Understanding your cardiologist salary: gross, package, and take-home pay

What a cardiologist salary really means

When you search for a cardiologist salary, you'll see figures that can be confusing. Is that figure your gross pay? Does it include super? What ends up in your bank account after tax and the Medicare levy? This guide clears up the mix-ups so you know what to expect.

The numbers behind the cardiologist salary

Jobs and Skills Australia reports that there are about 1,100 cardiologists employed nationally, with a median age of 47 and 19% female. However, they do not publish median weekly earnings for this 6-digit occupation. The most recent public data on cardiologist income comes from the Australian Taxation Office's 2023–24 taxation statistics. For cardiology (ANZSCO 253312), the ATO shows an average taxable income of $552,812 and a median of $490,520, based on 1,065 taxpayers. Remember, taxable income is after work-related deductions, not your gross salary.

Gross salary vs. package vs. take-home

A common confusion is between the gross salary quoted in a contract and the total package that includes superannuation. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% of your ordinary time earnings, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830. If your contract says "$500,000 plus super", your base salary is $500,000 and super is on top. If it says "$500,000 including super", your base is about $446,429 and super is $53,571. Always check which wording is used.

Your take-home pay is what remains after income tax and the Medicare levy. For the 2026–27 tax year, the resident tax rates are:

• Up to $18,200: nil
• $18,201–$45,000: 15c per $1 over $18,200
• $45,001–$135,000: $4,020 plus 30c per $1 over $45,000
• $135,001–$190,000: $31,020 plus 37c per $1 over $135,000
• Over $190,000: $51,370 plus 45c per $1 over $190,000

The Medicare levy is 2% of your taxable income, with reduced rates for singles earning between $28,011 and $35,013 (the latest published thresholds). Full-time cardiologists will pay the full 2%.

Estimating your take-home

Let's use the ATO median taxable income of $490,520 as an example (though your actual salary may differ). On that amount, the tax would be approximately $181,870 (using the above rates) plus Medicare of $9,810, leaving about $298,840. But this is a rough estimate. Your actual take-home depends on your exact income, deductions, and whether you have HELP/HECS debt or salary sacrifice arrangements. For a more accurate picture, use our Take-home pay calculator.

Why the cardiologist salary varies so much

The ATO data shows a gap of $62,292 between average and median, indicating a skewed distribution. Some cardiologists earn much more, especially those in private practice or with interventional subspecialties. The Medical Money analysis (based on ATO data) lists cardiology as a "private" mix specialty, meaning a higher proportion of income comes from private billing. This can push earnings well above the median. Conversely, public hospital cardiologists may earn less but have more predictable hours and benefits.

What about super and salary packaging?

Super is not deducted from your take-home pay; it's an employer contribution on top. If you salary package items like a car or laptop, your taxable income reduces, which can increase take-home. However, the Medicare levy surcharge may apply if you don't have appropriate private hospital cover. See our Salary packaging guide for details.

Key takeaways

• The cardiologist salary you see quoted is often gross income, not take-home.
• The ATO's 2023–24 median taxable income for cardiologists was $490,520, but current salaries vary.
• Always check whether super is included in the quoted figure.
• Use our Tax and Medicare guide to understand your obligations.
• For a personalised estimate, try the Take-home pay tool.

Remember, this is a guide only and not a tax assessment. Consult a qualified accountant for your specific situation.