FY25 Australia

Doctor Salary

Guide
Contents
Introduction 3
State of the market 4
Industry trends 7
State of the job force 12
What do these trends mean for Senior Doctors? 18
What do these trends mean for Junior Doctors? 19
What to specialise in as a Junior Doctor in 2025? 20
Senior Doctors: Salaries & Locum rates 23
Junior Doctors: Salaries & Locum rates 26
Locum work 28
Future predictions 29
Conclusion 31
Sources 33

FY25 Australia Salary Guide 2

 Overview of the job market and key sectors

Introduction: Regional salary variations and rates

Future trends and evolving practices

Work-life balance strategies, including locum benefits

Job prospects and incentives in urban, rural and remote areas

This white paper aims to provide doctors with a

detailed snapshot of the FY25 Australian doctor

Importance of workplace culture and mental health support

job market, highlighting key trends and actionable

Career advancement, job stability and performance recognitio

insights, including:

Salary benchmarks for permanent and locum roles across

regions

FY25 Australia Salary Guide 3

State of

the market

Overview of Australia’s with approximately

medical job market

301,000 new jobs expected by November 20261.

This anticipated growth builds on the sector's significant expansion in recent years

The National Skills Commission

projects that healthcare will be In 2022, over 688,000 healthcare professionals were actively working in

Australia's fastest-growing Australia, marking a 37% increase in registered professionals since 20132. 


industry over the next five years, This rapid growth mirrors the nearly 50% expansion of the healthcare and social

assistance industry during the same period, underscoring the sector's vital role in

Australia's job market3.

A Guide
FY25 Australia
for Consultant
Salary Guide
Doctors in Australia 4
 Mental health:

tate of AUD$361m
Medicare urgent care clinics:

Expanding the number to

the mar e
S

87
million allocated to support new free

k t
nationwide.
mental health services.

Moreover, significant government

investments—such as those outlined in Medicare rebates: Hospital funding:

AUD$900m
AUD$13b

the 2024-25 healthcare budget4— An additional

ensure a responsive and

accessible healthcare system,
with an emphasis on personalised care million indexation boost to ensure accessibility
billion will enhance public hospital

and support for diverse mental health and affordability. infrastructure over the next ten years.
needs:

Support for older Australians:

Improved hospital outreach services and more virtual care options.

FY25 Australia Salary Guide 5

 State of

the market
Although these numbers show positive trends in healthcare, the "health" of the industry reveals
a more nuanced picture. Unfortunately, several significant challenges persist within the
Australian healthcare system:
Affordability issues: Despite a high bulk-billing rate under Medicare, many Australians
The budget includes broad-based funding increase across key budget items5 face steep out-of-pocket expenses, making healthcare increasingly unaffordable. Rising
Spending by item, AUD billions premiums in private health insurance (PHI) further contribute to this issue, leading to a
decline in coverage6.
Gaps in health outcomes: Significant disparities exist between different socio-economic
Housing and community
groups and between Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations. Lower socio-economic
groups experience higher rates of chronic illnesses, and Indigenous Australians have a life
Transport and communication
expectancy 10 years lower than their non-Indigenous counterparts7.
Focus on treatment over prevention: The healthcare system is more focused on treating
Defence
illnesses rather than preventing them, despite evidence that prevention is more cost-
effective and beneficial for long-term health outcomes8.
Education
Patient-centric integrated care: There is a growing recognition of the need for patient-
centric care models that emphasise empowerment, wellness and collaboration, which are
crucial for long-term sustainability and improving health outcomes9.
Health
Public vs. private sector sentiments: Doctors in Australia weigh public vs. private sector
employment, balancing pros and cons. The public sector offers job security, research, and
Social security and welfare
teaching opportunities but often leads to burnout due to high patient volumes and
administrative burdens. In contrast, the private sector provides better pay, autonomy, and
Total work-life balance, though income stability is a concern. A study shows that 48% of
specialists work in both sectors, with lower earners preferring public roles and higher
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 earners leaning toward private practice10.
2023-24 2024-25 2025-26 Source: budget.gov.au

FY25 Australia Salary Guide 6

Industry trends
The healthcare sector in Australia is undergoing significant changes, reflecting both challenges and opportunities that are
shaping the industry’s future.

Let’s break down some key trends with more concrete data and insights:
Telehealth growth: Telehealth use has jumped significantly, especially since the Adoption of different digital health tools such as telehealth platforms, data
National Digital Health Strategy 2023-202811. From March 2020 to July 2022, 118.2 driven apps, and wearables device integration withing the Australian
million telehealth services were provided to 18 million patients, and over 95,000 healthcare ecosystem. From 2018-2023 (%)16
practitioners have used telehealth12. And, more than 25% of Australians had at least 50

one telehealth consultation in the past year13. This means becoming comfortable
with digital health tools is increasingly important, especially in rural areas where 40

access to traditional healthcare is often limited.

30

Connected health ecosystems: Australia is moving toward integrated health systems

where collaboration between healthcare providers, tech companies and community 20

organisations is becoming the norm. Over $3 billion has been invested in digital health
by 202414. Doctors can expect to work in environments where data-driven care 10

coordination is essential, especially in managing chronic diseases.

0
Proactive patient care With the ageing population expected to reach 22% by 2026, 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
there is a growing focus on proactive care15. Doctors will play a crucial role in early Telehealth Platforms Data-Driven Apps Wearable Device Integration
interventions and using data analytics to manage chronic conditions, which are
becoming increasingly prevalent.

FY25 Australia Salary Guide 7

Industry trends Australian employment by industry18
Employment change since February 2020 (‘000s)

Healthcare & social assistance

Professional, scientific & technical services

The Australian employment growth has been heavily concentrated in Construction

healthcare and & social assistance since the pandemic began. Public admin & safety

Financial & insurance services

Transport, postal & warehousing

Education & Training

Retail trade

Mining

Permanent 7.8% Increase Other services

Arts & recreation services

Electricity, gas, water & waste

Manufacturing

Locum 10.4% Increase Wholesale trade

vacancies Rental, hiring & real estate

Administrative & support service

Information media & telecommunications

National 8.6% Increase Agriculture, forestry & fishing

Vacancies Accommodation & food services

0% 2% 4% 6% 8% 10% 12%
-100 0 100 200 300 400 500
Omega Medical obs & Salary Inde
J x | Q1 202 317
Source: Australia Bureau of Statistics/Indeed

FY25 Australia Salary Guide 8

Industry trends Salaries and pay rates Salaries in the healthcare sector have seen
a steady increase, particularly in locum roles and high-demand
specialties. From 2022 to 2023, general practitioners saw pay
Healthcare employment increases due to higher demand in cities, rising operational costs,
opportunities have nearly doubled, and recruitment efforts. Specialists also saw significant boosts
with a vacancy rate of because of shortages and high demand in certain areas. This

2.9% in 2024 trend continued into 2024, with further pay hikes for both general
practitioners and specialists, largely due to ongoing demand and
increasing living costs.
Depending on location and urgency, locum doctors
can earn AUD$150 to $400 per hour, with daily rates reaching
Employment opportunities: vacancies in healthcare have nearly up to AUD$4,000 per day in high-demand areas20.
doubled, with a rate of 2.9% in 2024, reflecting a high demand for
healthcare professionals19. Despite declines in job postings across
various sectors in 2023, healthcare remained one of the most These trends underscore the financial benefits for doctors, especially
resilient categories with modest declines in postings for medical when considering opportunities in less populated regions that offer
technicians, physicians & surgeons, therapy and nursing. For additional perks like accommodation and travel allowances.
doctors — especially those willing to work in rural and remote Geographic variations also play a role, with states like Western
areas — will find ample opportunities, particularly in aged care Australia and Queensland offering higher pay to attract specialists to
and mental health services. remote areas.

FY25 Australia Salary Guide 9

Industry trends
Workplace culture and retention strategies: The healthcare
sector faces high turnover rates, with hospitals experiencing up to
30% turnover21. Doctors can expect healthcare providers to focus
on retention strategies, including competitive salaries, work-life
balance and recognition programs — which are crucial for career
satisfaction.

Healthcare for Aboriginal communities: There’s also been a

significant focus on improving healthcare access for Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander communities. The number of First
Nations-specific primary healthcare organisations has grown, with
213 organisations operating in 2022-23, providing around 3.7
million episodes of care22. 

Doctors may find opportunities in first Nations-specific health
organisations to address this need.

FY25 Australia Salary Guide 10

Industry trends 15%
4%
MM 3

MM 1

Growth of Rural Generalist roles: The National Rural Generalist

Pathway has been crucial in expanding the number of rural
generalists, with up to 100 extra training places made available
annually since 202123.
4%
4%
MM 2

MM 7
753
Total awarded
37%
MM 4

applications by
This initiative is essential in ensuring that rural and
remote communities have access to a broad range
10% June 202324
MM 6
of medical services, 

reducing the reliance on locum doctors and improving continuity of care.

26%
The program also supports the retention of doctors in these areas MM 5
by offering competitive salaries and career development
opportunities.

$1,738,151 Key MM 1: Metropolitan areas

MM 2: Regional centres

MM 5: Small rural towns

MM 6: Remote communities

Total value of scholarships and bursaries awarded to remote and rural health professionals (*using actual MM 3: Large rural towns
MM 7: Very remote communities
payment agreement amounts)
MM 4: Medium rural towns

FY25 Australia Salary Guide 11

 The number of doctors per 1,000

population rose by

State of

the job force

66%

during this period.

The state of Australia’s active

medical job force Despite this growth, there are notable disparities in

the distribution of specialists, with major cities

having the highest concentration and rural areas

The medical workforce in Australia has

being underserved26.

grown significantly, with a

To address this issue, nearly 3,000 overseas-

133%

trained doctors enter the Australian labour force

annually. However, most of these doctors end up

increase in headcount
practising in major cities, with 75% being

metropolitan-based in 2021 and 76% of the growth

From 1996 to 202025
in overseas-trained doctors from 2015 to 2021

occurring in urban areas.

FY25 Australia Salary Guide 12

 State of

the job force

Availability of primary healthcare services (PBS medicines)27

Number of people approved PBS supplier, by MMM area, by Jurisdiction, 2023

Rate MM 1 — Metropolitan Areas 2023 MM 2 to 7 — Rural and Remote areas 2023

5,000

4,000

3,000

2,000

1,000

0
NSW Vic Qld WA SA Tas ACT NT Aust NSW Vic Qld WA SA Tas ACT NT Aust

FY25 Australia Salary Guide 13

State of

the job force

Remote areas have seven times fewer
specialists compared to major cities but
have relatively more nurses2
People in very remote areas are
hospitalised at nearly twice the rate of
those in major citie
In 2022, 62% of graduating medical Hospitalisation rates in remote areas are
There is still an evident disparity students preferred to work in capital 1.3 times higher than in major cities3
cities, while 21% preferred regional Potentially preventable hospitalistion
between the distribution of doctors cities, small towns or small rates are highest in very remote areas,
in urban vs. rural areas, here’s a communities2 being 2-3 times higher than in major
snapshot of this divide: Rural Generalists, GPs and Non-GP cities.
Specialists (Anaesthetists, Emergency
Medicine) are in short supply30

Moreover, the ageing population of GPs—particularly those over 55—highlights a

trend toward higher retirement rates, accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic. This
creates substantial opportunities for new and experienced specialists to fill these gaps,
especially in rural and remote areas32.

FY25 Australia Salary Guide 14

 Male 2022 Female 2022
100 50 50 100

State of
NSW

the job force

Vic

Qld

Gender dynamics33: 

Full-time
In 2022, the Australian healthcare workforce was predominantly equivalent GPs WA

female, with women making up 74% of all health professionals. Per 100,000 population, by
This trend is especially pronounced in nursing and midwifery, Sex, by jurisdiction, 2022 SA
where 88% of the workforce is female.

However, higher-income professions within healthcare, such as Tas

medical practitioners, have a greater proportion of males, with
men constituting 55% of all medical practitioners. Notably, from
2013 to 2022, the full-time equivalent (FTE) rate for female medical ACT
practitioners increased by 38%, while the FTE rate for their male
counterparts saw a modest rise of just 3%.

NT
Despite the overall female dominance in healthcare, these
numbers highlight ongoing gender disparities in higher-paying Aust
medical roles.
100 50 50 100

FY25 Australia Salary Guide 15

 Age breakdown:

State of
The Australian healthcare workforce has seen a notable shift
towards a younger demographic over the past decade. 


the job force

In 2022, 33% of health professionals were aged between 20

and 34 years, up from 28% in 2013.

33%
2022
Full-time equivalent proportions of the General
practitioner workforce33 28%
By age group, by jurisdiction, by Year 2013
2022

2022

2022

2022

2022

2022

2022

2022

2022
2015

2015

2015

2015

2015

2015

2015

2015
2015
2021

2021

2021

2021

2021

2021

2021

2021
2021
100%
Health professionals aged 20-34
60+ years old
80%
50-59 years old
This reflects a significant influx of younger graduates entering
60%
40-49 years old the workforce. Meanwhile, the workforce in older age
30-39 years old groups, such as those aged 45–54 and 55–64, experienced
40%
slight decreases in FTE rates.

< 30 years old

20%
This trend suggests that the healthcare sector is becoming
increasingly dependent on newer, younger professionals,
0% while the presence of more experienced, older workers is
NSW Vic Qld WA SA Tas ACT NT Aust gradually declining.

FY25 Australia Salary Guide 16

State of
FTE Rate per 100,000 Population (2022)33

the job force

Very remote

Northern Territory

2874​ NSW
areas
Specialty breakdown :

Australia's health workforce is seeing a shift in demand and working patterns across 2000 2285​
various specialties. Allied health professions are growing rapidly due to increasing
demand, while general practitioners are seeing only modest growth, suggesting a move 1846​
toward more part-time or flexible roles.

0 2999​
Medical practitioners — excluding GPs — have grown significantly, indicating a Remote areas QLD
persistent need for specialised skills. Meanwhile, nurses and midwives remain crucial, 1938​
though their slower growth in full-time roles may reflect a trend toward part-time work.

Population of doctors across different states:

1862​ 2248​
The distribution of doctors across Australia reveals significant regional disparities. 1980​
Urban areas generally have better access to healthcare professionals, while rural and
remote regions face challenges in attracting and retaining doctors. This imbalance Outer regional

areas Major Cities

highlights the ongoing need for targeted recruitment and retention strategies in
underserved areas, ensuring more equitable healthcare access nationwide. For doctors,
this means increased opportunities and incentives, particularly in rural areas, to address Inner regional

these gaps. areas

FY25 Australia Salary Guide 17

 There is a high demand for specialists to address healthcare gaps, and Australia is
projected to face a shortfall of 10,600 GPs by 203134.

There is an increased need for geriatric care and chronic condition management, as
80% of older Australians (aged 65 and over) have at least one chronic health condition,

What do these
and 28% have three or more35.

The roles in psychiatry for mental health services are expanding, with 90% of

trends mean for

psychiatrists reporting that workforce shortages negatively impact patient care36.

Telemedicine presents significant opportunities for improving remote care access, with
revenue growth of 53.4% over the past five years37.

Senior Doctors?
High demand for surgical consultants to reduce procedure waiting times.

Participation in cutting-edge research and contribution to medical advancements.

Opportunities to mentor junior doctors and lead healthcare teams

Flexible work options with higher pay rates in locum roles for career exploration and
work-life balance.

These opportunities not only fill critical gaps but also offer consultants and specialists a chance to make a
significant impact on the healthcare system while enjoying a rewarding and diverse career.

FY25 Australia Salary Guide 18

 High demand in rural and remote areas: Significant opportunities exist in remote
regions facing doctor shortages. Nearly 3,000 overseas-trained doctors enter Australia
annually to address these gaps. Remote areas had 338 FTE doctors per 100,000
people, compared to 458 in major cities, highlighting the disparity in doctor distribution.
Very remote areas had only 256 FTE doctors per 100,000 people, the lowest supply
among all areas38.

Opportunities for specialisation: The growing healthcare sector is expanding in areas

like mental health, backed by an AUD$361 million investment in new services. This

What do these includes setting up low-intensity mental health services and converting existing centres
into Medicare Mental Health Centres, aimed at improving access to psychologists and
psychiatrists, especially in rural areas. This funding also supports training for new

trends mean for clinicians to help fill gaps in the workforce.

Locum work flexibility: Locum roles offer junior doctors flexibility and higher pay rates,

Junior Doctors?

with earnings up to AUD$4,000 daily in rural areas. These rates include base pay and
additional loadings based on specialisation and geographical remoteness39.

Growth in telemedicine: Telehealth services have surged, with 118.2 million services
delivered to 18 million patients from March 2020 to July 202240. Expanded telehealth
services are now a permanent part of Medicare, enabling GPs, specialists, and other
providers to offer remote care.

Professional development: Recruitment campaigns, such as NSW Health's 2025

initiative, offer structured career pathways and hands-on experience in various medical
fields.

FY25 Australia Salary Guide 19

 General Practitioners (GPs): 
 Rural Generalists:

As the backbone of Australia’s healthcare system, With ongoing investments in rural healthcare,
GPs are critical in both urban and rural settings. Rural Generalists are in high demand to
In 2025, they continue to benefit from strong manage complex cases in small hospitals.
demand, particularly in rural areas where practice Training from RACGP and ACRRM prepares
independence and higher earning potential are doctors for these roles, which are crucial for
key attractions. Government incentives and improving healthcare access in underserved
recruitment efforts are also focused on bolstering areas. The government’s focus on rural
rural healthcare, making this a stable and healthcare ensures robust career
rewarding career path. opportunities and potential for leadership
roles.

What to specialise in Obstetricians and Gynaecologists:


Specialising in women’s health continues to be a
Psychiatrists:

The demand for psychiatrists, particularly in
as a Junior Doctor in rewarding career in 2025, with diverse
opportunities in both urban and rural settings.
adult and child psychiatry, is growing, driven
by increasing mental health awareness and
2025?
The ongoing emphasis on improving maternal
health and women’s healthcare services means
this specialty remains a vital and impactful
government investments in mental health
services. With the expansion of telehealth
services, psychiatrists also have the
The following specialties are on the workforce shortage choice for junior doctors. opportunity to provide care remotely, further
list, which indicates that Junior Doctors have great enhancing access to mental health care.
opportunities to look forward to when specialising41:

FY25 Australia Salary Guide 20

 Physicians:

Anaesthetists:
 Specialising in General Medicine/Internal Medicine offers
Anaesthetists remain in high demand across Australia, junior doctors excellent working conditions, particularly in
especially in rural and regional hospitals where suburban and rural hospitals where there is a steady
anaesthesia services are critical. Supported by the demand for their expertise. This specialty also provides
Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists, opportunities in research and teaching, making it a well-
this specialty offers varied and rewarding career paths, rounded career option with long-term stability.
with strong earning potential due to its essential role in
surgeries and pain management.

Radiologists:

With advancements in imaging technologies, Radiologists
are essential for diagnosing and managing diseases. This
specialty offers lucrative roles in both public and private
sectors, with increasing opportunities in tele-radiology,
particularly in remote and underserved regions.
Emergency Medicine Physicians:

As Australia’s active lifestyle continues to
contribute to a high incidence of acute
medical issues, Emergency Medicine Paediatricians:

Physicians are crucial. The specialty offers a Specialising in paediatrics remains a fulfilling choice,
dynamic career with opportunities in especially as there is a growing focus on improving child
telemedicine, which is increasingly integrated healthcare services across Australia. Paediatricians play a
into emergency care, making it a future- vital role in hospitals and clinics, with significant
focused choice. opportunities to make a positive impact on young lives and
the well-being of future generations.

FY25 Australia Salary Guide 21

Medical practitioner shortages identified
by states and territories
Key Shortage of
practitioners in the state
NT
NSW VIC QLD WA* SA TAS ACT NT
QLD
General Practice WA
Psychiatry SA
Anaesthesia NSW
Radiology
Paediatrics VIC
Emergency Medicine
Obsterics & Gynaecology
Other
TAS
*Western Australia overall shortage of medical practitioners, especially registrars and resident medical
officers Source: As advised by state and territory health departments, April 2023

FY25 Australia Salary Guide 22

Salaries &
locum rates 6% Salary 

What Senior Doctors can expect
increase
for General Practitioners (reflecting
Salaries and locum rates for consultant doctors in broader sector trends.)
Australia have been steadily increasing, largely due
to ongoing workforce shortages and higher
demand for specialised care. For example, roles like
General Practitioners have seen salary increases of
around 6%, reflecting the broader trend in the
healthcare sector. Locum rates have also risen
significantly — especially in high-demand areas, as Ongoing workforce shortages and
hospitals and clinics compete to attract qualified increase demand in specialised
professionals42.

care are key factors behind the

These increases highlight the current challenges in rising salaries and locum rates.
the healthcare job market, where the demand for
skilled medical professionals continues to outpace
supply.

FY25 Australia Salary Guide 23

 Locum rates by specialty
Senior Doctors
Locum rates
Specialty Daily rate (AUD) Market insights
General Practitioner (GP) 
 $1500-$2200 p/day Varies by location, rural vs metro and urgency
(Clinic — Family Medicine, Skin, Aged Care)

R ural Hospital GPs
 $1800-$3000 p/day H igh demand

(ED, Wards, Urgent Care)

ural Generalists / Proceduralists $2500 — $3500 p/day

What influences locum rates in 2025 R H igh demand

E mergency Medicine $2000-$3000 p/day Varies by location and urgency

Healthcare demand: The ageing population and the Psychiatry $2500-$4000 p/day I ncreasing demand in underserved areas
prevalence of chronic diseases continue to drive demand for
consultants, leading to higher pay rates Surgery 
 $2500-$5000 p/day High-paying specialty, varies by sub-specialties and
( rthopaedics, Plastic popularity of location
Workforce shortages: Persistent shortages in consultant General, O )

roles, especially in rural regions, have led to competitive H ospitalist $1500-$2500p/day C onsistent demand across the country
salaries and locum rates Varies by location and urgency, increasing demand in
Government policies: Adjustments in government healthcare Anaesthetics $2500-$3000p/day rural areas
funding and Medicare rebates impact consultant salaries, General Medicine $2000-$3000p/day Varies based on state
especially in public hospitals.

Paediatrics $2200-$3000p/day Varies based on state

These trends highlight the importance of consultant doctors in O&G $2000-$3500p/day Varies based on state
maintaining the quality and availability of healthcare services
across Australia. As demand for specialised care continues to Palliative Medicine $2000-$3000p/day Varies based on state

grow, consultants are likely to see further increases in both Geriatrics $2000-$3000p/day Varies based on state
salaries and locum rates — particularly in high-demand
ICU $2000-$3000p/day Varies based on state
specialties and regions.
Varies by location and urgency, increasing demand in
Gastro $2500-$3000p/day rural areas

FY25 Australia Salary Guide 24

 Specialty Permanent Annual Salary (AUD)
Se i rno Doc o t rs Emergency Medicine $250,000 — $450,000
General Medicine $200,000 — $550,000
Salaries
Psychiatry $200,000 — $400,000
Intensive Care $250,000 — $450,000

What Consultant Doctors can expect

Surgery $250,000 — $500,000

Consultant doctors have seen salary increases aligned Anaesthetics $250,000 — $600,000
with the rising demand for healthcare services. The Paediatrics $200,000 — $400,000
ongoing shortage of specialists, particularly in rural and
remote areas, has driven up salaries as hospitals compete Obstetrics & Gynaecology $200,000 — $450,000
for top talent.

General Practice (GP) $100,000 — $300,000+

As a consultant doctor, you can look forward to a range of Radiology $350,000 — $500,000
opportunities in various fields with the following salaries:

Palliative Medicine43 $125,000 — $135,000

Oncology $250,000 — $450,000
Geriatrics $200,000 — $450,000
Cardiology $300,000 — $500,000
No te Gastroenterology $300,000 — $500,000
The e rate are appr imate an can ary a e n
s s ox d v b s d o
Rural Hospital GPs $150,000 — $350,000+
act r uc a l cati n, e perience an eman
f o s s h s o o x d d d.

Rural Generalists $150,000 — $450,000+

FY25 Australia Salary Guide 25

Salaries &
Locum rates
What Junior Doctors can expect

Junior doctors' salaries vary significantly depending on Locum rates, on the other hand, are influenced by
their specialty and location, with surgical fields like factors like the urgency of the shift, location and
General Surgery and Intensive Care typically offering specialty. High-demand areas or rural settings often
higher pay due to the demanding nature of the work.

command higher rates, especially in specialties like

Surgery and Rural General Practice, where
Specialties such as Anaesthetics and Psychiatry also professionals are scarce.

provide competitive salaries, reflecting the growing

need for specialised skills in these areas. These salary This makes locum work an attractive option for junior
ranges underscore the increasing value placed on doctors seeking to increase their income while
junior doctors in the healthcare system. gaining varied work experiences.

FY25 Australia Salary Guide 26

 Locum Rates Perm Salary 
 Locum Rates Perm Salary 

(Annual) (Annual)

Residential Senior RMOs Up to $1,485p/day $73,086 - $133,834

Medical Up to $1,188 p/day $65,000 - $95,000
Officers (RMO) QLD $1,018 - $1,118p/day

QLD $880 - $1,018 p/day TAS $110 - $150 p/hour

TAS $110 - $150 p/hour NSW $110 - $145 p/hour

$120 p/hour days 


NSW $85 - $130 p/hour VIC $130 p/hour nights
VIC $105 - $125 p/hour
WA $100 - $120 p/hour
WA $100 p/hour
SA $157 p/hour
SA $152 p/hour

Locum Rates Perm Salary 


(Annual)
Locum Rates Perm Salary 

(Annual) Registrars Up to $1,287 p/day $85,000 - $150,000
Career Medical QLD $128.64 p/day
Up to $1,980p/day $120,000 - $160,000
Officers (CMO)
TAS $150 - $220 p/hour
TAS $150 - $220 p/hour
NSW $145 - $220 p/hour

Salaries &
NSW $160 - $220 p/hour
VIC $150 - $180 p/hour
VIC $160 - $200 p/hour
WA

Locum rates
$140 - $200 p/hour
WA $1,500 - $2,000 p/day
SA $172 - $200 p/hour
$172 - $200 p/hour

SA

FY25 Australia Salary Guide 27

 Healthcare providers seek junior doctors

to address the following needs:

Locum work

The state of Australia’s active

medical job force Maintain services while filling permanent positions

Provide relief in high-demand periods such as flu season or during local outbreaks

Why opt for locum work as a Junior Doctor?

Ensure continuity of care during leave periods

Choosing locum work offers you numerous benefits

that can enhance both your professional and

Maintain services while filling permanent positions.

personal life:

Earn significantly more with premium rate

Choose your work schedules and location

Experience diverse healthcare settings and

patient demographic

Gradually reduce hours towards retirement or

explore new specialtie

Gain exposure to new medical practices and

Locum rates vary based on several factors, including medical specialty, experience and

technologie
location. For instance, more experienced doctors and those willing to work in remote areas

Build valuable professional connections.

often command higher rates. Typically, locum rates are higher than permanent rates due

to the temporary and flexible nature of the work.

FY25 Australia Salary Guide 28

 There is a chronic shortage of medical

professionals in rural and regional

areas.

Predictions

Significant financial incentives are

available to attract junior doctors to

Future predictions in the medical these locations.

job market

Here is what doctors can expect from the

Australian medical job market in the future:

Australia's healthcare sector is

projected to grow by

14.2%

With the Australian population

26.6 million in 2024

projected to reach 31 million

31 million by 2030
from 2023 to 2033, 

by 2030, the demand for
driven by advancements in medical
healthcare services will rise, The continued growth of telemedicine
technology, an ageing population and
leading to increased job offers junior doctors opportunities in
increased healthcare funding44. 

openings and the need for a
remote care, particularly benefiting
This growth translates to more job
larger medical workforce45.
those in remote areas
opportunities for junior doctors in

various specialties.

FY25 Australia Salary Guide 29

 The integration of AI, data analytics and connected

medical devices is enhancing healthcare delivery.

Increased funding and expanded services in mental

health present significant opportunities for doctors in

psychiatry to address critical mental health challenges and

impact public health positively. 

Rising demand for specialists in psychiatry, geriatrics and

surgery due to an ageing population and increasing mental

health issues ensures stable employment prospects and

numerous training opportunities for junior doctors.

Doctors are particularly needed in rural areas, up to 11.5%

higher pay, flexible work locations and locum roles46.

Opportunities for consultants to mentor junior doctors and

lead diverse healthcare teams are numerous.

FY25 Australia Salary Guide 30

Conclusion

Unlock your future in Australia

Australia offers a wealth of

opportunities for doctors in 2025.

With competitive salaries, a world-class healthcare system,

research opportunities, and flexible locum roles, the potential for
career growth and personal satisfaction is immense.

Whether you're looking to gain hands-on experience, achieve a

better work-life balance, explore different parts of the country,
advance your career, mentor the next generation, or plan a fulfilling
retirement, we can help you find the right position.

FY25 Australia Salary Guide 31

Conclusion

Unlock your future in Australia

At Medrecruit, we put your needs first.

We're dedicated to supporting you in making a successful career transition.

Our team can help you navigate the job market, secure the best roles and

ensure you have the tools to thrive in your new position.

Speak to a solutionCheck in on Seek specialist today to learn how we can

assist you in achieving your career goals and enhancing your professional

journey.

FY25 Australia Salary Guide 32

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FY25 Australia Salary Guide 33

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FY25 Australia Salary Guide 34