Medical practitioners are among the highest-paid professionals in Australia. General practitioners (GPs) earn $180,000–$280,000 per year once established, while medical specialists such as surgeons, anaesthetists, and cardiologists typically earn $300,000–$600,000+ including private practice income.
The path to these earnings is long — doctors complete 6 years of medical school, 1–2 years as an intern/resident, and then 3–7 years of specialist training before reaching their peak earning years.
Key Takeaways
- Intern (first year post-graduation): $72,000–$80,000
- Resident / HMO (year 2–3): $82,000–$98,000
- Registrar (training specialist): $100,000–$160,000
- GP (vocationally registered): $180,000–$280,000
- Specialist (consultant): $250,000–$600,000+
- Most doctors spend 10–15 years in training before reaching peak earnings
- Specialists in private practice earn significantly more than salaried hospital positions
Doctor Salary by Career Stage (2025–26)
| Stage | Training Duration | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Medical student | 4–6 years | $0 (fee-paying) |
| Intern (PGY1) | 1 year | $72,000–$80,000 |
| Resident / HMO (PGY2–3) | 1–2 years | $82,000–$98,000 |
| Registrar (specialist training) | 3–7 years | $100,000–$160,000 |
| Fellow (newly qualified specialist) | — | $200,000–$350,000 |
| Consultant / Specialist (established) | — | $300,000–$600,000+ |
| GP (salaried, corporate clinic) | — | $150,000–$200,000 |
| GP (owner, private billing) | — | $220,000–$380,000+ |
Source: Medical careers salary surveys, AMA, state hospital enterprise agreements 2025.
Specialist Salary by Specialty
| Specialty | Typical Annual Earnings |
|---|---|
| Neurosurgeon | $500,000–$1,000,000+ |
| Cardiothoracic surgeon | $450,000–$900,000+ |
| Orthopaedic surgeon | $400,000–$800,000+ |
| Anaesthetist | $350,000–$600,000 |
| Radiation oncologist | $350,000–$550,000 |
| Gastroenterologist | $300,000–$500,000 |
| Cardiologist | $300,000–$500,000 |
| Dermatologist | $280,000–$450,000 |
| Psychiatrist | $200,000–$350,000 |
| Radiologist | $300,000–$500,000 |
| General practitioner (GP) | $180,000–$380,000 |
| Paediatrician | $220,000–$380,000 |
Earnings include private practice income and are highly variable. Public hospital consultant positions pay significantly less (typically $200,000–$320,000) but offer job security and defined benefits.
Intern and Registrar Pay by State
Junior doctor wages are set by state government enterprise agreements:
| State | Intern (PGY1) | Registrar (mid-training) |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | $78,408 | $118,000–$145,000 |
| VIC | $75,964 | $112,000–$138,000 |
| QLD | $76,430 | $110,000–$136,000 |
| WA | $80,106 | $119,000–$148,000 |
| SA | $73,010 | $108,000–$132,000 |
| ACT | $79,200 | $120,000–$148,000 |
| TAS | $72,000 | $106,000–$130,000 |
Registrar salaries include base pay and the value of overtime/after-hours at applicable penalty rates. Training stage and specialty rotation affect actual pay.
GP vs Specialist: Which Earns More?
Specialists earn more on average, but GPs who own their practices and engage in private billing also earn very well. Key differences:
| GP | Specialist | |
|---|---|---|
| Training after medical school | 3–4 years (RACGP/ACRRM) | 6–9 years (specialty college) |
| Peak earning age | Mid-30s | Late 30s–40s |
| Typical peak earnings | $250,000–$380,000 | $350,000–$800,000+ |
| Private practice available | Yes (bulk billing or private) | Yes (common) |
| Lifestyle | Generally more regular hours | Varies by specialty |
Surgeons face very long training pathways and demanding on-call commitments, but their income ceilings are the highest in the profession.
HECS Debt for Medical Graduates
Most Australian medical graduates carry significant HECS-HELP debt — often $80,000–$120,000 for a 6-year medical degree at a public university. Repayments begin once income exceeds $54,435 (FY2025–26 threshold) and are automatically deducted through the PAYG system.
At a registrar salary of $130,000, HECS repayments are approximately $12,350/year (9.5% rate). Most doctors repay their HECS debt within 5–8 years of becoming a registrar.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do doctors earn in Australia?
It depends heavily on career stage and specialty. Interns earn $72,000–$80,000. Established GPs earn $180,000–$380,000. Surgical specialists earn $400,000–$800,000+. The path to peak earnings is long — typically 12–18 years post-completion of secondary school.
How much do GPs earn in Australia?
A vocationally registered GP working in a private billing clinic typically earns $220,000–$350,000/year, depending on billing model, hours worked, and patient volume. Salaried GPs at corporate clinics (e.g. Healius, IPN) typically earn $150,000–$200,000.
Are doctors well paid in Australia compared to the UK or Canada?
Yes. Australia’s doctors — particularly GPs and specialists with private practice — are among the highest-paid in the world. UK NHS salaries for equivalent career stages are significantly lower. Canadian physician earnings are broadly comparable but with higher income taxes.
What is a specialist registrar salary in Australia?
Specialty registrars (doctors in accredited training programs) earn $100,000–$160,000/year in base salary, plus penalties for after-hours and on-call work. Total remuneration for a senior registrar with heavy on-call is often $150,000–$190,000.
Related Guides
- Salary by Occupation Australia
- Average Salary Australia 2025–26
- HECS-HELP Repayment Thresholds Australia
- Income Percentile Calculator
Salary data sourced from AMA, state health department enterprise agreements, RACGP, and medical recruitment salary surveys 2025. Earnings are highly variable — income depends on billing model, hours, specialty, and business structure. This is general information only; speak with a financial adviser for personalised guidance.