Australian GP Income Calculator: Estimate Your Earnings with Medlo

27/05/2025

At Medlo, we understand that a GP’s income in Australia is influenced by myriad factors—from where you practise and how many patients you see, to your billing model, session load, procedural work and after-hours commitments. Balancing these elements effectively is key to maximising your take-home pay while maintaining a healthy work–life balance.

This calculator is basic though it allows you to start to learn about how to bill and the factors that can influence your take home pay.

How does your practice location affect GP earnings?

Rural and remote areas (DPAs/MM3–7) offer government incentives—such as Workforce Incentive Program payments up to A$21 000/year—to attract GPs, while metropolitan clinics benefit from higher patient volumes but fewer locational loadings.

How many patients per hour should I see to optimise my billings?

A standard Level B consult averages 19 minutes, equating to about 3–4 patients per hour. Seeing 4–5 will directly scale your gross billings.

What private billing rates can I charge as a GP?

The Medicare rebate for a Level B consult is A$42.85, but many practices charge A$80–$100+ (following AMA guidelines) to cover overheads and boost earnings.

What portion of my gross billings will I keep?

In training you’ll earn at least 44.8 % (plus 11.5 % super). Post-Fellowship splits usually range 55–65 %, with industry standards around 63–75 % depending on experience and practice model.

How many sessions constitute full-time GP work?

Eight 3.5–4 hour sessions (28–32 hours) per week is deemed full-time. Taking on 9–10 sessions can further increase annual income.

How should I balance bulk-billing and private fees?

Tailor a hybrid model: bulk-bill concession card holders to maintain patient access, while private-billing higher-fee consultations to enhance revenue.

How can in-clinic procedures boost my earnings?

Minor procedures (e.g. skin excisions) attract higher rebates or private fees—often 2–3× a standard consult—significantly increasing daily billings.

What extra income comes from after-hours shifts?

After-hours Level B rebates rise to A$55.80 (and higher for Level C/D), with practices typically allowing GPs to retain 10–15 % more of these fees.

How many weeks off should I factor into my income plan?

Contractor GPs often negotiate 4–6 weeks of annual leave, adjusting session numbers accordingly to maintain target earnings.

What roles beyond regular consulting can supplement GP income?

Consider locum work (see premium rural shifts on Medlo Shifts), after-hours deputising, practice ownership, and non-clinical roles (teaching, research, governance). For other permanent positions, explore Medlo Jobs.

How can I work as a GP in Australia if I trained in the UK?

If you're a UK GP with MRCGP + CCT (awarded since 2007), you’re eligible for the new Expedited Specialist Pathway. This fast-tracks your registration without needing RACGP or ACRRM fellowship.

Here’s what to do:

• Ensure your qualifications meet the AHPRA eligibility list
• Apply to the Medical Board of Australia for specialist registration
• Complete six months of supervised practice once in Australia
• Submit workplace-based assessments, orientation and CPD reports
• Get your conditions removed and start practising fully

👉 You’ll need an approved job in a Distribution Priority Area (DPA) to access Medicare rebates, and you must apply for a work visa.

Can Irish GPs work in Australia through the new pathway?

Yes! If you hold MICGP + CSCST (awarded under an ICGP curriculum since 2009), you're eligible for the new streamlined pathway.

What’s involved:

• Verify your qualifications with AMC + AHPRA
• Submit a specialist registration application to the Medical Board
• Complete six months of supervised work in a DPA region
• Finish mandatory training (orientation, cultural safety, CPD, and WBA)
• Apply to have the conditions removed once completed

👉 You’ll also need to arrange a visa, professional indemnity insurance, and Medicare provider number before you can start.

I'm a GP in New Zealand – how do I relocate to Australia?

If you’re an NZ-trained GP with FRNZCGP (awarded since 2012 via GPEP), you qualify for this expedited pathway too.

Steps to take:

• Confirm your FRNZCGP is on the AHPRA accepted qualifications list
• Apply to the Medical Board directly for specialist registration
• Secure a job in a DPA location with approved supervision
• Complete six months of supervised practice, including assessments
• Submit required documentation and apply for full registration

👉 You’ll also need to apply for a working visa, Medicare number, and professional insurance.

Can Medlo help me with the entire process of moving and working as a GP in Australia?

Absolutely – that’s exactly what we do best. At Medlo, we specialise in medical recruitment and have a dedicated relocation team to support you every step of the way.

Whether you're a GP from the UK, Ireland, or New Zealand, we offer:

• Personalised job matching in Distribution Priority Areas (DPA)
• Full support with Medical Board and AHPRA registration
• Guidance on visa applications, Medicare provider numbers, and supervised practice setup
• Help with professional indemnity, CPD planning, and family relocation logistics
• Ongoing advice from a team that understands the healthcare system and your career goals

Thinking about making the move?

📞 Speak to our Relocation Advisor today – even if you’re early in the process. We’re here to guide you from first enquiry to your first day on the job (and beyond).

Are you a GP practice in Australia looking to hire?

Medlo works with a wide network of high-quality international GPs. If you need a GP to join your practice – whether urgently or for long-term planning – get in touch with us via our chat and we’ll help you find the right match.

We take care of all the compliance, paperwork, and onboarding so you can focus on patient care

Feeling overwhelmed by the paperwork?

Let Medlo guide you through the process so you can focus on what matters most – practicing medicine and settling in smoothly.