GP Salary Melbourne: Where Does It Sit Against the National Line?
If you're a GP in Melbourne or considering the profession, you might wonder how your pay compares to the national full-time average. The short answer is that a GP's salary can vary significantly depending on whether you're employed under an award, working in a private practice, or running your own clinic. This article uses the latest official data from the ABS and Fair Work to give you a clear picture.
The National Full-Time Average
The ABS Average Weekly Earnings survey for May 2026 puts the national full-time adult ordinary-time average at $2,083.70 per week, or about $108,352 a year (multiplied by 52). This is the 'line' that Average line uses as a benchmark. For men, the full-time average is higher at about $113,412, and for women it's about $100,594. These are averages, not medians – the median full-time salary is lower at about $90,532, and the all-employees median is about $74,100 (ABS Employee Earnings, August 2025).
The Medical Practitioners Award Minimum
Most employed GPs in Australia are covered by the Medical Practitioners Award 2020. The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes a pay guide that shows the minimum rates for each classification. For a Specialist – which includes general practitioners – the minimum annual salary from 1 July 2026 is $121,535. That works out to $2,337.21 per week and $61.51 per hour for a 38-hour week. This is above the national full-time average of $108,352, meaning an employed GP on award rates is already earning more than the typical full-time worker.
However, the award also has higher pay points for senior specialists, ranging up to $3,149.16 per week (about $163,756 a year) for pay point 4. Many GPs progress through these levels with experience. It's important to note that the award sets a minimum – actual salaries can be much higher, especially in private billing practices or for GPs with special interests.
How Victoria and Melbourne Compare
Victoria's full-time average weekly ordinary time earnings are $2,041.10, or about $106,137 a year – slightly below the national average. Melbourne, as the state capital, likely has earnings that reflect the state figure, though the ABS does not publish city-level data. The cost of living in Melbourne is higher than many other parts of Australia, so a GP salary needs to stretch further. The award minimum for a Specialist is about $15,000 above the Victorian average, which gives employed GPs a solid base.
Why the Figure Can Move Off the Line
Several factors can push a GP's salary above or below the national line:
- Award classification: Not all GPs are classified as 'Specialist' under the award. Registrars and other junior doctors earn less. For example, a Registrar at pay point 1 earns $104,874 a year, which is below the national average. Interns earn just $66,432.
- Employment type: Many GPs are self-employed contractors or practice owners. Their income depends on patient volume, billing mix (bulk billing vs private), and overheads. A contractor GP might earn $150,000–$250,000 or more, but also bears business costs.
- Location within Melbourne: Inner-city practices may have higher patient demand but also higher rent. Regional Victoria often has higher bulk billing incentives.
- Experience and specialisation: GPs with a special interest (e.g., skin cancer, women's health) can command higher fees.
The National Minimum Wage and Award Increases
For context, the national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, $1,004.90 per week, or about $52,255 a year on a 38-hour week. Award minimums rose by 4.75% in the same period. The Medical Practitioners Award rates are well above the minimum wage, reflecting the high skill level required.
Using the Average Line Tool
On this site, you can place a salary on the line to see how it compares to the national full-time average. For a GP earning the award minimum of $121,535, the tool would show a weekly figure of $2,337.21 and an hourly rate of $61.51, and indicate that you are above the national average. You can also explore states and territories to see how Victoria's average compares, or check how the figures are set for more detail on the methodology.
Tax Considerations
A GP earning $121,535 in 2026–27 would pay income tax at marginal rates: nil up to $18,200, 15% on the next bracket, 30% up to $135,000, plus the 2% Medicare levy. After tax, take-home pay would be roughly $91,000–$93,000, depending on deductions. The ATO provides tax tables for precise calculations.
Summary
A GP salary in Melbourne is typically above the national full-time average, especially for those employed under the Medical Practitioners Award as a Specialist. The award minimum of $121,535 is about $13,000 above the national average of $108,352. However, actual earnings vary widely, and many GPs earn significantly more. The state average for Victoria is slightly below the national line, so a GP on award rates is well positioned. For the most accurate comparison, use the Average line tool with your specific salary.