How much do junior doctors make?

The medical profession in Australia offers a wide range of career opportunities, with junior doctors representing the early stages of this rewarding and demanding field. Salaries for junior doctors in Australia can vary significantly depending on factors such as experience, location, and the type of healthcare facility they work in.

For the purposes of this article, we will explore a junior doctor's or resident medical officer's salary. As mentioned, a doctor's salary often varies depending on their location and whether they are doing permanent or locum work. This article examines the salary range for junior doctors across various Australian cities, New Zealand, and the progression to consultant doctor roles.

How much do junior doctors make in Australia?

Entry-level doctor salary in Australia: As a junior doctor, also known as an entry-level doctor, you can expect to earn a salary that reflects your level of experience and training. In Australia, the average annual salary for an entry-level doctor typically falls between AUD$70,000 to AUD$100,000. Every month, this translates to approximately AUD$5,800 to AUD$8,300 before tax.

How much a junior doctor can make varies, depending on their specialty. The highest-paid specialty in Australia is Surgery closely followed by other in-demand specialties. Explore the specialties and rates of pay in more depth here: Emergency Medicine, General Medicine, Psychiatry, Intensive Care, O&G, Paedatrics, and Anaesthetics.

In Australia, the pay rates for junior doctors vary significantly across different states, reflecting the cost of living and regional needs. These variances are negotiated under different Enterprise Bargaining Agreements (EBAs) specific to each state's health services.

In New South Wales, RMOs can expect to start on an average annual salary of around AUD $79,648. This rate is comparable to Victoria, where the starting salary is approximately AUD $78,500. Queensland offers a slightly higher average entry salary at about AUD $81,000, recognising the demand in rural and remote locations.

Western Australia stands out with a starting salary of approximately AUD $84,000, partly due to its remote areas and the higher cost of living in regions like Perth. South Australia and Tasmania offer competitive packages too, with starting salaries around AUD $77,000 and AUD $75,500, respectively.

Many states offer additional allowances for night shifts, weekends, and public holidays, boosting the potential earnings of RMOs. These financial compensations are important as they acknowledge the challenging hours and critical nature of medical work conducted by junior doctors. Junior doctors are encouraged to explore different states not only based on the financial package but also considering lifestyle preferences, available medical facilities, and specific regional health demands.

Junior doctor salary in Melbourne and Perth

Geographical location plays a significant role in determining the salary of junior doctors. In Melbourne, the average annual wage for a junior doctor ranges from AUD $75,000 to AUD $105,000, while in Perth, the average wage falls within a similar range, from AUD $73,000 to AUD $103,000. The slight variation in salaries between these cities can be attributed to living costs, demand for medical professionals, and the availability of resources.

From urban centres to rural communities, we have job opportunities across the diverse country of Australia. Take a look at some of these key locations and what they have to offer to achieve your career and lifestyle goals.

• Sydney
• Melbourne
• Adelaide
• Perth
• Brisbane
• Gold Coast

Part-time and full-time junior doctor salaries

Junior doctors' working hours can also influence their earnings. Part-time employees may earn a pro-rata salary based on the hours worked. Conversely, full-time junior doctors can expect to earn a higher overall salary, with potential opportunities for overtime and additional allowances.

General practitioner salaries

As junior doctors progress, they may specialise in general practice. On average, a GP in Australia can earn between AUD$200,000 to AUD$350,000 annually, depending on the abovementioned factors. However, these figures can vary significantly. For instance:

• Entry-level GPs: Those who are just starting or have a few years of experience earn somewhere between AUD $100,000 to AUD $150,000. This figure often increases as they gain more experience, build a more extensive patient base, or specialise in specific areas.
• Senior GPs: Experienced GPs, especially those with a specialisation or running successful private practices, can earn on the upper end of the scale, sometimes surpassing the average upper limit.

Consultant doctor salary in Australia

Junior doctors who complete their training and specialise in a specific field may progress to become consultant doctors. These professionals possess advanced skills and expertise and, as such, command higher salaries. The average annual consultant doctor salary in Australia ranges from AUD $200,000 to AUD $500,000, depending on their specialisation and reputation.

Progressing from junior doctor to consultant doctor

The path from junior to consultant doctor requires dedication, hard work, and continuous professional development. In addition to completing their medical degree, junior doctors must undertake an internship, followed by several years of postgraduate training in their chosen field. Once they have obtained the necessary qualifications and registrations, they can pursue a consultant role, which offers increased remuneration and greater responsibility within the healthcare system.

How much do junior doctors make in New Zealand?

A junior doctor in New Zealand makes around $80,000 – $140,000 a year.

In New Zealand, how much a junior doctor makes will depend on their specialty and whether they are undertaking locum or permanent roles. On average, a junior doctor in New Zealand with up to three years of experience can expect to earn a compensation of NZ$65,000 to NZ $145,000 gross per year.

In New Zealand, rates are based mainly on government policies. However, rates can vary due to late notice requirements or high demand for a role.

How can junior doctors make more money?

There are ways a junior doctor can increase earnings through penalty overtime or weekend shifts. Locum work is a great way to earn more by working extra shifts alongside a usual role whilst making sure to keep work and life in balance.

Locuming also provides the opportunity to travel, learn and work in different settings. It could be ideal for junior doctors to discover their preferred working methods and location.

Locum rates vary for several reasons, including the urgency of the shift, the amount of notice provided, public holidays, and the specialty. Rates can also vary between different states and territories.

In Australia, a junior doctor (RMO) can make $90 - $150 on average an hour doing locum work. In some instances, we are seeing RMOs earning up to $200 an hour in 2024.

In New Zealand, a junior doctor (RMO) can make $70 - $115 an hour doing locum work.

Junior doctors can expect to earn a competitive salary that reflects their level of experience and training. Salaries for junior doctors can vary significantly depending on factors such as geographical location, type of healthcare facility, and working hours. As junior doctors progress in their careers and specialise in specific fields, their earning potential increases, with consultant doctors commanding higher salaries due to their advanced skills and expertise. With a commitment to professional growth and development, junior doctors can successfully navigate the medical profession in Australia and New Zealand and enjoy a rewarding and lucrative career.

Want to know more? Check out the resources for junior doctors we've collated in The first year out: Surviving and thriving as a junior doctor.

If you want to learn more about how much you could earn as a junior doctor, register with Medrecruit, and one of our Solution Specialists will contact you to discuss your career, lifestyle, and financial goals and see what opportunities we can provide to help you make them a reality.