General practice in Australia (as a family doctor or general practitioner, GP) is a well-remunerated profession, but with significant variations based on experience, location (urban vs. rural), type of practice (private/public), and extra responsibilities. Below is the most accurate updated information on salaries, conditions, training, etc., for 2025.
A doctor with little experience (new general practitioner) typically makes between AUD $150,000 – $250,000 per year, depending on the state and practice. An experienced doctor can make between AUD $250,000 – $400,000+ per year. In rural or remote areas, with incentives, earnings can be significantly higher.
A doctor without experience makes approximately AUD $150,000 – $250,000 per year, while an experienced doctor, such as those in private practice or rural areas, can make around AUD $250,000 – $400,000+ per year. Salaries vary by state and sector, with higher earnings in remote regions or private practices.
A new or recently certified general practitioner makes approximately AUD $150,000 – $200,000 per year (~AUD $12,500 - $16,700 per month), before taxes and excluding extras like on-call duties or rural incentives.
With years of practice, a good patient load, private practice, or rural/remote locations, doctors can make AUD $300,000 – $400,000+ per year (~AUD $25,000 - $33,000+ per month).
Doctors typically work 40 hours per week, but with on-call duties, weekend shifts, or after-hours work, this can extend to 45–50 hours.
| State/Territory | Doctor Without Experience (AUD/Year) | Experienced Doctor (AUD/Year) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New South Wales (NSW) | $150,000 - $180,000 | $280,000 - $400,000+ | Rural incentives; high competition in cities. |
| Victoria (VIC) | $150,000 - $180,000 | $280,000 - $380,000+ | High cost of living in Melbourne. |
| Queensland (QLD) | $160,000 - $200,000 | $300,000 - $450,000+ | Bonuses in remote northern regions. |
| Western Australia (WA) | $150,000 - $200,000 | $300,000 - $400,000+ | Greater incentives in remote areas. |
| South Australia (SA) | $140,000 - $180,000 | $260,000 - $350,000+ | Differences between Adelaide and regions. |
| Tasmania (TAS) | $130,000 - $170,000 | $250,000 - $350,000+ | Benefits in remote rural zones. |
| Australian Capital Territory (ACT) | $150,000 - $200,000 | $300,000 - $400,000+ | Competitive pay in Canberra. |
| Northern Territory (NT) | $170,000 - $220,000 | $350,000 - $500,000+ | High incentives due to isolation and demand. |
Note: Salaries in remote areas like NT and QLD are higher due to incentives and demand.
In New South Wales, a doctor without experience makes approximately AUD $150,000 - $180,000 per year, while an experienced doctor makes AUD $280,000 - $400,000+ per year. Rural areas offer additional incentives due to high demand.
In Victoria, a doctor without experience makes approximately AUD $150,000 - $180,000 per year, while an experienced doctor makes AUD $280,000 - $380,000+ per year. Melbourne's high cost of living influences competitive pay.
In Queensland, a doctor without experience makes approximately AUD $160,000 - $200,000 per year, while an experienced doctor makes AUD $300,000 - $450,000+ per year. Remote northern regions provide significant bonuses.
In Western Australia, a doctor without experience makes approximately AUD $150,000 - $200,000 per year, while an experienced doctor makes AUD $300,000 - $400,000+ per year. Remote areas offer greater incentives.
In South Australia, a doctor without experience makes approximately AUD $140,000 - $180,000 per year, while an experienced doctor makes AUD $260,000 - $350,000+ per year. Differences exist between Adelaide and regional areas.
In Tasmania, a doctor without experience makes approximately AUD $130,000 - $170,000 per year, while an experienced doctor makes AUD $250,000 - $350,000+ per year. Benefits are available in remote rural zones.
In Australian Capital Territory, a doctor without experience makes approximately AUD $150,000 - $200,000 per year, while an experienced doctor makes AUD $300,000 - $400,000+ per year. Competitive pay in Canberra.
In Northern Territory, a doctor without experience makes approximately AUD $170,000 - $220,000 per year, while an experienced doctor makes AUD $350,000 - $500,000+ per year. High incentives due to isolation and demand.
Public Sector:
Private Sector:
The career path to becoming a general practitioner in Australia takes approximately 10–12 years: a 5–6 year medical degree, a 1-year internship (PGY1), 1–2 years of residency, and 3–4 years of General Practice Training through the Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) program. Registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and fellowship with the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) are required.
Entry requires competitive exams (e.g., UCAT for undergraduate or GAMSAT for graduate entry) and high academic performance. Training includes clinical rotations and supervised practice.
Australia is home to world-class medical schools. Top institutions include:
Choosing a school depends on location, entry requirements, and focus (research, clinical practice, or rural health).
Studying medicine in Australia varies significantly between domestic and international students. Below is a cost breakdown for 2025:
| Item | Domestic Students | International Students | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition (annual) | AUD $10,000 – $60,000 | AUD $40,000 – $95,000 | Domestic fees subsidized via Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP); international fees vary by university. |
| Total Cost (5–6 years) | AUD $50,000 – $360,000 | AUD $200,000 – $570,000 | Excludes additional expenses; HECS-HELP loans for domestic students. |
| Accommodation and Food (annual) | AUD $20,000 – $30,000 | AUD $20,000 – $30,000 | Higher in Sydney/Melbourne; lower in smaller cities. |
| Books and Materials (annual) | AUD $1,000 – $2,000 | AUD $1,000 – $2,000 | Includes textbooks, medical equipment (e.g., stethoscopes). |
Domestic students can access HECS-HELP loans to cover tuition and living costs, repayable after graduation based on income. International students often rely on scholarships, personal funds, or loans. Costs are higher in major cities like Sydney and Melbourne.
A doctor’s salary in Australia in 2025 depends on experience and location:
While studying medicine in Australia is costly and demanding, the career offers significant growth opportunities and high earning potential, especially in rural areas and private practice.
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