists, such as cardiologists and dermatologists, often earn significantly more than general practitioners (GPs). For instance, cardiologists typically earn between $300,000 and $500,000 per year, while dermatologists may earn between $250,000 and $400,000. Neurosurgeons have the highest salaries among doctors in Australia, with annual earnings ranging from $600,000 to $750,000.
It is worth noting that locum work, particularly in regional areas, can offer significantly higher daily rates, providing an opportunity for doctors to increase their earnings.
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Junior doctor salaries
Junior doctors in Australia typically earn the lowest salaries within the profession, with their earnings increasing as they gain experience and specialise in specific fields. The salary of a junior doctor in Australia varies depending on factors such as experience, location, and specialisation.
The base salary for a junior doctor in Australia is based on a 38-hour working week, with any additional hours paid on top. The base pay is also determined by the state and years of post-graduate experience rather than the specific job. For instance, in 2021-2022, the annual base salary for a PGY2 was A$88,328, while a PGY6 earned A$117,163. In 2025, an intern doctor in NSW earned an annual full-time salary of A$76,000 before tax, making them the lowest-paid junior doctor in Australia. On the other hand, a Senior Registrar in Year 2 in Western Australia earned A$192,371 in 2025, making them the best-paid trainee doctor in the country. However, it is important to note that these are official salaries based on a standard work schedule, and actual salaries may be higher due to overtime and other factors.
In addition to base salaries, junior doctors in Australia may receive benefits such as super, professional development allowance, study leave, annual/sick leave, and salary-sacrificing arrangements. These benefits can add to the overall compensation package for junior doctors in Australia.
Overall, while junior doctors in Australia may start with lower salaries, their earnings have the potential to increase significantly as they advance in their careers and gain more experience.
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Frequently asked questions
The salary of doctors in Australia varies depending on factors such as qualifications, years of experience, specialisation, and location. Doctors who are just starting their medical careers can expect to earn between AUD $60,000 to AUD $120,000 annually. As they gain more experience, their salaries can increase to between AUD $80,000 to AUD $300,000 or more.
Surgeons are the highest-paid doctors in Australia. Within this speciality, neurosurgeons have the highest average taxable income, earning up to AUD $600,000 annually. Other high-paying specialisations include ophthalmology, ENT surgery, cardiology, urology, orthopaedic surgery, plastic surgery, vascular surgery, and gastroenterology.
Australian doctors are relatively well-paid, with an average salary above the world average. However, they are typically paid less than their counterparts in the USA and Canada due to differences in the healthcare system and cost structure.
Doctors in Australia enjoy strong job security and have the flexibility to work in various settings, from urban hospitals to rural clinics. They also have the opportunity to increase their earnings through specialisation and salary packaging, particularly in public hospitals. Additionally, locuming provides the chance to travel, learn, and save money on accommodation while working in different settings.
Junior doctors in Australia typically earn the lowest salaries within the profession, with annual incomes ranging from AUD $60,000 to AUD $120,000. Their earnings increase as they gain experience and move towards specialist roles.
