Highest paying doctor jobs in Australia in 2024

Australia is known for its high standard of healthcare and, consequently, its well-remunerated medical professionals. Doctors, especially specialists, are among the top earners in the country. Let's explore some of the highest-paying medical specialities in Australia.

Please note that the salary figures mentioned in this article are intended as a general guide and can vary significantly. Salaries for doctors depend on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, geographic location, medical specialty, years of experience, type of employer (public or private sector), and individual qualifications and certifications. Additionally, changes in the healthcare industry, market demands, and economic factors can also influence salary rates. It is advisable for individuals to conduct further research or consult with professional bodies for the most current and specific salary information in their respective medical fields.

In light of this, we focus on broad averages in this article.

Roles in the medical profession are well remunerated in Australia, with some physicians in private practice earning over AUD$600,000 annually. Compare this to the median income for other full-time workers – now $68,289. According to Forbes, a taxable income that was $131,501 or higher was within the top 10% of earners in Australia last year. About 5% of taxpayers had incomes above $180,000. Someone who earned more than $253,066 was in the top 1%.

Of course, there are many factors affecting the highest paying doctor jobs in Australia, such as; hours worked, speciality, qualifications and experience, location and type of role (for example, contractor or employee), to name a few. Doctors working in specialised roles in major metropolitan areas tend to earn the most – but doctors trained overseas are more likely to gain a role in a rural area first.  

Who are the highest paid doctors in Australia?

Neurosurgeon Neurosurgeons deal with the intricate world of brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. Their role is critical, often involving life-saving surgeries. Due to the level of expertise required, and the extended period of training, they are among the top earners in the medical field in Australia. Salary Bracket: AUD$300,000 to AUD$800,000+ annually.

Cardiothoracic Surgeon These surgeons specialise in procedures on the heart, lungs, and other thoracic organs. With the increasing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases globally, their skills are in high demand. The complexities involved in surgeries like heart transplants and coronary bypasses contribute to their high remuneration. Salary Bracket: AUD$ 300,000 to AUD$700,000+ annually.

Orthopaedic Surgeon Dealing with the musculoskeletal system, orthopaedic surgeons correct deformities, treat injuries, and manage diseases of bones and joints. As sports injuries and age-related orthopaedic problems rise, their expertise is increasingly sought after, resulting in lucrative salaries. Salary Bracket: AUD$250,000 to AUD$650,000+ annually.

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon Beyond the cosmetic appeal, plastic and reconstructive surgeons play a crucial role in restoring function and appearance following trauma, burns, or congenital abnormalities. Their training is rigorous, and the demand for their specialised skills drives up their earning potential. Salary Bracket: AUD$200,000 to AUD$600,000+ annually.

Ophthalmologist As eye specialists, ophthalmologists diagnose, treat, and perform surgeries related to vision problems and eye diseases. With an aging population and increasing screen time in modern lifestyles, eye-related issues are on the rise, placing ophthalmologists among the high earners in the medical field. Salary Bracket: AUD$200,000 to AUD$600,000 annually.

Gastroenterologist These specialists focus on the digestive system and its disorders. With the growing prevalence of gastrointestinal diseases, the expertise of gastroenterologists is essential. Their specialised skills, combined with the need for intricate procedures like endoscopies, position them well in terms of remuneration. Salary Bracket: AUD$200,000 to AUD$550,000 annually.

Radiologist Radiologists interpret medical images, playing a crucial role in diagnostics. The advent of advanced imaging techniques, such as MRIs and PET scans, has made their role even more central to modern medicine. Their critical input in patient diagnosis and treatment plans warrants a high pay grade. Salary Bracket: AUD$250,000 to AUD$550,000 annually.

Dermatologist With Australia's high UV levels and outdoor lifestyle, skin conditions and skin cancer rates are among the highest globally. Dermatologists, who treat skin disorders and cancers, find their expertise highly valued, leading to substantial salaries. Salary Bracket: AUD$200,000 to AUD$500,000 annually.

Anaesthetist Ensuring patients are safely sedated during surgeries is the realm of anaesthetists. Their role is critical to the success of surgeries and the well-being of patients. Given the high stakes of their job, they're well-compensated for their skills and expertise. Salary Bracket: AUD$250,000 to AUD$600,000+ annually.

Obstetricians and Gynaecologists Catering to women's reproductive health and childbirth, these specialists have a role that's pivotal to the continuum of life. The sensitive nature of their work and the skills required for procedures, including caesarean sections and gynaecological surgeries, result in high salaries. Salary Bracket: AUD$200,000 to AUD$550,000 annually.

While they are not the highest-paid, general practitioners are in high demand in Australia and have many job opportunities. Entry-level GPs can expect to earn around $80,000 annually, while highly experienced doctors who own their own practice can earn more than $300,000. PayScale lists the median salary for general practitioners in Australia as $180,609

Doctors working in Australia can expect to be well-remunerated for their work. Locum doctors can up to $3,500 a day and quality of life ranks highly.

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