Information on remuneration

Working hours

Your working hours are largely dictated by the location of the practice, and your preferences. Generally speaking, the working hours will range from 40 hours per week (or part time equivalent), with some weekend and on-call duties in some places. If you hold an appointment at a local hospital, or undertake home visits, the hours may be longer.
 

Income

• General practitioners bill per consultation on a “fee for service” basis, and many bill according to the fee set by the government (this is called “Bulk Billing”). However, GPs are permitted to charge above the mandated rate – with their patients responsible for the ‘gap’ payment.
• GP/Family Physician salaries in Australia range between 50-75% of their billings, and it is usually paid to you as an independent contractor. There are some arrangements where you are a retained employee of the clinic on a fixed salary.
• The actual annual income ranges from location to location, but a good guide would be between AUD $150,000 and $300,000 per annum. Some established GPs in regional areas make up to $600-$800k p.a.
• As an contractor, you will be responsible for your own annual leave, which is generally four weeks per year, taxation, and superannuation (pension fund). The practice you work with will often assist you with these considerations, as well as managing the administrative aspects of the medical clinic.