Doctors Salary in Australia : Complete Guide

When thinking of pursuing an education abroad in medicine, one of the most important factors to weigh is earning. 

No doubt, becoming a doctor seems to be one of the most financially rewarding and appealing choices in a country like Australia, where the earnings can range from AUD 6,000 to AUD 40,000 per month*. 

Let us take you through a doctor’s salary in Australia per month to understand its intricacies while considering this career path. 

Average Salary of Doctor in Australia

If you are considering Australia as your study abroad destination, you should be aware that doctors are instrumental in bolstering the overall quality of the country’s healthcare system. 

Australia has advanced healthcare infrastructure, offers promising career opportunities, and a high quality of life, making it a lucrative destination for doctors to develop their expertise.

After completing your education from abroad, the average salary of a doctor varies according to their years of experience, mode of charging (hourly or per procedure), and the specialization they are pursuing. 

The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported that the average weekly earnings increased to AUD 1,888 in November 2023. 

It was further reported that healthcare workers earned AUD 1,737 (females) and AUD 2,188 (males) per week. 

Therefore, the average monthly salary of a doctor can be estimated to be around AUD 6,951 (females) and AUD 8,755 (males).

Additional Benefits & Incentives for Doctors in Australia

There are certain additional benefits that doctors working in public hospitals in Australia receive, one of which is salary packaging. 

Doctors can avail of the financial arrangement of reducing their taxable income by distributing a certain portion of their pre-tax salary on a particular expense. 

For instance, buying a car or any other eligible item. Salary packaging helps in enhancing a public hospital employee’s overall compensation package. 

If an employee's average salary is around AUD 110,000, their overall compensation can go up to AUD 160,000 approximately.

Average Salary of Doctor in Australia Per Month: Region-Wise Division

What is the Average Salary of a Doctor in Sydney?

The average salary of a doctor ranges from AUD 6,667 to AUD 8,333 in Sydney.

What is the Average Salary of a Doctor in Melbourne?

The average salary of a doctor is approximately AUD 8,333 in Melbourne.

What is the Average Salary of a Doctor in Brisbane?

The average salary of a doctor ranges from AUD 6,667 to AUD 16,667 in Brisbane.

What is the Average Salary of a Doctor in Perth?

The average salary of a doctor ranges from AUD 7,667 to AUD 25,000 in Perth.

What is the Average Salary of a Doctor in Adelaide?

The average salary of a doctor ranges from AUD 6,917 to AUD 16,667 in Adelaide.

What is the Average Salary of a Doctor in Canberra?

The average salary of a doctor ranges from AUD 6,667 - to AUD 8,333 in Canberra.

What is the Average Salary of a Doctor in Hobart?

The average salary of a doctor is somewhere around AUD 6,020 in Hobart.

What is the Average Salary of a Doctor in Darwin?

The average salary of a doctor ranges from AUD 5,833 to AUD 7,5003 in Darwin.

Note: These figures are quoted from Glassdoor.

Doctor’s Salary in Australia Per Month: Department-Wise

What is the Average Salary of General Practitioners Doctor in Australia?

The average salary of general practitioners in Australia is around AUD 22,979 per month. 

What is the Average Salary of Gastroenterologists in Australia?

The average salary of gastroenterologists in Australia is around AUD 8,333 to AUD 25,000 per month. 

What is the Average Salary of Oncologists in Australia?

The average salary of oncologists in Australia is around AUD 16,667 to AUD 25,000 per month. 

What is the Average Salary of Cardiologists in Australia?

The average salary of cardiologists in Australia is around AUD 16,667 to AUD 25,000 per month. 

What is the average salary of dermatologists in Australia?

The average salary of cardiologists in Australia is around AUD 16,667 to AUD 25,000 per month. 

What is the Average Salary of Neurologists in Australia?

The average salary of neurologists in Australia is around AUD 25,000 per month. 

What is the Average Salary of Endocrinologists in Australia?

The average salary of endocrinologists in Australia is around AUD 33,333 to AUD 41,667 per month. 

What is the Average Salary of Pediatricians in Australia?

The average salary of pediatricians in Australia is around AUD 16,083 to AUD 17,333 per month. 

What is the Average Salary of Psychiatrists in Australia?

The average salary of psychiatrists in Australia is around AUD 15,917 to AUD 31,833 per month. 

What is the Average Salary of Radiologists in Australia?

The average salary of radiologists in Australia is around AUD 17,167 to AUD 43,667 per month. 

What is the Average Salary of Surgeons in Australia?

The average salary of surgeons in Australia is around AUD 15,917 to AUD 31,250 per month. 

Note: All the salaries are quoted from Glassdoor. 

Requirements and Qualifications for Doctors in Australia

Now that you know the average salary of a doctor per month in Australia, it is also necessary to know the qualifications required to become one. 

• Get a Bachelor’s Degree

To pursue higher studies or make a career in medicine in Australia, you must first obtain a bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution. Though there is no specific requirement, it is better to complete your undergraduate degree in a field related to medicine, such as biology or health sciences. 

• Take the GAMSAT Exam

Once you have your bachelor’s degree, you must take the Graduate Australian Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT), which assesses the knowledge and aptitude of a candidate. There are three sections of the test - written communication, reasoning in humanities and social sciences, and reasoning in biological and physical sciences.

• Enroll in a Medical School

Once you have taken the GAMSAT and have your scores, the next step is to apply to a medical school for a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree. Since different medical schools have different admission criteria, it is necessary to research properly and choose the ones that match your interests and qualifications before applying. 

• Complete the MD degree

Once you get admission into a medical school, you will be trained with the essential skills required to become a doctor in the MD degree. While the first two years would be about gaining foundational knowledge of medical sciences, the last two years would help you to gain hands-on experience and apply the same in real-world settings.

• Go for an internship

After the MD program, you have to complete your internship in a hospital or clinical setting under the supervision of a licensed medical professional. This would qualify you to gain the practical skills required to become a doctor. 

• Get registered with the Medical Board of Australia

Enrolling with the Medical Board of Australia is imperative to practice as a doctor in Australia. To register, you must meet certain standards, such as having a medical degree from an accredited institution and fulfilling the English language proficiency requirements. 

Note: There would be a criminal history check as well that needs to be cleared, and you have to provide proof of professional indemnity insurance.

• Complete a Residency Program

Candidates must complete a residency program after registering with the Medical Board of Australia. The program further helps you to enhance your expertise in a particular area of medicine. 

• Obtain a Certification from the Australian Medical Council

Once all the above steps are complete, the final step you need to complete to become a doctor in Australia is to get certification from the Australian Medical Council (AMC). This certificate proves that you possess the required standards to practice medicine in Australia and are ready to practice as a specialist in a specific area of medicine.

If you have a passion for serving mankind, then becoming a doctor would be the right career path, and studying at one of the top universities in Australia would be one of the best options. A career in medicine in Australia is financially rewarding with high average salaries and job security, and you also have the chance to earn more through overtime. 

*Range provided based on salaries present on Glassdoor & Payscale.

Disclaimer: All salaries are approximate amounts subject to change depending on various conditions.