Doctor Salary in Australia: How Much Do Medical Professionals Earn?

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Created On : Jul 31, 2025 Updated On : Jul 31, 2025 4 min read

Key Takeaways

  • Find out the Doctor's Salary in Australia by experience, rural vs urban location, monthly, and annual salary
  • How to Become a Doctor in Australia?
  • Policy & Salary Updates of Australia
  • Salary comparison of Australia vs. Other Countries

Did you know.. Australia is estimated to have a shortage of over 10,000 doctors by 2031, especially in rural areas. And the crazy part? Doctors here already earn some of the highest salaries compared to other countries.

Many international doctors move to Australia every year, and it's easy to see why. The pay is good, the lifestyle’s better, and most people say the work-life balance is a huge win. If you're a medical student or a practicing doctor thinking about moving to Australia, it might just be the right time.

There’s a real need for doctors, especially in smaller towns and remote areas. That’s where the jobs are, and they often come with perks, like free housing, extra pay, and even bonuses.

So in this guide, we’ll walk you through what doctors earn in Australia, by role, experience, and location. We’ll also cover the salary comparison to other countries and what pathway you need to follow if you want to work here.

Let’s dive in and explore what a medical career in Australia could look like for you.

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 StageAverage Annual Salary (AUD)Equivalent in INRNotes
Intern / Resident80K – 90K42L – 48LFirst 1–2 years of hospital-based training
Registrar (Trainee Specialist)100K – 130K53L – 69LMid-level doctors in specialist training
Junior Consultant/Senior Registrar150K – 200K80L – 1.06 CrOften working independently or in senior hospital roles
Senior Consultant / Specialist250K – 500K+1.3 Cr – 2.6 CrSpecialists 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.

LocationAverage Salary (AUD)Perks/Bonuses
Urban Areas (Sydney, Melbourne)150K – 250KHigher base salary, but the cost of living is also higher
Rural/Remote Areas (e.g., Julia Creek, NT, WA towns)200K – 680KRent-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:

PositionMonthly Salary (AUD)Hourly Rate (AUD)
GP (General Practitioner)12K – 15K150 – 180/hour
Specialist Doctor20K – 40K250 – 350/hour
Surgeon (Private Practice)30K – 50K+300 – 500/hour
Intern / Resident6,500 – 7,50040 – 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:

CountryAverage Doctor SalaryEquivalent in INRRemarks
AustraliaAUD100K – 400K+₹53L – ₹2.1 CrHigh demand, especially in rural areas; strong incentives and benefits
United States$200K – 400K₹1.7 Cr – ₹3.3 CrHigher salaries, but costly education, malpractice insurance, and longer training
United KingdomGBP 47K– 100K₹52L – ₹1.1 CrLower salaries compared to workload; strong NHS support, but limited earning ceiling
CanadaCAD 150K – 350K₹89L – ₹2 CrCompetitive salaries; doctors often bill per service; rural areas offer incentives
GermanyEUR 68K – 120K₹62L – ₹1.1 CrBalanced pay; good work-life balance, but language requirements apply
IndiaINR 6.6L – 18LLower 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:
    • $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.

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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.

FAQs

Q- What do General Physicians (GP) usually earn in Australia?

Ans- Most GPs make somewhere between 150,000 and 250,000 in a year. It really depends on where they work, how much experience they have, and whether it is public or private practice.

Q- Are rural doctors paid more than city doctors?

Ans- Yes, usually. Doctors working in rural areas are often paid more due to things such as rehabilitation assistance, free housing, and additional bonuses for overtime.

Q- Is there a shortage of doctors in Australia right now?

Ans- There is — especially in remote and regional areas. Some states are even offering fast-tracked registration and cash incentives to attract more doctors.

Q- Can IMGs (international doctors) work in Australia?

Ans- They can, but there’s a process. You’ll need to pass the AMC exams, get your degree verified, and finish a supervised work period before full registration.

Q- How long does it take IMGs to start working in Australia?

Ans- About 12 to 24 months usually. It depends on how soon you finish your exam, submit your paperwork, and get through supervised training.

Q- Has doctor pay changed recently in Australia?

Ans- Yes — in 2025, a few states updated salaries and added new incentive programs to deal with shortages and pay disputes.

Q- What’s the EPSS allowance for emergency doctors?

Ans- It’s a 25% extra pay for overnight emergency shifts. But there’s talk that it might be scrapped under new pay agreements.

Q- Are junior doctors getting any raises this year?

Ans- They are. In South Australia, junior doctors got a pay bump of around AUD 4,000 this year, with more increases planned through 2028.

Q- Do private doctors earn more than hospital doctors?

Ans- They often do, but it’s not guaranteed. Private doctors also deal with clinic costs and patient flow, so income can go up and down.

Q- Are there bonuses for working in remote areas?

Ans- Yes, and they can be pretty generous — up to AUD 39,000 in some cases, plus extras like housing support and professional development allowances.
Milan Verma
about the author

Milan is a professional writer with over 5+ years of experience specializing in creating SEO data-driven content for international clients in the tech, healthcare, and interior design industries. Her expertise has been largely in copywriting & blog writing with good eye for design. She has joined Academically to align with the mission of helping qualified healthcare professionals across the globe achieve their passions and dreams.