GP Salary Australia – Find out what your GP income will be

How much do GPs earn in Australia?

You may be thinking about relocating to Australia and want to know more about your GP salary in Australia. We discuss General Practitioner salaries and give you some guidance on what you can expect.

GPs in Australia generally earn a good income and can afford a comfortable lifestyle. In the majority of cases, GPs relocating from the UK earn at least the same for doing less hours per week. One of our doctors has described working in Australia

‘I have found the working conditions, flexibility, capacity for earning and, above all, lifestyle for my family and I to be far superior to my experience in the UK’

Australia GP Salary

Rather than being paid a fixed GP salary, you will earn a percentage of billings.  The income you receive will very much depend on the number of patients you see but also upon the complexity of the consultations.

Factors which will affect your GP salary

  • The percentage of billings you receive
  • The number of hours you work
  • The number of patients you see
  • How many weeks annual leave you take
  • The type of patient you are treating ie which Medicare Billing item number you use

General practices in Australia operate as private businesses, either owned by a single GP, GP Partners or larger companies.

Australia Bulk Billing

A bulk billing clinic is one where the practice bills Medicare for the full payment of the patient consultation. The patient presents a Medicare card and is not required to pay towards the consultation.

Medicare is a public health insurance scheme funded by the Australian Government, which provides all Australians, and those with eligible Medicare cards, with access to free or subsidised healthcare.

 

Private Billing GP Practice

A privately billing GP practice is one where the majority, if not all, patients are billed privately and the patient pays the fee directly to the practice. These practices are more rare as most offer some bulk billing to patients such as young children or health care card holders.

Mixed Billing

This is where the practice accepts bulk billing consultations as above but will also charge patients for consultations. Usually, patients who are under 16, over 65 and hold health cards are bulk billed and everyone else is private billed. The standard consultation fee for the practice will remain the same. The proportion of fully bulk billed patients has fallen from 66% in 2018 to just over 64% in 2022.

Operating as a private business, GPs are free to determine reasonable fees that are reflective of the services they provide. Most GP practices in Australia now offer mixed billing as standard.

GP Percentage of Billings

As a GP you will be offered somewhere in the region of 60 – 70% of the total billings you generate for the practice. The private consultation fee for the practice will remain the same however the bulk billing fee will vary dependent on the type of consultation.  A standard bulk billing consultation is currently $41.20 AUD however any additional treatment you provide above this is charged as an add on. Minor surgery, chronic disease management, dermatology and skin and health assessments will substantially increase the billings you achieve.

If you are working full time and seeing 4-6 patients per hour you can expect to earn a GP salary upwards of $250K AUD per year. The potential income is really high with some of our GPs easily earning between $300 – $400K AUD and upwards.

It can take 3-6 months to build up your patient base and become fully booked. It may be much quicker but practices offer you a minimum guarantee for the first 3 months whilst you build your patient base. This guarantee is usually $120 – $150 per hour.

GPs we’ve placed in Australia find that their GP salary is far higher than what they earn in the UK and have much more control over what they earn.

GP Tax Rate Australia

Working in Australia, you are classed as a resident for tax purposes.

The following rates for 2023 – 2024

Taxable income                      Tax on this income
0 – $18,200                                   Nil
$18,201 – $45,000                      19%
$45,001 – $120,000                    32.5%
$120,001 – $180,000                  37%
$180,001 and over                        45%

Further Reading

GP Tax System in Australia

Is there an Age Limit for GPs?

Useful websites
Medicare
Medicare Benefits Schedule
Australian Tax Office

Review of DPA Jobs for GPs

What are Distribution Priority Areas (DPA for GPs)?

The Australian Government have a classification system known as Distribution Priority Area (DPA). All overseas trained GPs are required to work in these areas to access a Medicare provider number.

When classifying an area as DPA, the Department of Health take into consideration a range of factors such as demographics of patients and the socio economic status of patients living in a GP catchment area.

The DPA system considers demographics such as age and gender of patients and socio-economic status of patients living in a GP catchment area. It also considers the Medicare billings for the area compared to the benchmark for DPA.

The DPA also applies a number of blanket rules:

  • Inner metropolitan areas are automatically deemed non-DPA
  • Modified Monash (MM) 5 – 7 are automatically deemed DPA
  • Northern Territory is automatically deemed DPA

Changes to DPA Locations

The DPA map is updated each year in July. The DPA classification can change due to the changes in the workforce, or a change in the local population. Each year, some areas can lose and gain their DPA status. Removal of a DPA area is due to the area having a positive increase in the GP services for patients.

We anticipate the GP DPA map to change from the 1st July 2023. Although there is no guarantee of DPA areas losing or gaining status, we expect there will be some changes.

Current Australia GP Jobs

All our current GP vacancies are in DPA locations. This may change in the coming weeks so if you are interested in any specific GP jobs, particularly if they are close to the main cities then please do get in touch to discuss your circumstances.

Is there an age limit for GPs in Australia?

Age Limit for GPs in Australia and New Zealand

A question we’re asked so often is ‘am I too old to work in Australia or New Zealand, or ‘what is the age limit for working as a GP in Australia or New Zealand?

The answer is, there is no age limit. We have helped GPs ranging from newly qualified doctors through to GPs who have reached retirement, not ready to stop work and fancy a working holiday in New Zealand.

GP practices in Australia and New Zealand struggle to recruit within the home countries as there is a shortage of locally qualified doctors. GPs from the UK and Ireland and other comparable countries settle into life down under easily due to the comparability of training and experience.

Age Limit for Visas for Australia and New Zealand

It is likely that the first visa you apply for in either country is a temporary work visa. This is the fastest, cheapest and most straightforward way of working as a GP in Australia or New Zealand. Once you’ve secured a GP job, we will help you with your medical registration and visa applications. A temporary work visa allows you to start work and get to know the lifestyle and work environment first hand before committing to a more permanent visa. There is no age limit for temporary work visas for GPs in Australia or New Zealand. There are other factors you must meet such as health and good standing requirements which we can discuss in further detail.

Age Limit for Permanent Visas for GPs

If you are interested in applying for permanent residency then one of our Immigration Advisors can advise on the most appropriate route to PR in Australia or New Zealand.

There are upper age limits when applying for permanent residency which will depend on the type of visa applied for. To be eligible to apply for the Straight to Residence visa in New Zealand then you must apply before the age of 56.  To apply for the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) then you must be under the age of 45. There are however other options and exemptions apply if you are sponsored by the practice and can meet other criteria. We have many doctors after the age of 45 who apply using this pathway/

Our specialist Immigration Advisors can advise on your individual circumstances. For more information please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Further Reading

Straight to Residence Visa for New Zealand

Visas for Doctors in Australia

 

Radiology Consultant Jobs – New Zealand

Radiology Consultant Jobs in New Zealand

We are now recruiting Radiology Consultants in New Zealand! Transition Medical has been established as the ‘go to’ agency for GPs relocating to New Zealand and Australia for many years now. We have built up successful relationships with medical practices across both countries and have helped many GPs make their dream a reality.

We are now expanding our services to help Radiologists who are wishing to have a working holiday in New Zealand or to make NZ their permanent home.

We’re been contacted by the Health Board in New Zealand who are looking for various Consultant level positions across Aotearoa.

We have vacancies in private practice and Public hospitals across New Zealand. You’ll have the opportunity to gain experience in a different health care system, work with some great teams whilst enjoying a great income and work / life balance.

If you or someone you know may be interested or want to find out more please do get in touch.

Working as a Radiologist in New Zealand

New Zealand is consistently rated as a country with one of the highest qualities of life in the world. It offers a safe environment for the whole family offering a great outdoor lifestyle.

New Zealand has a mild climate, moderate rainfall and many hours of sunshine. The weather varies across the county, with the warmest weather in the northern part of the North Island with subtropical climate. Many places such as Bay of Plenty, Hawkes Bay and Nelson / Marlborough receiving over 2000 hours of sunshine every year.

You can choose to work full or part time with minimum hours being 30 per week to meet visa requirements. There are no restrictions on where you can practise in New Zealand so you can choose to live and work in the city, somewhere coastal or rural.

For more information please do get in touch with one of our team to find out more.

Further Reading:

Find out more about the ‘Fast track’ pathway to Residency for Doctors in New Zealand

Cost of Living for Doctors working in New Zealand

 

Permanent Visa for Doctors New Zealand

Straight to Residence Visa for GPs to New Zealand

Last year in 2022 saw the introduction of the Straight to Residence Visa. This is a fairly new pathway which allows migrants apply for residency in New Zealand from overseas.

You can apply for this visa if you either currently work for an accredited employer or if you are overseas and hold a job offer with an accredited employer and your role is on the Tier 1 Green List.

“The Straight to Residence pathway provides an incentive for migrants who have skills in hard-to-fill, nationally significant roles that New Zealand needs to speed up our economic growth,” Michael Wood, NZ’s Immigration Minister said.

Snapshot of NZ Residence Visa for Doctors

  • Allows you to live and work in New Zealand indefinitely
  • You must be 55 and under to apply
  • Application cost $4290 in NZ or $4890 if applying from the UK
  • Include your Partner and any dependent children under the age of 24
  • Must have a job offer from a NZ Employer

As a GP you are on the Tier 1 Green List any job we help you find will be with an Accredited Employer. This will give you the option to apply for this fast track Straight to Residence Visa.

Visa application Processing Times

When this visa was announced last year there were no processing times, however Immigration New Zealand have now published that 90% of these visas are being processed in 76 days and 50% of visas are being processed in 35 days.

The current processing time is still longer than the Accredited work visa (temporary) however with the relatively short processing times, this makes it a viable option for doctors working overseas wishing to make NZ their permanent home.

Can I apply for NZ Permanent Residency?

As a doctor thinking about relocating to New Zealand, you may be going on a working holiday or wishing to make NZ your permanent home.

The first step is to chat to Emma about looking for a GP job in New Zealand, your timeframes for moving, your family and how this all fits in with a permanent move.

This visa will require additional supporting documents such as birth certificates, police certificates and English language requirements which of course, will take a bit more time and planning.

Find out More about Permanent Visas for Doctors

Are you interested and would like further information? Our Immigration Advisor, Nicola, is happy to discuss and give advice on the best visa pathway for yourself and your family. Please do get in touch either filling in our contact form or getting in touch with one of our team. 

Further Reading

Find out more about the Cost of Living for a GP living in New Zealand

More information on the Registration pathways for Doctors in New Zealand

How to prepare financially for moving to New Zealand

 

 

 

The Cost of Living in New Zealand as a Doctor

How Does the Cost of Living and Working as a Doctor in New Zealand Compare to the UK?

Before you begin looking for GP jobs in New Zealand, you may want to consider the costs of living and working as a GP in New Zealand. Many of our GPs decide to move to New Zealand due to its warm climate, amazing scenery and the fabulous work/life balance available to doctors. We’ll discuss some of the basic expenses and costs to consider before accepting a GP job in New Zealand.

New Zealand Doctor Salary

New Zealand offers attractive doctor salaries. As you won’t need to pay high taxes (most of your income is taxed at maximum of 30 or 33%) or National Insurance contributions, your salary will go even further. On average, General Practitioners salaries vary between NZ$180 – $200K depending on experience and location. With an average wage of around £100K, GPs will easily be able to afford a comfortable lifestyle.

Relocation & Accommodation Assistance for Doctors

Many GP jobs in New Zealand offer additional financial support to help with relocation. These are generally subject to negotiation and will need to be worked out with your employer. Many practices cover the cost of your practicing certificate and professional indemnity fees and we can negotiate relocation assistance for you.

New Zealand Housing Costs

Due to a recent housing boom, the cost of buying a home in some areas is higher than in the UK. Auckland is one of the most expensive places to buy property in New Zealand, with average prices reaching NZD$1.3 million at the end of 2021 However, the majority of our doctors relocate to other areas of New Zealand across the North and South Island further afield from Auckland where rental and house prices are much more affordable. 

Living Costs for GPs in New Zealand

Some basic living costs are much cheaper in New Zealand than here in the UK while others are a little more expensive. In this ever changing world of cost of living it’s a difficult one to quantify however we find our GPs have a great standard of living.

Working in New Zealand as a Doctor

The demand for skilled workers in New Zealand is very high and we currently have plenty of GP jobs available across New Zealand. Our GPs report more favourable working conditions than in the UK as they are often given more time to study and are required to work fewer hours. On average, doctors in New Zealand are only expected to work 32 hours across four days. As a result, working in New Zealand as a GP often provides a better work/life balance and living standard than working in the UK.

Speak to Our GP Medical Recruitment Specialists

Thinking about relocating to New Zealand? Our experienced medical recruitment specialists are here to help. We can advise on everything from visa queries to questions about the cost of living in New Zealand. Speak to us today to get started on your move down under or browse some of our excellent GP jobs New Zealand.

Other Blogs about Working in New Zealand as a GP

8 Benefits of Moving to New Zealand

Discover some of the most common reasons you should consider moving to New Zealand. From more time with patients to a better work/life balance, read about the benefits of working in New Zealand as a doctor.

What is Life like for GPs in New Zealand

Read out guide here to find out what it’s like to work as a GP in New Zealand. From the Medical Registration process to visas for New Zealand, we’ll answer some of the questions you may have.

Day in the Life of a GP

We spoke to two GPs we placed in New Zealand last year to find out more about how they find how life in different in New Zealand as a GP compared to the UK.

Useful Links

Cost of Living NZ

Cost of Living Calculator

GP Registration in New Zealand

Can I work in New Zealand as a GP?

If you’re currently working as a GP and are interested in relocating to New Zealand to work as a GP, you will have questions about whether your training and education pathway is transferable to allow you to gain registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ)

 New Zealand Medical Registration Pathways

There are three pathways to medical registration in New Zealand. These are suitable for not only GPs but other specialties of doctors.

  • General Scope
  • Vocational Scope
  • Special Purpose Scope (Locum Tenens)

We will discuss the General Scope specifically in this blog.

NZ General Scope

The route Transition Medical most commonly use to assist our GPs apply for medical registration in New Zealand. Overseas trained GPs can apply for General Scope using either the Competent Authority Pathway or the Comparable Health pathway.

Competent Authority Pathway

You can apply for registration using this pathway if you hold your primary medical degree from either the UK or Ireland and have completed your internship from either country.

Comparable Health Pathway

The Medical Council recognises 24 countries as being comparable. You can apply for registration via this pathway if you have recent experience in a comparable health system. If you are currently working as a GP in the UK but completed your medical degree elsewhere, this is the pathway we will use for registration. If you’re currently working in one of the countries listed below, we will also use this pathway for your registration.

Current List of Comparable Health countries

To meet the criteria for Comparable Health, you must hold the following:

  • An acceptable primary medical qualification
  • Have practised clinically for at least 33 months out of the last 48 months for a minimum of 20 hours in a comparable health system
  • Have practised in the same area of medicine for those 33 months
  • Hold current full or general registration in your comparable health system

OR

  • Have completed a formal postgraduate GP training programme and been awarded a postgraduate qualification in general practice in a comparable health system within the preceding three years immediately prior to application; and
  • Have practised in a comparable health system, for at least 33 months (for at least 30 hours per week) of the 48 months prior to application, including at least 18 months (full-time equivalent) of practice in general practice and
  • Hold current full or general registration with the regulatory authority

If you hold a GP qualification and / or experience from one of the countries listed above and would like to find out more, get in touch with our team today to discuss further.

Further Reading

An overview of the Registration pathway and what practices are looking for in GPs moving

Find out more about what the cost of living is like as a GP in New Zealand

How are you supported into GP practice in New Zealand

8 Benefits for GPs moving to New Zealand

 

 

 

Finding a GP Job in New Zealand?

Can I work as a GP in New Zealand?

New Zealand is consistently rated as a country with one of the highest qualities of life in the world. It offers a safe environment for the whole family offering a great outdoor lifestyle.  New Zealand is an increasing multicultural society that appeals due to its diversity, laid back way of life and temperate climate.

As a GP working in New Zealand, you can expect a better work / life balance with more time with patients and a supportive work environment. Most GPs work 4 days per week with plenty of time off with your family or to explore what New Zealand has to offer.

Can I find a GP job in New Zealand?

GPs are in high demand in NZ, with an increasing shortage due to a retiring population. You can work in any location in any practice, with no limitations over where and when you can work. GPs earn an excellent salary which is 3-4 times that of the average income in New Zealand affording you a great lifestyle.

We have a huge demand from our medical centres for comparable GPs who can help them meet their patient demand. We have GP Jobs in New Zealand including Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch plus rural and regional towns and cities.  You’re never far from the coast or the mountains and it’s a fairly easy country to travel round with a great climate.

What qualifications do I need?

To be eligible to work as a GP in New Zealand, you must hold a GP qualification. This can be either from the UK, Ireland or Australia or from one of the comparable countries. If you have this and would like to find out more, please do get in touch with our team to discuss further.

What are NZ General Practices looking for?

Due to the shortage of GPs in New Zealand there are currently over 100 GP jobs in New Zealand. Practices look to the UK or Ireland or from one of the Medical Council of New Zealand’s comparable healthcare countries as the training and skills of GPs are deemed to be similar to those of NZ trained doctors. Aside from this, they’re looking for a great fit into the team. An experienced GP is always in demand however if you’re newly qualified that’s no issue and we don’t need a minimum amount of experience to be able to find you your dream NZ GP job.

What are the next steps?

The first step of the process is to get in touch with our team to find out more. We love to have a chat when suits you to find out more about your personal circumstances and what you are looking for out of the move. Once you’ve decided to go ahead, the first step is to find you your job then allow 3 – 6 months for the medical registration and visa paperwork.

If you have any questions or want to find out more please do get in touch with one of our team!

Further Reading

How to prepare for relocating as a GP

What is life like for GPs in New Zealand

Day in the Life of a UK GP in NZ

MCNZ Registration – Comparable Health

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Australian Tax System for GPs Working in Australia

If you’re considering applying for GP jobs in Australia, you’ll certainly need to think about the financial aspects of moving to Australia. You might want to think about the cost of living in Australia as well as the Australian tax system and how it affects your take-home pay. If you own property in the UK and plan to keep it, you might also want to know how Australia taxes any income earned for overseas properties.

Average GP Salary Australia

Average GP salaries in Australia are excellent with most GPs earning between AUS $250,000 to $400,000. Our GPs have a higher wage in Australia than they did in the UK.

GPs in Australia often earn a percentage of the billings rather than a fixed salary. This takes into account the number of patients they see, the complexity of the consultations and the number of hours worked. Our GPs have found that this payment system gives them more control over their take-home pay.

Paying Tax as a British GP Working in Australia

As a general practitioner,  we will help you relocate to Australia initially on a Temporary Skilled Shortage Visa (TSS 482). You will be classed as an Australian resident for tax purposes. 

Australian residents must declare any income earned from anywhere in the world. However, can also take advantage of Australia’s tax-free threshold and tax offsets. Australian residents also typically receive a lower tax rate than foreign residents.

Australia’s Tax System: How to Pay Tax

Before you begin working as a GP in Australia, you’ll need to apply for a tax file number, also known as TFN. The Australian financial year ends on June 30th and most people will need to file an annual tax return prior to this date. You’ll primarily be taxed on income and the amount you pay will depend on whether you’re an Australian or foreign resident.

Paying Tax in Australia as an Australian resident

Australia residents are entitled to claim a tax-free threshold of AUS$18,200 per year. This means you’ll only be taxed on income over the minimum threshold. You’ll also need to pay the Medicare levy, roughly 2% of your income, which helps support the country’s healthcare. In general, Australian residents using a TFN typically pay lower tax rates than foreign residents.

If you’re an Australian resident but only have a temporary resident visa, generally you won’t pay tax on any foreign income. Find out more

Paying Tax in Australia on Offshore Bank Accounts

If you decide to keep your UK bank account, you’ll need to report any interest or other income earned in your Australian tax income. Failing to declare this information could lead to financial penalties.

Working as a GP in Australia

Once you’ve secured a work visa and arrived in Australia, you need to apply for a TFN and complete a tax file number declaration. 

You must provide the declaration to your employer within 28 days of starting your GP job or you’ll need to pay the higher tax rate. After completing this initial paperwork, your employer will deduct taxes and submit them to the government.

We will help you get set up with all the relevant paperwork when you arrive.

Returning to the UK

While most of our GPs choose to make Australia their home for life, some decide to return to the UK. When you leave Australia, you’ll still need to submit a tax return. If you’re departing before the end of the tax year and don’t plan to return, you can lodge an Australian tax return early.

Ready to Move to Australia?

View our excellent GP job vacancies located throughout Australia or speak to one of our specialist recruitment professionals. Transition Medical is here to support you throughout every stage of your move from finding outstanding opportunities, securing Australian work visas and getting settled in your new home. Read our testimonies to learn about other GPs that we’ve helped make the move.

Other Relevant Blogs

Visa for GPs Australia update

Permanent GP visas in Australia

We’ve just been made aware of a positive amendment in Australian immigration policy for doctors when applying for Permanent residency. This has been highlighted by Richard Field, our specialist Immigration Advisor and Lawyer who will help you through your visa application for you and your family.

This update relates to one specific visa type, the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) Visa. This is a visa which requires sponsorship from a Business Sponsor in Australia. The new change enables GPs to be able to apply for this visa as soon as they arrive in Australia rather than waiting until full AHPRA registration is in place.

Previously GPs would need to wait until they had completed their provisional or limited registration period before being eligible to apply for Permanent residency. This would mean you would need to wait until you’ve completed the initial 6 month supervision period, gain Fellowship (FRACGP) and apply for Specialist registration with AHPRA before being able to apply to immigration.

The Australian Immigration Department have now advised that all medical practitioners working under provisional or limited registration can now be accepted for the Permanent Residency pathway.

This will make it easier for doctors who wish to apply for Permanent residency shortly after they wish to arrive in Australia. For more detailed information on how this may be relevant to your own circumstances, please do get in touch.