Because Australia’s healthcare industry is growing fast and pays well, many MBBS students receive job offers, with a focus on rural and specialist jobs. Wondering how much income you could expect as an MBBS doctor in Australia in 2025? Follow for detailed explorations of each topic, as well as updated trends and action items!
Overview of MBBS Doctor Salary in Australia in 2025
The MBBS doctor salary in Australia has seen significant growth in 2025, making it one of the most financially rewarding medical career destinations globally. Currently, the average MBBS doctor salary in Australia ranges from AUD 120,000 to AUD 160,000 per year for general practitioners, with considerable variations based on experience, location, and whether you work in the public or private sector.
The Australian medical community receives higher wages than many other countries because of the country’s strong healthcare system and demand for skilled doctors. The salary for an MBBS doctor in Australia is particularly attractive for international medical graduates looking to relocate, with entry-level positions starting at around AUD 65,000 annually and increasing substantially with specialisation and experience.
Australia is still seeing changes in healthcare in 2025, as rural and remote areas start to provide more financial support to doctors to help with shortages. This has created lucrative opportunities for doctors willing to practice outside major metropolitan centres, where the MBBS doctor salary in Australia can be significantly higher due to various government incentives and lower competition.
Latest MBBS Doctor Salary in Australia (2025): Monthly & Annual Salary Overview
Understanding the salary of an MBBS doctor in Australia per month helps medical professionals better plan their finances and career progression. Monthly pay for general practitioners is between AUD 5,400 and AUD 13,300, so they earn anywhere from AUD 65,000 to AUD 160,000 per year.
| Position | Monthly Salary Range (AUD) | Annual Salary Range (AUD) |
| Intern/RMO | 5,400 – 7,900 | 65,000 – 95,000 |
| Senior RMO | 6,100 – 11,100 | 73,000 – 133,000 |
| Career Medical Officer | 10,000 – 13,300 | 120,000 – 160,000 |
| General Practitioner | 8,300 – 25,000+ | 100,000 – 300,000+ |
| Specialist/Surgeon | 16,700 – 66,700+ | 200,000 – 800,000+ |
| Locum Doctor | 60 – 167 per hour | 1,800 – 5,000 per day |
The salary of an MBBS doctor in Australia per month can vary widely based on several factors, including specialisation, years of experience, geographic location, and whether the doctor works in the public or private sector. Let’s look closely at how these variations work.
Latest Salary for New MBBS Doctors (Interns and RMOs) in Australia 2025
Interns and Resident Medical Officers (RMOs) are expected to earn between AUD 65,000 and AUD 95,000 per year in Australia. In other words, you could earn anywhere between AUD 5,400 and AUD 7,900 per month, without taxes.
The MBBS doctor’s salary in Australia at this level varies by Australian state:
- Western Australia: On average, AUD 85,000 a year or AUD 7,100 a month.
- Tasmania: You will receive AUD 72,000 each year (AUD 6,000 per month)
- Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria: You should earn anywhere from AUD 78,000 to AUD 82,000 a year (AUD 6,500 to AUD 6,800 per month).
- South Australia: In South Australia, the estimated salary per year is AUD 75,000, and per month it’s AUD 6,250.
- Northern Territory: In the Northern Territory, the estimated annual pay is AUD 87,000 or around AUD 7,250 a month.
- Australian Capital Territory: About AUD 80,000 per year (AUD 6,770 per month) is typically what we offer in the Australian Capital Territory.
In rural and remote areas, junior doctors commonly get extra pay and benefits that add 10-30% to their salaries, compared to doctors in the city.
How Much Do General Practitioners Earn in Australia 2025?
General Practitioners represent a significant portion of the medical workforce in Australia, with the salary for an MBBS doctor in Australia in this category ranging widely based on location and practice type.
The median MBBS doctor salary in Australia for GPs is approximately AUD 180,609 according to PayScale, but this figure can vary significantly. Urban GPs get annual salaries between AUD 100,000 and AUD 300,000, and rural hospital GPs should expect to make between AUD 150,000 and AUD 350,000+ in 2025 due to increased demand and incentives.
When a GP practice is their own, doctors generally earn between AUD 300,000 and AUD 436,000+ per year. The salary of an MBBS doctor in Australia per month for GPs thus ranges from approximately AUD 8,300 to AUD 36,300, depending on these factors.
Private practice GPs tend to make more money than those employed by the government, yet they have higher costs and sometimes less job security. A lot of GPs earn more by splitting their time between the public and private sectors or by taking on locum jobs when needed.
Latest Salary Comparison for Specialists and Surgeons in Australia 2025
Specialists and surgeons command the highest MBBS doctor salary in Australia, with earnings significantly exceeding those of general practitioners. Most specialists earn between AUD 200,000 and AUD 500,000 each year, with top surgeons making AUD 600,000 to 1 million annually.
Some of the Best-Paid Specialities in Australia are:
Neurosurgery: The cost of neurosurgery can be between AUD 600,000 and AUD 750,000.
Cardiothoracic Surgery: AUD 500,000 – AUD 700,000 is the cost for Cardiothoracic Surgery in Australia.
Orthopaedic Surgery: Treatments in Orthopaedics cost between AUD 450,000 and AUD 600,000.
Ophthalmology: Ophthalmology brings in AUD 400,000 to AUD 550,000.
Anesthesiology: The area of anesthesiology requires AUD 350,000 to AUD 500,000.
Dermatology: The average cost for dermatology is between AUD 300,000 and AUD 500,000.
Radiology: AUD 300,000 – AUD 550,000
The Australian Taxation Office reports that surgeons are the best-paid professionals in Australia, receiving on average AUD 394,000 in taxable income each year. The MBBS doctor salary in Australia for specialists can reach these impressive figures after completing an additional 3-7 years of specialised training beyond a basic medical qualification.
Providing a good way for those seeking flexible work or to supplement their income, locum specialist surgeons can earn anywhere from about AUD 2,500 to AUD 5,000 daily.
Latest Factors Affecting MBBS Doctor Salary in Australia in 2025
Several key factors influence the MBBS doctor salary in Australia, creating significant variations across the profession. csgeeksweb.com That understanding can benefit medical professionals when making career decisions to earn higher incomes.
Specialisation and Experience
Specialisation is perhaps the most significant determinant of an MBBS doctor’s salary in Australia. Each specialist in Australia can expect to earn between two and four times the amount that a general practitioner does.
| Experience Level | Salary Range (AUD) | Percentage Increase from Previous Level |
| Intern (Year 1) | 65,000 – 95,000 | Base level |
| Resident (Years 2-3) | 73,000 – 133,000 | 12-40% increase |
| Registrar (Years 4-7) | 85,000 – 150,000 | 13-16% increase |
| New Fellow/Consultant | 200,000 – 350,000 | 135-133% increase |
| Experienced Specialist (10+ years) | 300,000 – 800,000+ | 50-130% increase |
Usually, gaining a year of experience increases a doctor’s pay by 3-5% in the early years, and the jump is much larger once you complete a specialised training program. The pay for junior doctors in Australia steps up throughout their training, and the biggest boosts happen once they earn specialist degrees.
MBBS Doctor Salaries in Australia: Urban vs. Rural Locations in 2025
Geographic location significantly impacts the MBBS doctor salary in Australia, with rural and remote areas generally offering higher compensation to attract medical professionals.
In rural parts of Australia, doctors may earn 20-50% more than in metro areas and get additional benefits.
- Rural retention incentives of AUD 15,000 – AUD 60,000 given each year
- Relocation allowances of up to AUD 40,000
- A pay raise for being on call and working overtime
- Sometimes, housing subsidies or free accommodation are provided to those placed in remote areas
- In addition to other leave entitlements, some extra leave is available for remote service.
In rural Australia, GPs can earn anywhere from AUD 150,000 to AUD 450,000+ per year, much higher than the AUD 100,000 – AUD 300,000 the same job pays in urban areas. In the same way, consultants in the Northern Territory may earn more than many consultants in states with bigger populations, with pay ranging from AUD 260,000 to AUD 320,0002.
Most rural locum doctors are offered AUD 1,800 to AUD 3,500 daily for their work, plus accommodation and travel expenses are commonly part of the agreement.
The Difference Between Public Sector and Private Sector MBBS Jobs in Australia 2025
The choice between public and private practice significantly affects the MBBS doctor’s salary in Australia. Even though stability, dependable hours and excellent benefits come with public sector jobs, the income from private practice can be higher.
| Sector | Advantages | Salary Range (AUD) |
| Public | Job security, structured career progression, better benefits, more leave, superannuation | Consultants: 200,000 – 310,000 |
| Private | Higher earning potential, greater autonomy, flexible working arrangements | Consultants: Up to 600,000+ |
A lot of doctors in Australia increase their earnings by taking on both public and private work. A specialist, for example, could work 3 days in the public sector and 2 days in private practice, enjoying safety and higher pay at the same time.
The starting salary for MBBS graduates in Australia is often in the public sector, where training is more organised, and as time and success progress, some gradually or wholly move to private practice.
MBBS Doctor Salaries in Australia: How They Compare Globally and Why It’s a Top Choice in 2025
The MBBS doctor salary in Australia ranks among the highest globally, making it an attractive destination for international medical graduates. When we examine Australian medical salaries next to those in other English-speaking countries, several interesting facts appear.
| Country | General Practitioner (AUD) | Specialist (AUD) | Key Differences |
| Australia | 100,000 – 300,000+ | 200,000 – 800,000+ | Higher rural incentives, better work-life balance |
| United States | 150,000 – 350,000 | 300,000 – 900,000+ | Higher specialist salaries, but higher malpractice insurance |
| United Kingdom | 80,000 – 150,000 | 120,000 – 300,000 | Lower overall, but better job security and benefits |
| Canada | 120,000 – 250,000 | 200,000 – 600,000 | Similar to Australia, with a stronger public system |
| New Zealand | 90,000 – 200,000 | 150,000 – 500,000 | Lower than Australia, but better work-life balance |
Australian doctors often exceed the income of UK doctors in all fields and at all levels of experience1. While US specialists may earn more in absolute terms, the MBBS doctor salary in Australia often provides better value when considering the cost of living, healthcare system structure, and work-life balance.
Medical professionals in Australia enjoy greater job security, deal with limited paperwork, have cheaper malpractice insurance and benefit from a fairer way of providing healthcare compared to the US.
Expected Promotions and Pay Increases for MBBS Doctors in Australia 2025
In Australia, the practice of medicine is predictable in terms of future salaries and career moves. Recognising this sequence gives doctors a better framework for making important life and career decisions.
A typical career progression and associated MBBS doctor salary in Australia follow this pattern:
- During your internship, you will be paid AUD 65,000 – 95,000.
- After residency, a Resident Medical Officer makes around AUD 73,000 to 133,000.
- Registrar/Advanced Trainee (3-6 years): AUD 85,000 – AUD 150,000
- How much you can earn as a Fellow or Consultant depends on your speciality, and it may be anywhere from AUD 200,000 to over AUD 800,000.
Future trends affecting the MBBS doctor salary in Australia in 2025 and beyond include:
- Rural and remote doctors will probably continue to get extra encouragement, as government payments may go up even more.
- Rising need for expert care in geriatrics, oncology and palliative care
- Growing use of virtual care and exploring various ways to pay for it
- More people require GPs who can do minor surgeries and procedures
- Emphasising preventive care could change how health care is paid for
- More competition in cities has the possibility of slowing down the rise in salaries there.
Australian medical residency is always progressing, as training becomes more efficient and hospitals offer additional chances to international medical graduates in places with a lack of physicians.
How to Maximise Your Earnings as an MBBS Doctor in Australia in 2025
There are several strategic approaches to maximise your MBBS doctor salary in Australia. They allow you to earn more and still enjoy your job and your personal life.
- Try to gain expertise in important business fields
- Complete your studies in dermatology, ophthalmology or radiology through a fellowship program.
- Pay attention to medical fields that generally charge more for their services.
- Check for fields that require more people, for example, geriatrics or addiction medicine
- Research in areas that are not near large cities
- Apply for rural jobs that give a 20-50% higher starting salary.
- Claim from AUD 15,000 – 60,000 per year in rural retention bonuses
- Take advantage of less competition and more patients coming to your practice
- Consider a FIFO lifestyle if you want to enjoy the countryside as well as the city.
- Have a go at locum work
- You can make AUD 1,800 – 5,000 each day when you work as a locum doctor.
- Work as a locum when you need to earn extra money over holidays or the weekend.
- Choose to drive when the need for cars goes up and rates often rise.
- Consider combining public and private areas of practice
- Ensure you maintain your status as a member of public hospitals to keep your income and source of referrals.
- Start your own dental practice to earn more money.
- Make sure public policies keep the public safe while paying higher rates to private doctors.
- Make an effort to gain more information and certificates
- Secure certifications that make it possible to charge for different services.
- Skills in skin cancer medicine and cosmetic procedures are sought after, so you should acquire them.
- You could work in education, administration or research to add other sources of money to your budget
- Enhance your billing process and how you manage your practices
- Know the billing process inside out to complete more legitimate claims.
- Join an existing practice for some time before you start on your own.
- Install useful practice management software to ensure more patients are seen each day.
- Try to discover uncommon jobs in the medical field
- Medical consulting for legal firms or insurance companies
- Presenting medical information during talks or in written form
- Telemedicine has become more important for consultations in rural areas.
- Medical technology advisors
By strategically combining these approaches, doctors can significantly increase their MBBS doctor salary in Australia while maintaining professional satisfaction and work-life balance.
Conclusion
The MBBS doctor salary in Australia in 2025 remains highly competitive globally, with substantial variations based on specialisation, location, experience, and practice setting. From basic doctors who earn starting at AUD 65,000-95,000 to specialists who are paid over AUD 500,000, Australia’s medical field is both well-paid and satisfying.
The salary of an MBBS doctor in Australia per month provides a comfortable living standard even at junior levels, with significant growth potential as careers advance. In rural and remote areas, generous salaries help solve the shortage of doctors, allowing those who choose such places to become financially comfortable.
For international medical graduates considering Australia, the combination of competitive salaries for MBBS doctors in Australia, excellent working conditions, and a high standard of living makes it an attractive destination. The additional things that overseas-trained doctors must do to become fully registered can be frustrating, but the good financial and work prospects make it a worthwhile process for many.
As Australia responds to an increasing elderly population, new technologies and changing health problems, the need for skilled medical experts keeps rising, leading to higher wages for doctors in many fields.
FAQs(Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1. How much do MBBS doctors make when they begin practice in Australia?
Ans. The starting MBBS doctor salary in Australia for interns (first-year doctors after graduation) typically ranges from AUD 65,000 to AUD 95,000 per year, depending on the state and territory. This means you can expect about AUD 5,400 to AUD 7,900 of net income each month. The pay for residents goes up over the three years of training, so second and third-year residents (RMOs) can earn from AUD 73,000 to AUD 133,000 each year.
Q2. How much do MBBS doctors in Australia earn compared to doctors in other nations?
Ans. The MBBS doctor salary in Australia is generally higher than in the United Kingdom and comparable to Canada, while slightly lower than the United States for some specialities. Doctors in Australia generally earn a salary that is 30-50% higher than the pay doctors in the United Kingdom receive, in every field. Even though US specialists have higher salaries, doctors in Australia often have better time off, pay less for malpractice insurance and work in better-supported medical systems. Australian medical practitioners are rewarded with excellent perks and a high standard of living, which ranks their profession highly in the world.
Q3. Are doctors who study MBBS paid better in private hospitals or in Australian public hospitals?
Ans. In Australia, private practice doctors generally make more money than their colleagues who work in public hospitals. By contrast, working in a public hospital gives more certainty in employment, clear steps for promotion, better perks, higher superannuation and more control over free time. Many doctors maximise their MBBS doctor salary in Australia by working in both sectors simultaneously, combining the security of public employment with the higher earning potential of private practice.
Q4. What extra advantages are given to MBBS doctors in Australia?
Ans. Beyond their base MBBS doctor salary in Australia, doctors typically receive numerous benefits, including:
- Making superannuation contributions of between 10% and 15% of your basic salary
- Each academic year, you may expect at least AUD 10,000-20,000 for professional development costs.
- Bonuses offered for working on-call, overtime and on weekends
- Public sector organisations usually offer about 5-6 weeks of extended annual leave.
- Time off to attend classes and conferences
- Plans that allow you to enjoy some savings through taxation
- Benefits are given when someone is moving for their job
- Helping with rent or home costs in rural and remote places
- Funds made available for medical indemnity insurance
- Leave given to parents
The additional benefits may lead to a doctor’s real salary being up to 30% higher than their base pay, which helps make effective healthcare professional salaries in Australia greater than the basic figures.
Q5. How can international medical graduates make the most money in Australia?
Ans. International medical graduates (IMGs) can maximise their MBBS doctor salary in Australia through several strategic approaches:
- Make sure to recruit in regions where the number of workers is low and the incentives are higher
- Complete all required AMC exams as soon as you can to obtain full registration.
- If you’re in a hurry, specialities that require less training or are in high demand can be a great choice.
- Create networks with experienced practitioners for the chance to partner.
- Work as a locum to help make money while building your permanent practice
- Complete certification courses that help you get better-paying work
- Try seeking jobs in places where IMGs are in greater demand, such as Queensland and Western Australia
- Get in touch with speciality recruitment agencies for international doctors.
By strategically navigating the Australian medical system and targeting high-demand areas, international graduates can achieve MBBS doctor salaries in Australia levels comparable to their Australian-trained colleagues within a few years of arrival
