Doctor Salary in Australia
In Australia, a doctor's salary can vary greatly depending on their role, level of experience, and where they work. The highest pay scale is in the private sector and for independent doctors running their own clinics.
Let us break it down to give you a clear picture of what the doctor usually earns in different roles.
Salary Breakdown by Experience
A doctor’s earnings grow significantly with experience. Entry-level roles, such as interns and residents, start at lower ranges but increase steadily through registrar and consultant levels. Here's a general overview:
| Career Stage | Average Annual Salary (AUD) | Equivalent in INR | Notes |
| Intern / Resident | 80K – 90K | 42L – 48L | First 1–2 years of hospital-based training |
| Registrar (Trainee Specialist) | 100K – 130K | 53L – 69L | Mid-level doctors in specialist training |
| Junior Consultant/Senior Registrar | 150K – 200K | 80L – 1.06 Cr | Often working independently or in senior hospital roles |
| Senior Consultant / Specialist | 250K – 500K+ | 1.3 Cr – 2.6 Cr | Specialists earn more in private practice or surgical roles. |
Note: Salary between public and private sectors varies, with private physicians often earning more due to the number of patients.
Doctor Salary: Rural vs Urban Areas
The location is also one of the key factors of salary in Australia. The urban hospitals have more structured pay and job security, while rural regions come with financial incentives to attract professionals.
| Location | Average Salary (AUD) | Perks/Bonuses |
| Urban Areas (Sydney, Melbourne) | 150K – 250K | Higher base salary, but the cost of living is also higher |
| Rural/Remote Areas (e.g., Julia Creek, NT, WA towns) | 200K – 680K | Rent-free housing, relocation bonuses, car allowance, sign-on incentives |
Rural doctors are especially in demand, and many communities offer generous packages to attract GPs and specialists willing to work outside major cities. Some postings even include housing, vehicles, and educational support for family members.
Monthly and Hourly Salary in Australia
If you prefer to view earnings in smaller breakdowns, here’s a quick look at what doctors typically earn per month or hour in Australia:
| Position | Monthly Salary (AUD) | Hourly Rate (AUD) |
| GP (General Practitioner) | 12K – 15K | 150 – 180/hour |
| Specialist Doctor | 20K – 40K | 250 – 350/hour |
| Surgeon (Private Practice) | 30K – 50K+ | 300 – 500/hour |
| Intern / Resident | 6,500 – 7,500 | 40 – 60/hour |
These are ballpark figures and can vary depending on overtime hours, private consulting, and whether the doctor is salaried or billing per patient or service.
Doctor Salary in Australia vs Other Countries: A Global Pay Comparison
Australia is considered one of the highest-paid countries for medical professionals, especially when you have a work-life balance, government-supported healthcare infrastructure, and rehabilitation assistance in rural areas.
However, global salary comparisons vary widely depending on healthcare models, taxation, and cost of living. Here’s a quick overview:
| Country | Average Doctor Salary | Equivalent in INR | Remarks |
| Australia | AUD100K – 400K+ | ₹53L – ₹2.1 Cr | High demand, especially in rural areas; strong incentives and benefits |
| United States | $200K – 400K | ₹1.7 Cr – ₹3.3 Cr | Higher salaries, but costly education, malpractice insurance, and longer training |
| United Kingdom | GBP 47K– 100K | ₹52L – ₹1.1 Cr | Lower salaries compared to workload; strong NHS support, but limited earning ceiling |
| Canada | CAD 150K – 350K | ₹89L – ₹2 Cr | Competitive salaries; doctors often bill per service; rural areas offer incentives |
| Germany | EUR 68K – 120K | ₹62L – ₹1.1 Cr | Balanced pay; good work-life balance, but language requirements apply |
| India | INR 6.6L – 18L | — | Lower pay but a growing private sector; significant disparity between urban and rural areas |
Note: These are average figures for general practitioners and specialists. Surgeons and high-demand specialists can earn significantly more depending on the healthcare setting.
How to Become a Doctor in Australia (IMG Pathways)
International Medical Graduates (IMGs) aiming to practice in Australia can follow one of three main pathways:
1. Standard Pathway
- Get your medical degree verified by the Australian Medical Council (AMC) via primary source verification.
- Pass the AMC MCQ exam and the Clinical Exam (or workplace-based assessment/PESCI).
- Complete 12 months of supervised practice in an approved hospital.
- Then, apply for general registration with the Medical Board of Australia (MBA)
2. Competent Authority Pathway
- Available if you’re already registered as a doctor in the UK, US, Canada, or Ireland.
- After degree verification, you’ll complete 12 months of supervised practice.
- Then apply for general registration through the Medical Board of Australia (MBA)
3. Specialist Pathway
- For overseas-trained specialists seeking recognition or roles in an area of need.
- Requires verification, college assessment, possible supervised practice, and then specialist or limited registration
- Once registered, you can pursue fellowship training (e.g., FRACP, FRACGP) to become a specialist or consultant physician.
- IMGs often spend 7–12 months (sometimes up to 2 years) completing all assessments and registration, and it’s not uncommon for rural areas to fast-track applications to ease shortages
Benefits & Perks for Doctors in Australia
Doctors working in rural and remote areas, or roles designated as areas of need, often receive generous financial and lifestyle benefits:
- High salary packages: Some remote towns, like Julia Creek (QLD), offer up to AUD 680,000/year plus rent‑free housing and car allowances. Similarly, Bremer Bay (WA) advertised AUD 300K–450K plus benefits.
- Incentives for trainees: The Queensland government launched a AUD 24 million trainee incentive program, offering sign-on bonuses to over 575 GP trainees entering rural practice in 2025.
- Scholarship and Return-Off-Services: Medical Rural Bonded Scholarship (MRBS) can provide AUD 26K/year during medical school, which are in exchange for working after a fixed period in the period after rural places.
- Taxed pay: GDP up to 30% can be paid tax-free in hospital settings, which can reduce taxable income for IMGs.
Latest Policy Updates and Regulatory News
1. South Australia Offers Delay and Revised Deal
- South Australian salaried medical officers delayed planned strikes after the government proposed a new wage deal:
- A $4,050 base raise for junior doctors/registrars
- Guaranteed minimum pay increases totaling 13.6% to 19.2% (depending on role) phased through 2028
- Regional bonuses up to ~AUD 39K and professional development allowances
2. Fast‑tracking IMG Pathways to Address Rural Shortages
Governments in multiple states (SA, QLD) are implementing expedited registration pathways and tiered incentive schemes to attract IMGs to rural areas, including allowing suburban placements for IMGs previously restricted to remote sites.
Also Read:
- Doctor Salary in Canada
- Doctor Salary New Zealand
- Doctor Salary UK
- Doctor Salary in Germany
- Doctor Salary Dubai
- Doctor Salary USA
Conclusion
Working as a doctor in Australia isn’t just about earning a good salary — it’s about building a stable, rewarding career with real growth, international respect, and a good balance between work and life. Whether you're just starting out or you've got years of experience, there’s strong demand across the country — especially in rural and remote areas — and it’s opening doors for doctors from all over the world.
Many jobs come with solid perks too, like help with relocation, housing, or flexible private practice setups. The system here is designed to support both Aussie-trained and overseas doctors.
If you're thinking of moving, Academically can walk you through every step. We offer personal support for your licensing exams, help with paperwork, and expert training so you're job-ready when the time comes.
You don’t have to figure it all out on your own — Academically is here to help you start your medical journey in Australia, one step at a time.
