GP salary Australia: How state and award rates shift pay from the national line
When you look up "gp salary australia", the first figure you see is often the national full-time average. But a GP's pay can sit well above or below that line depending on where they work, how they are classified, and whether they are covered by an award. This page breaks down the key factors that move GP earnings away from the national benchmark.
The national line: a starting point
The ABS Average Weekly Earnings survey for May 2026 puts the full-time adult ordinary-time earnings at $2,083.70 per week, or about $108,352 per year when multiplied by 52 weeks. That is the line this site uses. It is an average across all industries and occupations, not a median. For comparison, the full-time median is about $90,532 per year, and the all-employees median is about $74,100. The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, or $52,255 per year on a 38-hour week.
Where GPs sit against the line
According to the ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (May 2025, customised report), the median full-time GP earns $2,446 per week. That is about $127,192 per year, well above the national full-time average of $108,352. The median hourly rate is $60, compared to $47 for all occupations. These figures come from the Jobs and Skills Australia profile for General Practitioners and Resident Medical Officers. Note that this is a median, not an average, and it excludes managers and part-time workers to give a clearer picture of typical full-time pay.
But not all GPs earn that much. The Fair Work Medical Practitioners Award sets minimum rates for doctors in training and career medical practitioners. For example, an intern starts at $1,277.54 per week ($33.62 per hour), while a senior registrar at pay point 2 earns $2,096.35 per week ($55.17 per hour). Career medical practitioners range from $2,037.52 to $2,378.17 per week. These award rates are lower than the median GP earnings, reflecting that many GPs are either not covered by the award (e.g., private practice) or are at higher classification levels.
Why state matters
State full-time averages vary significantly. The ACT is highest at $119,090 per year, followed by Western Australia at $115,825, New South Wales at $109,658, Victoria at $106,137, Queensland at $106,064, South Australia at $102,450, the Northern Territory at $103,103, and Tasmania at $96,008. These state averages are for all occupations, but GP earnings often follow similar patterns. For instance, a GP in Tasmania may sit below the national line, while a GP in the ACT may sit above it. The States and territories page shows how location shifts the line.
The award effect
The Medical Practitioners Award applies to many hospital-based doctors and some GP registrars. It sets minimums, but many GPs in private practice earn above award. The award also includes penalty rates for weekends, public holidays, and overtime. For a doctor in training. For example, a registrar working Saturday and Sunday earns $60.92 per hour (pay point 1), while a senior registrar gets $79.61 per hour. These rates can push weekly pay above the base rate, but still below the median GP figure.
Putting it together
When you Place a salary on the line, you can see how your own pay compares to the national average. For a GP, that comparison depends on whether you are a trainee, a career medical officer, or a private practitioner. The Job medians page shows how GP earnings compare to other professions. The key takeaway: the national line is a useful benchmark, but GP salaries can vary by thousands of dollars per week based on state and award classification.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average GP salary in Australia? The median full-time GP earns about $2,446 per week ($127,192 per year), above the national average of $2,083.70 per week ($108,352 per year). How does the award affect pay? The Fair Work Medical Practitioners Award sets minimums for doctors in training, from $1,277.54 per week for interns to $2,378.17 per week for senior career practitioner. How does state affect GP earnings? State averages vary from $96,008 per year in Tasmania to $119,090 in the ACT. The States and territories page has full details.
Final thoughts
GP salary in Australia is not a single number. The national line gives you a reference, but your actual pay depends on where you work, your classification, and whether you are under an award. Use this site to see where your pay sits against the line, and remember that medians and averages tell different stories.