Overview

Australian RMO and registrar salaries are set by State and Territory enterprise agreements with public hospitals. Private hospital rates vary. Superannuation (compulsory retirement savings) is a key component of Australian employment.

RMO Salary (approximate PGY1-2)

A$70k–$85k
PGY1 Intern (base)
A$85k–$100k
PGY2 RMO (base)
11.5%
Superannuation rate (2024)

Base salaries vary significantly by state and agreement. With penalties (night shifts, weekends, overtime), total remuneration is typically 20–40% above base. Registrar salaries (A$100,000–$130,000+ base) increase substantially as training progresses.

Superannuation

  • Compulsory employer contribution: 11.5% (rising to 12% from 1 July 2025)
  • Default fund: Your hospital may default to a specific fund (e.g. HESTA, AustralianSuper); you can choose your own
  • Concessional (pre-tax) contributions: up to A$30,000/year total (including employer contributions)
  • Non-concessional (after-tax): up to A$120,000/year
  • Do not neglect superannuation — compound growth over a career is substantial

Locum Work in Australia

  • Locum medical work is abundant and well-paid in Australia, particularly in regional and rural areas
  • Typical rates: A$90–$180/hour (PGY2-3 equivalent); higher for rural and remote posts
  • Locum agencies: MedRecruit, Ochre Health, Wavelength International
  • Income is assessable — register as a sole trader or consider a company structure (with accountant advice)
  • Rural and remote locum work may attract additional incentives (travel, accommodation, Medicare benefits)

Australian Tax Basics

  • Tax-free threshold: A$18,200
  • Marginal rates: 19% (A$18,201–$45,000), 32.5% (A$45,001–$120,000), 37% (A$120,001–$180,000), 45% (above A$180,000)
  • Medicare Levy: 2% of taxable income (additional 1% surcharge if no private health cover above threshold)
  • Tax return deadline: 31 October (or later if using a tax agent)
  • Deductions: Course fees, professional memberships, medical equipment, and home office costs

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