What is the Junior Doctor Salary in Australia and How Can Locum Work Boost It?

8 min read | Locum Pay & Rates | October 2026

TL;DR: Junior doctors in Australia earn significantly more than the national statutory minimum due to state enterprise agreements, with NSW interns earning $76,009 annually (NSW Health). Locum work can further enhance their earnings, offering rates between A$200 to A$300 per hour across all specialties (StatDoctor). However, locums must manage their own superannuation, tax, and insurance, which impacts net income.

How much do junior doctors earn in Australia?

Junior doctors in Australia typically earn more than the statutory minimum due to state enterprise agreements. For example, interns in New South Wales (NSW) earn $76,009 annually, which is significantly above the national award minimum of $63,420 (NSW Health). As doctors progress through their training, salaries increase with experience: NSW residents can earn between $89,095 and $120,489 annually (NSW Health).

What are the typical locum pay rates for junior doctors?

Locum work offers junior doctors the opportunity to earn higher hourly rates. The median advertised locum rate across all specialties is approximately A$250 per hour, with typical rates ranging from A$200 to A$300 (StatDoctor). This flexibility allows doctors to supplement their income substantially, especially in high-demand areas like Emergency Medicine, where the median rate is A$220 per hour (StatDoctor).

How does locum work impact a junior doctor's overall income?

While locum work offers the potential for higher earnings, junior doctors must account for additional costs. Unlike salaried positions, locums act as independent contractors, responsible for funding their own superannuation, income tax, and professional indemnity insurance (StatDoctor). This can reduce net income despite higher gross pay. For instance, the median locum rate in Queensland is A$300 per hour, but after self-funding these expenses, the take-home pay is lower than the gross rate suggests (StatDoctor).

What factors influence locum pay rates across Australia?

Locum pay rates vary significantly based on location, specialty, and demand. Regional areas often offer higher rates to attract doctors, as seen in Queensland where locums earn a median rate of A$300 per hour (StatDoctor). Conversely, urban areas may offer lower rates due to higher competition among doctors. Specialty demand also affects rates; for example, Gastroenterology locums earn a median of A$325 per hour (StatDoctor) due to high demand.

[PRO TIP] Pro tip: When choosing locum opportunities, consider both the pay rate and the cost of living in the area to accurately assess the financial benefit.