Doctor salary guide: How to compare job offers using take-home pay

Understanding your doctor salary offer

When you receive a doctor salary offer, it's easy to focus on the annual figure. But what actually reaches your bank account depends on tax, the Medicare levy, and whether super is included. This guide helps you compare offers using take-home pay.

The award minimums

Under the Medical Practitioners Award 2020, minimum annual salaries for full-time doctors (38 hours per week) are set by classification. Fair Work publishes these rates, and they apply from 1 July 2026. Key examples:

• Intern: $66,432
• Resident (pay point 1): $70,529
• Registrar (pay point 1): $80,248
• Senior registrar (pay point 1): $104,874
• Career medical practitioner (pay point 1): $105,951
• Senior career medical practitioner (pay point 1): $119,852
• Specialist: $121,535
• Senior specialist (pay point 1): $129,953

These are minimums. Many doctors earn above award, especially in private practice or with experience. Always check the classification and pay point in your contract.

From gross to take-home

Your take-home pay is your salary after income tax and the Medicare levy. For 2026–27, the tax rates are:

• $0–$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
• $190,001+: $51,370 plus 45c per $1 over $190,000

You also pay the Medicare levy at 2% of taxable income, unless you earn below the single threshold of $28,011 (no levy) or between $28,011 and $35,013 (shaded rate of 10c per $1 over $28,011). The Low Income Tax Offset (LITO) can reduce tax by up to $700 for incomes under $37,500.

For example, a specialist on $121,535 would pay roughly $27,000 in tax and $2,431 in Medicare levy, leaving about $92,104 per year or $3,542 per fortnight. Use our Take-home pay guide to estimate your own figures.

Super is extra

From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12%. Most job ads quote a salary "plus super", meaning super is paid on top. If an offer says $120,000 plus super, your total remuneration is $134,400, but your take-home is based on the $120,000. Always clarify whether super is included in the quoted figure.

Comparing job offers

When comparing two doctor salary offers, look beyond the base. Consider:

• Allowances and penalties: The award includes allowances for on-call, recall to duty, and managerial duties. These add to your gross income.
• Salary packaging: Public hospitals often allow salary packaging for cars, laptops, or mortgage payments, reducing your taxable income.
• Location and hours: Rural or after-hours work may attract higher rates.

To compare fairly, calculate the after-tax amount for each offer. Our Clearance tool can help you input different scenarios. Also check the Tax and Medicare page for the latest thresholds.

A note on the Medicare levy surcharge

If you earn above $93,000 (single) and don't have appropriate private hospital cover, you may pay an extra 1% to 1.5% Medicare levy surcharge. This is not included in the standard estimate, so factor it in if applicable.

Key takeaways

• Your doctor salary is just the starting point. Tax and Medicare can take 25–35% depending on your bracket.
• Award minimums provide a floor, but actual pay varies by role, experience, and employer.
• Always check whether super is on top or included, and whether allowances are paid.
• Use take-home pay to compare offers, not the headline figure.

For more benchmarks, see our Benchmarks page. And remember, this is an estimate – your actual tax assessment may differ due to deductions, HELP repayments, or other factors.