Doctor salary: a profession above the national line
If you are a doctor in Australia, your salary almost certainly sits above the national full‑time average. The ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026, puts the full‑time adult ordinary‑time average at $2,083.70 a week, or about $108,352 a year. That is the line this site uses. But a doctor’s pay can move well above that line – or, in some cases, sit closer to it – depending on where you work, which sector you are in, and what award or agreement covers you.
Where the figures come from
The ABS does not publish a specific average salary for doctors. The closest public benchmark is the median hourly earnings for all Professionals, which was $64.50 in August 2025 (ABS Employee Earnings and Hours). That translates to about $2,451 a week on a 38‑hour week, or roughly $127,452 a year – about $19,000 above the national full‑time average. But “Professionals” includes many occupations beyond medicine, so a doctor’s actual earnings can be higher or lower depending on specialty and experience.
For a more precise picture, you would need to look at the Medical Practitioners Award 2020 (set by Fair Work) and the enterprise agreements that apply in each state’s public hospital system. The award minimums are only a floor; most doctors earn above them.
Why state matters
The national full‑time average masks big differences between states. Here are the state full‑time averages from the ABS (May 2026, original estimates):
- New South Wales: about $109,658 a year
- Victoria: about $106,137
- Queensland: about $106,064
- South Australia: about $102,450
- Western Australia: about $115,825
- Tasmania: about $96,008
- Northern Territory: about $103,173
- Australian Capital Territory: about $119,090
A doctor working in the ACT or Western Australia is likely to earn more than one in Tasmania or South Australia, partly because public‑sector pay rates are set by state‑based enterprise agreements that reflect local cost of living and labour market conditions. For example, the ACT’s public‑sector doctors are covered by the ACT Public Sector Medical Practitioners Enterprise Agreement, which typically offers higher base salaries and allowances than the Tasmanian State Service Award.
Public vs private sector
The sector you work in also shifts your salary off the national line. The ABS reports that full‑time adult ordinary‑time earnings in the public sector are $2,263.10 a week (about $117,681 a year), compared with $2,034.10 in the private sector (about $105,773 a year). Many doctors in public hospitals are employed under state awards that include penalty rates, on‑call allowances, and overtime. Private‑practice doctors, especially specialists, may earn much more but also bear practice costs and have less predictable income.
The role of awards and agreements
Fair Work’s Medical Practitioners Award 2020 sets minimum hourly rates for doctors. From 1 July 2026, the national minimum wage is $26.44 an hour, but award rates are higher. For example, a medical practitioner under the award is classified by experience and role, with minimum rates ranging from about $30 an hour for a junior intern to over $70 for a senior specialist. However, most doctors are covered by enterprise agreements that exceed these minima. The ATO’s guide for doctors notes that you must include all salary, wages, allowances, and bonuses in your tax return, but it does not give a typical figure.
How the line works
This site compares your salary to the national full‑time average of $2,083.70 a week. If you are a doctor, your salary is likely above that line. But the line is an average of all full‑time workers, including many lower‑paid occupations. The full‑time median (the middle point) is about $90,532 a year, and the all‑employees median is about $74,100 (ABS Employee earnings, August 2025). Doctors are well above both medians.
Tax considerations
If your doctor salary is above the national average, you will pay more tax. For 2026–27, the 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. Plus the Medicare levy of 2% (with reductions for low incomes). A doctor earning $150,000 would be in the 37% bracket, while a specialist earning $250,000 would hit the top 45% bracket.
Summary
A doctor’s salary in Australia is not a single number. It varies by state, sector, specialty, and agreement. The national full‑time average is a useful benchmark, but your actual pay may be higher or lower depending on where you work. For the most relevant comparison, look at the state averages and the Professional median. And remember that the line on this site is just one measure – your own circumstances will determine where you sit.
Place a salary on the line to see how your pay compares. States and territories shows how location affects the average. How the figures are set explains the sources and methods.