Neurosurgeon salary in Australia: what the data shows
When searching for a neurosurgeon salary in Australia, you might expect a clear figure. However, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) does not publish a median weekly earnings figure for neurosurgeons. The occupation is classified at the six-digit ANZSCO level (253513), and the ABS suppresses earnings data for such small groups to protect confidentiality and ensure statistical reliability. The Jobs and Skills Australia profile for neurosurgeons lists median weekly earnings as 'N/A' for this reason.
That does not mean we know nothing. The same profile shows that neurosurgeons work an average of 57 hours per week, with 86% working full-time. The median age is 44, and only 18% are female. While the exact salary is not published, the broader category of surgeons (including general surgeons, cardiothoracic surgeons, and orthopaedic surgeons) consistently earns well above the national full-time average.
The national full-time average as a benchmark
The ABS Average Weekly Earnings survey for May 2026 reports that full-time adult ordinary-time earnings are $2,083.70 per week, or about $108,352 per year when multiplied by 52. This is the 'line' used on this site to compare any occupation or industry. For neurosurgeons, even without a published median, it is safe to say their earnings are substantially higher. The average full-time surgeon (all types) typically earns in the top percentile of all occupations.
Why state and award matter
Even though neurosurgeon-specific data is unavailable, the state where a neurosurgeon practises can influence their income. State full-time averages vary significantly:
- Australian Capital Territory: about $119,090 per year
- Western Australia: about $115,825
- New South Wales: about $109,658
- Victoria: about $106,137
- Queensland: about $106,064
- Northern Territory: about $103,173
- South Australia: about $102,450
- Tasmania: about $96,008
Neurosurgeons in states with higher overall earnings and greater demand for specialist services—such as the ACT and WA—may command higher salaries. Conversely, those in Tasmania or South Australia might earn less, though still far above the national average. See States and territories for a full breakdown.
Another factor is how pay is set. Most neurosurgeons are not covered by an award or collective agreement. They work under individual arrangements, often as employees of hospitals or as private practitioners. This means their salary is negotiated directly, without a minimum rate beyond the national minimum wage. The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week ($52,255 per year on a 38-hour week). For neurosurgeons, this is irrelevant—they earn many times that amount.
Comparing with other occupations
For context, the ABS Employee Earnings and Hours survey (May 2025) shows that the median weekly earnings for all full-time employees is $1,887, or about $98,124 per year. The all-employees median (including part-time) is $1,436 per week ($74,672 per year). Professionals, the broad category that includes neurosurgeons, have a median hourly earnings of $64.50. Neurosurgeons, with their extensive training and high responsibility, would be at the top end of that range.
What about tax?
For the 2026–27 financial year, resident tax rates are: nil on the first $18,200, then 15% up to $45,000, 30% up to $135,000, 37% up to $190,000, and 45% above that. A 2% Medicare levy applies before any reductions. A neurosurgeon earning, say, $400,000 per year would face a marginal tax rate of 45% plus Medicare, but the exact take-home depends on deductions and offsets.
Where to find more
If you want to place your own salary against the national line, use the Place a salary on the line tool. For industry comparisons, see Industry medians. For a deeper look at how the figures are set, visit How the figures are set.
Summary
While a precise neurosurgeon salary in Australia is not published by the ABS, the available data confirms that neurosurgeons earn well above the national full-time average of $2,083.70 per week. State location and individual negotiation play a larger role than award rates. For anyone considering this career, the financial rewards are substantial, but the path is long and competitive.