What this calculator estimates
This tool gives an indicative view of what a GP can earn in Australian general practice based on the levers that actually drive income here: your average fee per consultation, how many patients you see, the days and weeks you work, and the percentage of billings you keep. It converts the result to pounds so UK and Irish GPs can compare it with what they know.
How GP pay works in Australia
Unlike a salaried NHS role, most Australian GPs are contractors paid a share of their billings. You bill the Medicare Benefits Schedule for the consultations you provide, the practice takes a service fee, and you keep the rest. That means your billing model matters: bulk billing trades a lower fee per consult for volume, while mixed and private billing raise the average fee. Our complete guide for UK and Irish GPs moving to Australia explains how registration, Medicare and billing fit together.
What the estimate does and does not include
The output is gross and shown before income tax and superannuation. As a contractor you generally cover your own tax and super, so your real take-home will be lower. The model also cannot know your patient demand, your contract terms or any rural loadings, so it is a way to test scenarios rather than a quote.
How to use it
Start from one of the billing-model presets, then adjust the fee, patient numbers, hours and your percentage split to build conservative, target and stretch scenarios. Compare the models side by side to see how much the billing approach changes the outcome.
Check the official source
Consultation values come from the Medicare Benefits Schedule, which is published and updated by the government. Confirm current item numbers and fees on MBS Online before relying on any figure. For the wider picture, browse the rest of the guide library.
Frequently asked questions
How is GP pay structured in Australia?
Most Australian GPs work as contractors who are paid a percentage of the fees they bill, rather than a fixed salary. Your income therefore depends on your billing percentage, how many patients you see, your billing model and your location, which is exactly what this calculator lets you model.
What is bulk billing versus mixed and private billing?
Under bulk billing the practice bills Medicare directly and the patient pays nothing at the point of care, which tends to mean a lower fee per consultation and higher volume. Mixed and private billing charge the patient a gap or a full private fee, so the average fee per consultation is higher. The calculator lets you compare these models.
Does the estimate include tax and superannuation?
No. The figures are gross and shown before income tax and superannuation. As a contractor you are generally responsible for your own tax and super, so your take-home pay will be lower than the headline number. Treat the output as a sense-check, not a net salary.
What is the MBS?
The Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) lists the consultations and services that attract a Medicare rebate and the scheduled fee for each. GP billings are built from MBS item numbers, so the schedule underpins what a typical consultation is worth. The authoritative source is MBS Online.
Is this a salary guarantee?
No. The calculator is an illustrative model, not an offer or a guarantee. Real earnings vary widely by hours, billing mix, patient demand, location and the terms of your individual contract. Model your own assumptions and confirm anything specific with the practice.
