Doctors FAQ

Locum doctor earnings can be either fixed or a percenage of billings, and can vary considerably depending on factors such as location, seniority, specialty, the level of responsibility of the role, and whether you are working in a hospital or private clinic.

Typically, a GP-only locum doctor can earn between $25,000 - $50,000 AUD per month, depending on the location. GP/VMO (Hospital Visitation) doctors and specialists can earn upwards of $60,000 AUD per month.

GP Permanent doctors in Australia are contractors, not employees, and they receive a percentage of the billings from the patients they see on a daily basis. This fee for service rate can vary depending on the client and location, but the standard average is 65%. When a doctor first starts working in Australia, Your Doctor Jobs suggets an hourly minimum rate of $150 – $180 AUD per hour, or 65% -75% of billings, whichever is greater. This way you have financial security, and it places more emphasis on the client to ensure you are busy and productive from day one.

Please note: These rates are a guideline only, as the sabbactical market can fluctuate greatly; rates are subject to rapid change.

Your Doctor Jobs are not able to provide you with taxation advice directly, which is why we have a partnership with a specialist financial institution and close associations with one of the major banks, to ensure you receive the right advice tailored to your needs.

To get you started we recommend you check out the ATO website.

For locum/permanent doctors working as a hospital PAYG employees (that is, candidates placed on the hospital payroll), you will be covered by the hospital’s State Medical Indemnity Policy. Some hospitals also offer indemnity cover to sole traders and PTY limited companies (contractors), for the duration of their sabbatical/permanent. However this is at the discretion of the client and Your Doctor Jobs can’t insist that our clients provide guaranteed cover for a locum /permanent doctor. It is ultimately the client’s decision, and it is your responsibility to have an understanding of exactly what you are covered for before commencing a locum/permanent placement.

Regardless of whether the client provides you with medical indemnity cover for the duration of your placement, Your Doctor Jobs recommends that all locum/permanent doctors working in Australia have their own private indemnity cover at all times, with run off cover.

We recommend using MDA National for all indemnity enquiries.

As a contractor, you will need to pay GST if your earnings exceed $75,000 AUD per annum. You can register for GST online. This means you will need to charge an additional 10% GST, on top of your gross earnings. At the end of the financial year, the hospital or GP clinic will then claim the GST back from the ATO. All PAYG workers and contractors in Australia are expected to complete a yearly self assessment and to lodge a Tax Return on an annual basis with the ATO.

Further information can be found on the ATO website.

We do, of course - but with your assistance and input!

At Your Doctor Jobs, we work for you and have your best interests at heart. We take the stress out of negotiations, and ensure that remuneration, working conditions, accommodation and travel are all considered and represent current market conditions.

We promote collaboration between our doctors and clients, and strive to work with both parties to ensure a mutually beneficial agreement is achieved.

Because Your Doctor Jobs is a more personalised service, we know our clients just that little bit better than our competitors, and we pride ourselves on looking past the financial benefits to ensure the placement will also be a great cultural and dynamic fit.

If you wish to discuss your requirements with one of our team in more detail, please register your interest or email justin@yourdoctorjobs.com.

No. In Australia, it is illegal for any recruitment company to charge an applicant directly to find a position. Our financial relationship is with the client.

If you ever find yourself being asked to pay an agency fee for service directly relating to sourcing you a job in Australia, we strongly recommend you seek advice from the recruitment industry association in your country. In Australia and New Zealand, contact the Recruitment and Consulting Services Association (RCSA).

There’s a plethora of opportunities across diverse settings for doctors to explore as a locum. Your expertise/ level of training, schedule and adaptability will dictate the options available to you. From Private GP clinics and AMS clinics to both Public and Private Hospitals, as well as opportunities covering Events and Telehealth, there a wide range of positions to explore.

Generally, around 90% of Hospitals offer some form of accommodation and approximately 80% provide travel assistance for locum positions. Most city locations do not offer travel or accommodation assistance; however, the majority of regional and rural locations do.

At Your Doctor Jobs, our Consultants have a very thorough understanding of each location’s allowances and will communicate this information to you. If you are ever unsure, please always check prior to making any bookings yourself.

When approved, YDJ can manage all travel arrangements, from flights to car rentals, and organise accommodation on your behalf. Certain locations may offer onsite lodging or have established long-term leases in place for locum staff housing, while others may provide an allowance for us or yourself to arrange accommodation independently.

Completing paperwork is an essential aspect of working as a locum Doctor, and it varies depending on the State, Territory, District, and Health Service. Each entity has its own set of requirements, adding to the complexity. At Your Doctor Jobs, we strive to alleviate this burden by assisting wherever possible. We maintain a record of the credentials you provide, and we only request documents that our clients specify, as necessary.

For our Consultants to be able seek out the best possible opportunities for you, we do request the below initial documentation from you.

Up to date and current CV

Ahpra number

Copy of your Indemnity

Copy of your Covid Vax

An Australian National Criminal Record Check

Certified Degree

Certified Passport, Licence and Medicare Card

Referee details x 3 – Referee’s need to be Consultants who have provided supervision within the last 6 months, ideally from the same Specialty that you are wanting to locum in. ie. If you want to work in the Emergency Department, please use FACEMs. If you are wanting to work in Surgery, please use Consultant Surgeons and so on.

As a junior Doctor working as a locum in Australia, your earnings can vary depending on factors such as your specialty, years of experience, location and the specific terms of your contract. Typically, locum rates for Resident Doctors commence at $85 per hour and go up from there. It is not uncommon to see urgent RMO shifts escalated to rates in excess of $200 per hour. Locum rates for Registrars usually start at $115 per hour right through to $300 per hour.

After discussing your locum preferences with your Recruitment Consultant, you should have a good indication of the rates you can expect to see.

Much the same as the Junior market, the rates for Specialist Locum Doctors will vary depending on location, urgency, and the Department. Usually, Consultant rates commence at $2500 per day and we have seen them top out at $4500 in dire circumstances.