How the average doctor salary compares to the national full-time average
When people search for an "average doctor salary Australia", they often want a single figure. In reality, the Australian Bureau of Statistics does not publish a specific average weekly earnings figure for medical practitioners as a distinct occupation. The most detailed public data comes from the Medical Practitioners Award, which sets legal minimum pay rates for doctors in training, career medical practitioners, specialists, and other roles. These award rates are a floor, not an average, but they give a useful benchmark against the national full-time average.
National full-time average earnings
The ABS Average Weekly Earnings survey for May 2026 reports that full-time adult ordinary-time earnings averaged $2,083.70 per week, or about $108,352 per year (multiplied by 52). This is the line used on this site. The full-time median weekly earnings are lower, at about $1,741 per week ($90,532 per year), based on the ABS Employee Earnings and Hours survey from August 2025. The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week for a 38-hour week ($52,255 per year).
Award minimums for doctors
The Fair Work Ombudsman’s Medical Practitioners Award (MA000031) applies from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026. It covers doctors in training, career medical practitioners, community medical practitioners, specialists, and principal specialists. Here are some key weekly minimum rates for full-time employees:
- Intern: $1,277.54 per week ($33.62 per hour)
- Resident medical practitioner (pay point 1): $1,356.33 per week
- Registrar (pay point 1): $1,543.23 per week
- Registrar (pay point 4): $1,731.12 per week
- Senior registrar (pay point 2): $2,096.35 per week
- Career medical practitioner (pay point 1): $2,037.52 per week
- Senior career medical practitioner (pay point 4): $2,532.77 per week
- Specialist: $2,570.93 per week
- Senior specialist (pay point 5): $3,193.92 per week
- Principal specialist: rate not shown in the summary but typically higher
Comparing these to the national full-time average of $2,083.70 per week, we see that interns and junior residents fall below the average, while registrars at higher pay points, career medical practitioners, and all specialists sit above it. For example, a specialist’s minimum of $2,570.93 per week is about 23% above the national average. A senior specialist at pay point 5 earns a minimum of $3,193.92 per week, which is about 53% above the national average.
Broader earnings data for professionals
The ABS Employee Earnings and Hours survey (May 2025) provides median hourly earnings for occupation groups. The broad group "Professionals" (which includes doctors, nurses, teachers, engineers, etc.) had a median hourly earnings of $64.50. For a full-time worker on a 38-hour week, that equates to about $2,451 per week, or $127,452 per year. This is above the national full-time average, but it is a median for a very broad category and not specific to doctors.
What the figures mean for your salary
If you are a doctor comparing your pay to the national average, the award minimums give a starting point. Many doctors, especially specialists and senior practitioners, earn well above the award rates through enterprise agreements or individual contracts. The ABS data does not capture these higher earnings in a doctor-specific figure. For a more personalised comparison, you can use the Place a salary on the line tool on this site, which shows how your salary stacks up against the national full-time average, medians, and state averages.
State and territory differences
The national full-time average varies by state. For example, the Australian Capital Territory has the highest average at about $119,090 per year, while Tasmania has the lowest at about $96,008 per year. Doctor salaries may also vary by location, with higher pay often available in rural and remote areas through incentives. The States and territories page provides more detail on regional averages.
Tax considerations for doctors
For the 2026–27 income year, resident tax rates are: nil up to $18,200; 15% from $18,201 to $45,000; 30% from $45,001 to $135,000; 37% from $135,001 to $190,000; and 45% above $190,000. A 2% Medicare levy applies (with possible reductions for low-income earners). A doctor earning $133,688 (specialist minimum) would fall into the 30% bracket plus Medicare levy, resulting in a marginal tax rate of 32%.
Summary
While there is no single "average doctor salary" published by the ABS, the Medical Practitioners Award provides clear minimum rates that show many doctor roles pay above the national full-time average of $108,352 per year. For the most accurate picture of where your pay sits, consider your classification, experience, and location. The Job medians page offers median earnings for broad occupation groups, and the Guides section has more detailed articles on interpreting salary data.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average salary for a doctor in Australia? The ABS does not publish a single average figure. The Medical Practitioners Award sets minimum rates; for example, a specialist minimum is $2,570.93 per week (about $133,688 per year), above the national full-time average of $108,352.
How does a doctor’s pay compare to the national average? Many doctor classifications under the award have minimum weekly rates above the national full-time average of $2,083.70. However, actual earnings can be higher, especially for senior specialists.
Where can I find more information on doctor salaries? The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes award rates for medical practitioners. The ABS provides broader earnings data by occupation group (Professionals) but not specifically for doctors.