How much do locum jobs in Australia pay?

Australia is a very fortunate country and is one of the best places in the world to be a doctor, especially for the high standards of practice and competitive salaries. Below we take a look at the locum doctors salaries in Australia and how they compare to a permanent doctors role, and what other benefits are involved when working as a locum doctor in Australia.

Generally, hourly rates for locum doctors around Australia can be anywhere beginning at $120 per hour to roughly $400 per hour, putting locum doctors salaries at one of the best paying jobs in the country. A full time role equivalent to this would generally range anywhere between $250,000 to $750,000 or more. Variation in salary generally depends on the level of experience, location of the hospital and the doctor’s specialty. 

As an example, locum roles in rural hospitals generally pay more than a locum job in a city location, or a locum doctor who works as an anaesthetist is more likely to be on the higher end of the pay scale than those who work in general medicine. 

The option to travel as a locum doctor is also a big draw card for many who enjoy a change of scenery, as well as international doctors who want to experience life down under.

 

What determines a locum doctors’ pay rate?

There are several standards and policies throughout Australia that determine a locum doctor’s salary within the public sector. These factors may vary throughout the states, regions or even at specific hospitals, although quite often these roles also come with travel and accommodation allowances, as generally locum roles are outside any major cities. 

Salaries in the private sector are generally much higher than in the public sector. Some doctors in particular specialties can earn well into the millions if they have good referral networks.

As an example, the salary for a locum position in a Queensland public hospital is set according to the Queensland Health Locum Arrangements and Conditions policy. The pay rate is also determined by the doctor’s level of experience and the hospital’s location. Comparatively, the pay rates for junior locum doctor based in NSW would be governed by the NSW Junior Doctor Locum Rates Policy.

How do locum pay rates compare to permanent doctor salaries in Australia?

Generally, locum doctors’ pay rates are higher than those of permanent doctors simply because of the casual nature of the work. Pay rates are also generally higher for locum doctors in specialisations that are of a higher demand such as emergency medicine, anaesthetics or psychiatry positions.  

In the same token, permanent doctors salaries also depend on a range of factors including experience, specialisation, or hospital location. Typically you could expect a base salary for a permanent doctor role to range from $80,000 for a resident to $600,000 for a specialised senior doctor or consultant, which can of course be further increased through a wider scope of practice and experience. 

 

Other benefits of locum jobs in Australia

On top of the attractive salary, working in a locum position in Australia can be great in many ways. This type of work is renowned for a strong work-life balance, which is even more pronounced in a locum role. Doctors have complete control over where they work, and when, giving a great amount of flexibility to move between part-time and full-time hours, taking on extra shifts or building your own schedule around your lifestyle. 

Locum shifts are the perfect way to build experience in a range of environments and situations, helping to develop or maintain your clinical skills in a range of disciplines while you study to gain fellowship. Occasionally specialist or permanent roles are hard to find, so by doing locum shift work you can maintain your professional development throughout your search for the perfect role or location. 

By choosing the locum career path you are opening yourself up to a world of new experience that you generally would not have the chance to experience in a city hospital. This environment is great for those who love taking on new challenges, especially ones that may have not been considered previously, allowing room for fresh perspective and expanded career opportunities as you are exposed to new people, networks, environments and disciplines. 

The flexibility to travel around Australia as a part of locum work is a big draw card for many Australian doctors, especially those who enjoy a change of scenery or for those international doctors who want to experience working in Australia. Locum doctors also have the benefits of choosing either public or private hospitals, with roles ranging in duration from a few days to months. The perfect ‘working holiday’ opportunity, and a great choice from those finishing their study and looking for a foot in the door, locum work is a great way to see what Australia has to offer. 

 

How do I become a locum doctor?

If working in a locum position sounds like the perfect next step for you, the team at Jon & Jon are here to find the perfect locum role for you. To learn more, reach out to one of our consultants today.