What is an anaesthesiologist salary in Australia?


Article by Bethany Rogers22 Apr 2023
doctors hand and stethoscope - doctor salary

Anesthesiologists are among the medical professionals commanding the highest salaries in Australia, reflecting the complexity of their work and the rigorous training required for their role. The exact figure can vary greatly depending on factors such as location, experience, and the specific type of work performed.

On average, the salary for an anesthesiologist in Australia is substantial. It is not uncommon for an anesthesiologist to earn over AU$350,000 per year. This places anesthesiologists among the top earners in the healthcare industry. However, as with any profession, entry-level anesthesiologists can expect to earn less, while those with more experience and advanced skills often command much higher salaries.

When considering anesthesiologist earnings over a year in Australia, it is also crucial to factor in additional elements. These can include on-call duties, overtime, and potential private sector work, which can significantly supplement the base salary. Also, keep in mind that while anesthesiologists earn some of the highest salaries, they also shoulder substantial responsibilities, including patient safety during surgical procedures.

Anaesthesiologists play a critical role in the medical field, ensuring patients receive appropriate pain management and are monitored during surgical procedures. In Australia, the profession is well-regarded, and the salary reflects the importance and expertise required for this role. This article will provide an overview of anaesthesiologists' salaries in Australia, focusing on the consultant anaesthetist's salary and the factors that influence it.

Consultant Anaesthetist salary:

A consultant anaesthetist is an experienced anaesthesiologist who has completed specialised training and holds a senior position within the field. In Australia, consultant anaesthetists can expect to earn a significant income, reflecting their expertise and responsibilities. On average, the consultant anaesthetist's salary ranges from AUD 300,000 to AUD 500,000 per annum, with additional benefits such as professional development allowances, annual leave, and superannuation contributions.

Factors influencing Anaesthesiologists salaries:

Several factors can influence the salary of an anaesthesiologist in Australia, including experience, location, and sector of employment.

Experience: As with many professions, experience plays a crucial role in determining an anaesthesiologist's salary. As they progress through their career, from a registrar to a consultant, their salary typically increases to reflect their growing expertise and responsibilities.

Location: The geographical location of employment can also impact an anaesthesiologist's salary. Salaries in metropolitan areas are generally higher than those in rural or remote regions. However, rural positions may offer additional incentives, such as relocation assistance or housing benefits, to attract qualified professionals.

Sector of Employment: Anaesthesiologists can work in various sectors, including public hospitals, private hospitals, and private practice. Public sector positions may offer more stability and additional benefits, such as government-funded professional development programs. However, private sector roles often provide higher salaries, although they may come with increased responsibility and less job security.

Salary survey insights: Salary surveys conducted by professional organisations and recruitment agencies can provide valuable insights into the earning potential of anaesthesiologists in Australia. These surveys take into account factors such as experience, location, and sector of employment and offer a comprehensive understanding of the salary landscape for anaesthesiologists.

According to a recent salary survey, the median salary for an anaesthesiologist in Australia is approximately AUD 350,000 per annum. This figure can vary widely depending on the factors mentioned above, with some anaesthesiologists earning over AUD 500,000 per year.

Looking at the latest data from the Australian Tax Office, anaesthetists and anesthesiologists in Australia earned an average taxable income of AUD 386,065.

As an anaesthesiologist administers local or general anaesthesia, they play a critical role in patient care and safety during surgical procedures. Their specialised knowledge and skills are highly valued, and their salary reflects this. While the salary range for anaesthesiologists in Australia is extensive, the consultant anaesthetist salary typically falls within the higher end of the spectrum, acknowledging their experience and expertise.

In conclusion, where you’re based, your level of training and other factors can have an impact on how much you earn. But the data is clear: anaesthetics is one of the best-paid medical specialities, vying with a surgeons salary for Australia’s best-paid job.

Anesthesiologist salary Australia per hour:

Anaesthesiologists are highly compensated medical professionals in Australia, and their hourly wage mirrors this. While the exact figure may fluctuate depending on factors such as experience, location, and the specific hospital or clinic, it is useful to look at averages for a broader understanding.

Typically, the average hourly wage of an anaesthesiologist in Australia is around AU$180 to AU$220. However, more experienced anaesthesiologists may earn more than AU$250 per hour, reflecting their specialised skills and years of practice.

Keep in mind that these figures are indicative, and actual earnings can be influenced by factors such as working hours, on-call duties, and additional allowances for night shifts or weekend work. It's also important to note that anaesthesiologists often work irregular hours, including evenings and weekends, which may attract higher pay rates.

This profession demands years of rigorous training and study, but it also offers one of the most lucrative pay scales in the healthcare industry in Australia. Despite the challenges and demands of the role, the high hourly wage is often seen as a testament to the vital role anaesthesiologists play in patient care and surgical procedures.

The salary for locum anaesthetists in Australia is:

The salary of a locum anaesthetist in Australia can vary depending on several factors, such as their level of experience, the location of the job, the duration of the contract, and the nature of the work. However, according to the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA), the current hourly rates for locum anaesthetists in Australia range from around AUD 200 to AUD 300 per hour.

It's worth noting that many locum anaesthetists also receive additional benefits as part of their compensation package, such as travel and accommodation expenses, professional development opportunities, and the ability to work flexible schedules. Locum anaesthetists may be able to negotiate higher rates depending on their qualifications and experience.

It's always best to research current rates and negotiate directly with potential employers or locum agencies to get a clear understanding of the compensation package offered for a specific job opportunity.

At Medrecruit we are seeing consultant anaesthetists earning day rates of between AUD 2,000 – AUD 3,500 in total compensation per day

Are anaesthetists in demand in Australia?

Anaesthetists are in demand in Australia. According to the Australian Government Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business, anaesthetists are listed as a "highly sought-after occupation" in Australia, with strong employment growth projected over the next few years.

There are a few factors driving the demand for anaesthetists in Australia. One is the ageing population, which is increasing the demand for healthcare services across the board. Additionally, there is a growing demand for elective surgeries, and anaesthetists play a crucial role in ensuring these procedures are carried out safely.

Overall, anaesthetists are well-respected and highly valued members of the healthcare system in Australia, and the demand for their services is expected to remain strong in the years to come.

Looking to gain experience and further your career in anesthesiology? Work with us to find top-paying roles in a range of subspecialties. We’ve got jobs in anaesthetics for doctors and specialists at different stages in their careers. Join us to discover the next step in your career.

How anaesthetists can increase their salary:

Anaesthetists’ highly specialist skills are in demand. With surgical procedures on the rise, the need for anaesthetists across both private and public hospitals is rising too, this means anaesthetists have many opportunities to earn good money.

Anesthesiology in Australia is highly developed and has some of the highest practice standards in the world. Significant investment in facilities means 2023 is a great time to be an anaesthetist: you have excellent training opportunities and access to the latest equipment.

Here’s how anaesthetists could increase their salary:

Keep training and upskilling. An Anaesthetist with years of experience earns more than a new consultant, but you can earn more by upskilling. Though there are many job opportunities for anaesthetists, it’s those with the most skills and experience who earn the big bucks.

It’s not all about exams and textbooks! Teach yourself to cultivate important ‘soft’ skills like communication and the ability to work in a team.
Train in a subspecialty. As well as general anaesthetics, you could train in a subspecialty like paediatrics, neuro-anaesthesia, ICU cover, cardiac, obstetrics or pain management.
Gain unique experiences. Locuming enables you to take on different roles across Australia. This helps you gain unique experiences and build a well-rounded CV that’ll help you get the top anaesthetist jobs.

The salary of an anaesthesiologist in Australia is influenced by factors such as experience, location, and sector of employment. The consultant anaesthetist salary is particularly attractive, reflecting the seniority and expertise required for this role. As the demand for skilled anaesthesiologists continues to grow, the earning potential for those in the field remains promising.

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Bethany Rogers
Article by Bethany RogersMedrecruit Editor