Australia continues to be a top destination for medical graduates due to its structured training system, transparent pay scales, and strong employment benefits. In 2026, junior doctors in Australia receive competitive base salaries, generous leave entitlements, and additional earnings through overtime and penalty rates.
This blog provides a clear overview of junior doctor salaries in Australia, benefits and the allowances.
Who Is Considered a Junior Doctor in Australia?
In the Australian healthcare system, junior doctors typically include:
- Interns (PGY1) – first year after graduating medical school
- Resident Medical Officers (PGY2–PGY3+) – doctors in early postgraduate training
- Doctors employed mainly in public hospitals under state-based enterprise agreements
Their pay is regulated, transparent, and increases annually with experience.
Average Junior Doctor Salary Overview (2026)
The junior doctor salaries in 2026 generally fall within the following ranges:
| Role | Typical Annual Base Salary (AUD) |
| Intern (PGY1) | 65,000 – 90,000 |
| Resident Medical Officer (PGY2) | 75,000 – 105,000 |
| Senior Resident (PGY3+) | 80,000 – 110,000+ |
These figures represent base salary only and do not include overtime, penalties, or allowances, which can significantly increase total earnings.
State-wise Junior Doctor Salary Comparison
Junior doctor pay varies substantially between Australian states due to different enterprise agreements, superannuation rates, and cost-of-living adjustments.
Junior Doctor Salary Comparison by Experience – 2026
| State / Territory | Intern (PGY1) Base Salary (AUD) | RMO (PGY2) Base Salary (AUD) | Senior RMO / PGY3+ (AUD) | Superannuation | Key Insight |
| New South Wales (NSW) | 76,000 | 83,000 | 88,000+ | 11% | Base lower than Victoria/Queensland but total pay rises with penalties |
| Victoria (VIC) | 80,000+ | 87,000+ | 92,000+ | 11% | Slightly higher than NSW at all levels |
| Queensland (QLD) | 85,000+ | 92,000+ | 98,000+ | 12.75% | Strong super contribution and RMO pay |
| Western Australia (WA) | 86,000+ | 93,000+ | 100,000+ | 12% | Higher total packages due to overtime/penalty rates |
| Australian Capital Territory (ACT) | 88,000+ | 95,000+ | 102,000+ | 11% | Highest starting base, strong incentives for interns and PGY2+ |
| South Australia (SA) | 78,000+ | 85,000+ | 90,000+ | 11% | Slightly lower than VIC and QLD; growing with experience |
| Tasmania (TAS) | 75,000+ | 82,000+ | 87,000+ | 11% | Lower starting base; penalties improve total earnings |
| Northern Territory (NT) | 83,000+ | 90,000+ | 96,000+ | 11% | Higher base than NSW; rural allowances often added |
If you are exploring career opportunities as a junior doctor in Australia, platforms like Jobslly make it easy to find hospital and clinic openings tailored for healthcare professionals.
Overtime, Penalty Rates & Extra Earnings
A major component of junior doctor income comes from penalty rates, including:
- Night shifts
- Weekends
- Public holidays
- Extended or unrostered overtime
These penalties can add 15% to 70%+ on top of base salary, depending on hours worked.
In practice, many junior doctors earn well above their stated base pay, particularly in high-demand rotations or hospitals with staffing shortages.
Benefits & Allowances for Junior Doctors
Junior doctors in Australia also receive substantial non-salary benefits under public health awards.
Standard Employment Benefits
| Benefit | Typical Entitlement |
| Annual Leave | 4–5 weeks paid leave |
| Sick / Personal Leave | ~10 days per year |
| Paid Public Holidays | Yes |
| Superannuation | ~11–12.75% employer contribution |
| Study / Professional Leave | Available in most hospitals |
Superannuation is paid on top of salary, making Australia particularly attractive compared to many other countries.
Rural, Regional & GP Incentives (2026)
To address workforce shortages, the Australian Government continues to offer financial incentives for junior doctors entering:
- General Practice training
- Rural and regional placements
These may include:
- One-off incentive payments
- Relocation assistance
- Subsidised training pathways
While these incentives vary by program and location, they can significantly enhance total remuneration and long-term career prospects.
How to Become a Doctor in Australia – Quick Overview
To start earning as a junior doctor in Australia, you need to:
- Complete a Medical Degree – either a 5–6 year undergraduate program or a 4-year graduate program.
- Pass Entrance Exams – UCAT for undergraduates or GAMSAT for graduates.
- Finish Internship & Residency – PGY1 (internship) followed by PGY2+ (residency) in hospitals.
- Register with AHPRA – all doctors must be registered with the Medical Board of Australia.
- Specialist Training (Optional) – for those pursuing specialist careers, fellowship training lasts 3–7 years.
- Pathways for International Medical Graduates (IMGs) – IMGs have several options to practice in Australia:
- AMC Standard Pathway: Qualification verification, AMC exams, and supervised practice.
- Competent Authority Pathway: Direct recognition for doctors from certain countries, sometimes with supervised practice.
- Specialist Recognition Pathway: For IMGs aiming to become specialists, assessed by the relevant college, may involve exams and training.
Final Thoughts
Australia continues to offer competitive salaries, strong benefits, and structured career growth for junior doctors. While pay varies by experience, state, and hours worked, the combination of base salary, overtime, penalties, and incentives makes it an attractive destination for medical professionals. Beyond the numbers, the system supports career development, professional training, and work-life balance, making Australia a compelling choice for doctors looking to advance their careers and improve their lifestyle.
If you need any guidance on how to become a doctor in Australia, you can reach out to the experts at Academically.
