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So, who would want to know what an Anaesthetist’s salary looks like in Australia? It could be that you’re a medical student who may be having second thoughts about your chosen specialty. You could also be an international medical graduate with an established career as an anaesthetist but are thinking of migrating to Australia and continuing your work here. Or you may already be a doctor in Australia looking to make a career change.
Whichever type you are, planning your future as an Anaesthetist means you’ll also be curious to know about the kind of compensation you ought to expect. Getting accurate information about what to expect as anaesthetist pay can help you find better Anaesthetist jobs and make wise decisions about your career path.
Also, Anaesthetists are among the highest-paid medical professionals in Australia. Their expertise in pain management and patient care before, during, and after surgery makes them indispensable in hospitals and private practice. Given the level of training and responsibility involved, it’s no surprise that many wonder about the financial rewards of this profession.
In this article, you’ll get an in-depth look at Anaesthetist salaries in Australia, including comparisons with Anaesthetists’ salaries in other countries, their average earnings, income differences by state and experience level, and so much more.
You may also be interested in our comprehensive GP Salary Guide or Psychiatrist Salary Guide
* These salaries are based on public sector roles. Private sector salaries may be significantly higher.
Average Anaesthetist Salary in Australia
$300,000 to $500,000*
Anaesthetist vs Anaesthesiologist – What’s the Difference?
Before getting into the details of Anaesthetist salaries, let’s get this out of the way first to remove the confusion. What’s the difference between an Anaesthetist and an Anaesthesiologist?
In Australia, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand, Anaesthetists and Anaesthesiologists refer to the same medical specialty, and both terms are used interchangeably. They are medical doctors who are experts in administering anaesthesia and provide patient care before, during, and after surgical and medical procedures. In Australia and New Zealand, specialist anaesthesia training programs for doctors who want to build their career as Anaesthetists are supervised and accredited by the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA). The training is equal in length to that of other medical specialists and includes intensive assessments and examinations.
However, in some countries like the United States and UK, the term ‘Anaesthesiologist’ refers to a medical doctor who specialises in administering anaesthesia, while ‘Anaesthetist’ (spelled as ‘anesthetist’) typically refers to well-trained specialist Nurse Anaesthetists (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists or CRNAs) who have different training and responsibilities. In the UK, a nurse Anaesthetist is sometimes called an ‘Anaesthesia Associate’
How Much Do Anaesthetists Earn in Australia?
Now, we can move on to answering the all-important question: How much does an Anaesthetist earn in Australia? As mentioned previously, Anaesthetists earn some of the highest salaries in the medical field in Australia.
However, their salaries also differ widely because of different variables that can impact how much they can earn, but more on this later. An Anaesthetist’s salary can range from AUD $200,000 to as much as $600,000 per year, depending on their level of experience, location, and whether they work in the public or private sector. More general figures often fall between AUD $300,000 to $500,000.
Senior anaesthetists and those in private practice can earn a lot more, while trainee anaesthetists or registrars start with lower salaries while completing their training.
How Australian Salaries Compare Globally
Generally speaking, Australian Anaesthetists earn more than the global average but less than those in the United States and Canada.
In the United States, for example, Anaesthetists (known as ‘Anesthesiologists’) earn an average annual salary of USD $440,200 (equivalent to around AUD $694,327), which is higher than Australian salaries due to differences in healthcare systems, private practice compensation structures, and cost of living.
The median income for Anaesthetists in Canada is CAD $295,567 per year or approximately AUD $326,453. The average salary for Anaesthetists in the UK usually falls at £90,994 per year, which is a lot lower when converted to Australian dollars (around AUD $181,014). Anesthesiologists in New Zealand receive good salaries, averaging NZD $319,700 per year (approximately AUD $288,465).
Despite these differences, Australia remains an attractive destination for medical doctors in general because of its well-structured healthcare system, high demand for specialists, and attractive lifestyle options.
For up-to-date salary comparisons, you can refer to sources such as the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), the Australian Medical Association (AMA), and local job market reports.
Anaesthetist Pay in Australia vs the United Kingdom
The salaries of Anesthetists in Australia and the United Kingdom differ because of variations in the healthcare systems, taxation, and cost of living in both countries.
The average salary for Anaesthetists in the UK usually falls at £90,994 per year, which is also somewhat low when converted to Australian dollars (around AUD $181,014). Compared to the AUD $300,000 to $400,000 average salary range in Australia, it’s clear that Australian Anaesthetists earn more than their UK counterparts making a career move from the United Kingdom to Australia an attractive prospect.
* These salaries are based on public sector roles. Private sector salaries may be significantly higher.
Anaesthetists’ Salary by Experience Level
Similar to the case of other medical professionals, anaesthetists’ earnings can differ substantially. Factors like their level of experience, work site, and career progression can all affect how much they get paid. Of course, as doctors improve their knowledge and skills through training and gain more responsibilities, their earnings also increase.
Below is a breakdown of Anaesthetists’ salaries based on their experience level.
Trainee Anaesthetist (Registrar)
As neophytes in the field, trainee Anaesthetists (aka registrars) have yet to finish their specialist training in anaesthesia. They work under the supervision of consultant anaesthetists. They assist in surgeries, administer anaesthesia, monitor patients, and help with managing pain. They rotate through different hospitals to gain experience in a range of surgical settings.
To become a registrar, doctors must complete a medical degree, internship, and residency before being accepted into the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) training programme which lasts for at least five years.
As is usual, salaries for trainee Anaesthetists vary by state with incremental increases as they progress through training. These salaries are set by state health departments and reflect standard registrar pay scales in public hospitals.
Average Compensation: AUD $100,000 – $160,000 per year
Provisional Fellow (Early-Career Anaesthetist)
After completing the primary years of specialist training, doctors enter a provisional fellowship year, during which they refine their skills before becoming fully qualified anaesthetists. Provisional fellows enjoy a certain level of independence. They often take on complex cases and provide supervision to Anaesthetist trainees.
To become a provisional fellow, one must have completed all ANZCA training requirements, including clinical exams and assessments. Provisional fellows can choose to sub-specialise in areas like paediatric anaesthesia, intensive care, or pain management.
Average Compensation: AUD $180,000 – $300,000 per year
Consultant Anaesthetist (Mid-Career Anaesthetist)
A consultant Anaesthetist is a fully qualified specialist. They would have completed all ANZCA requirements and obtained their fellowship (FANZCA). At this level, an Anaesthetist works independently, leading anaesthetic teams in hospitals, private clinics, or specialised surgical units. Their responsibilities include administering anaesthesia, managing critical care patients, and developing anaesthetic protocols.
Consultants work in both public and private healthcare establishments, although the latter generally pays more.
Average Compensation: AUD $250,000 – $450,000
Senior Consultant Anaesthetist
Typically holding leadership positions within hospitals, universities, or medical boards, Senior Consultant Anaesthetists have the breadth and depth of experience required for such roles. They may also be involved in research, teaching, and in mentoring Junior Anaesthetists. Some senior consultants also develop sub-specialties in areas like cardiothoracic anaesthesia or neuro-anaesthesia.
Their salaries also differ greatly depending on where they are based, with those in private practice earning more. Those employed in public hospitals earn at the top of the consultant pay scale; however, they can still supplement their income through private clinic work or academic roles.
Average Compensation: AUD $350,000 – $600,000 per year
* These salaries are based on public sector roles. Private sector salaries may be significantly higher.
Anaesthetist Salaries Across Specialist Areas
As expected, income disparities are typical when it comes to anaesthetists’ salaries across different specialist areas. Differences become even more noticeable if one considers an anaesthetist’s experience, with those having a more extensive background commanding higher fees.
Consultant Anaesthetist (Specialist Anaesthetist)
We already mentioned earlier that Consultant Anaesthetists are already fully qualified specialists with specific responsibilities like leading anaesthetic teams, developing treatment plans, and ensuring patient safety before, during, and after procedures.
They would have already finished their ANZCA training and obtained their Fellowship of the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (FANZCA).
Average Compensation: AUD $250,000 – $450,000
Specialist Anaesthetist in Private Practice
Although Anaesthetists in private practice have essentially similar roles to those in public hospitals, they enjoy a higher level of autonomy over their schedules and earnings. They usually work with private surgeons and hospitals, charging fees per procedure.
Private practice Anaesthetists also hold FANZCA qualifications but may choose to specialise further.
Average Compensation: Above AUD $500,000 per year
Registrar (Anaesthesia Trainee)
In an earlier section of this article, we already mentioned that doctors still undergoing specialist training in anaesthesia are also referred to as registrars. They assist in surgeries, administer anaesthesia, monitor patients, and manage pain relief (with supervision).
Average Compensation: AUD $100,000 – $160,000 per year
Resident Medical Officer (RMO) / Junior Doctor in Anaesthesia
The resident medical officer (RMO) or junior doctor title in Australia is commonly applied to doctors working in their second year of medicine (referred to as a Postgraduate Year 2 or PGY2 doctor; this title can also be given to a doctor working in their third year or later). RMOs provide medical care under the supervision and direction of registrars and senior medical staff.
Junior doctors in anaesthesia are early-career medical professionals rotating through various hospital departments (including anaesthesia) as part of their training.
Average Compensation: AUD $80,000 – $120,000 per year
Intensive Care Specialist (Dual Anaesthetist and ICU Consultant)
To qualify as dual specialists, some Anaesthetists also train in intensive care medicine. These professionals manage critically ill patients and oversee complex life-support treatments in intensive care units (ICUs).
To have this dual qualification, you need additional training via the College of Intensive Care Medicine (CICM).
Average Compensation: AUD $300,000 – $600,000 per year
Pain Medicine Specialist
The role of a Pain Medicine Specialist is to focus on managing chronic and acute pain using advanced techniques. These include nerve blocks and spinal cord stimulation. These specialists work in private pain clinics and rehabilitation centres.
If you’re already an Anaesthetist, you still need to undergo further training with the Faculty of Pain Medicine under ANZCA if you want to take on a pain medicine specialist role.
Average Compensation: AUD $250,000 – $450,000 per year
Obstetric Anaesthetist
Obstetric Anaesthetists specialise in pain management for childbirth (e.g., epidurals and spinal anaesthesia for caesarean sections) and work in maternity wards and surgical theatres.
Average Compensation: AUD $250,000 – $450,000 per year
Paediatric Anaesthetist
Infants and children who need anaesthesia are handled by Paediatric Anaesthetists that go through both anaesthetist and paediatric care training.
Average Compensation: AUD $280,000 – $500,000 per year
* These salaries are based on public sector roles. Private sector salaries are significantly higher.
Average Anaesthetist Earnings by City
Salary patterns for Anaesthetists in Australia reflect the greater reality that major cities typically pay more, and the same can be said of private practices across states and territories. That being said, very attractive compensation packages are sometimes offered in remote or rural areas due to specialist shortages.
If you’re thinking of working in one of Australia’s major urban hubs, the numbers below might help with your decision-making.
Anaesthetist Salary in Melbourne
The large network of public and private hospitals in Melbourne ensures the high demand for Anaesthetists and other specialists (especially those working in paediatrics, obstetrics, and intensive care). Salaries in Melbourne range from AUD $280,000 – $450,000, with private practitioners earning a lot more. One source states that the yearly average earnings for Anaesthetists is AUD $313,300 while another one says AUD $484,168. The numbers are impressive either way.
Anaesthetist Salary in Sydney
Australia’s largest city always needs Anaesthetists. Specialists in pain medicine, cardiac anaesthesia, and pediatrics are in especially high demand. Earnings range between AUD $250,000 and $500,000+. One source states that the average salary is AUD $264,151
Anaesthetist Salary in Brisbane
Brisbane’s growing healthcare sector means there’s a steady demand for specialists, including Anaesthetists. Salaries typically range from AUD 250,000-450,000 with the median salary being AUD 300,500 per year.
Anaesthetist Salary in Perth
Perth in Western Australia needs Anaesthetists across multiple specialisations, with demand highly concentrated in rural healthcare and critical care settings. Salaries range from AUD $270,000 – $460,000 and up as private sector earnings can exceed the upper limit. One source says that the average annual earnings of an Anaesthetist amount to AUD $290,200.
* These salaries are based on public sector roles. Private sector salaries are significantly higher.
Anaesthetist Salaries: Hourly, Monthly, and Annual Breakdown
Average Anaesthetist Salary Per Hour
Anaesthetists who charge by the hour usually work in private practice. Hourly rates may also be applied to additional shifts and on-call work. Your hourly rate would be determined by your experience, specialisation, and location. A range of AUD $150 – $500 per hour is reasonable, with highly experienced or senior-level anaesthetists earning near or more than the upper limit.
Average Anaesthetist Salary Per Month
For Anaesthetists on a fixed salary, monthly earnings depend on their annual salary package. A consultant earning AUD $300,000 per year can expect a monthly income of around AUD $25,000, while those earning AUD $500,000 annually would receive over AUD $41,000 per month before taxes and deductions
Average Anaesthetist Salary Per Year:
Annual salaries provide the most comprehensive picture of an Anaesthetist’s earnings. Consultants and specialists in private practice often receive over AUD $500,000 per year, especially if they take on additional procedures, consultations, or locum work. Public hospital anaesthetists may earn slightly less but they benefit by way of stable contracts, superannuation, and other employment perks.
* These salaries are based on public sector roles. Private sector salaries are significantly higher.
Factors That Affect Anaesthetist Earnings
Several variables can affect Anaesthetist salaries, including their geographical location, specialisation, and work setting:
- Location: As observed in a previous section, salaries differ across states and territories. Metropolitan areas often provide higher pay rates due to demand and the cost of living, while rural and remote locations offer more incentives to attract top talent.
- Specialisation: Anaesthetists specialising in areas like paediatrics (where cases can be quite complex) or pain management may come with higher asking salaries.
- Experience and Qualifications: Of course, it’s logical to assume that more experienced Anaesthetists with advanced certifications and fellowships have a higher earning potential than those just starting in their careers.
- Employment Setting: Doctors in private practice or who occupy locum positions generally earn more than their counterparts working in public hospitals.
- Workload and Hours: Anaesthetists can increase their income by working longer hours, and taking on night shifts or emergency cases.
- Demand and Market Conditions: Economic factors, government healthcare funding, and current demand for Anaesthetists can influence one’s earnings.
Strategies to Increase Anaesthetist Earnings
Anaesthetists looking to add to their regular income can boost their earnings by:
- Working as a locum doctor as doing so provides a certain degree of flexibility as well as the opportunity to get higher hourly rates, particularly in rural or high-demand areas.
- Setting up a private practice that gives Anesthetists the freedom to set their own fees.
- Taking on teaching, research, or hospital leadership positions.
- Gaining expertise in in-demand or highly specialised fields like cardiac or paediatric anaesthesia.
- Taking on extra shifts, on-call work, or performing additional procedures.
- Working with a local or international medical recruitment agency like Alecto, which can help identify high-paying opportunities and match Anaesthetists with roles that align with their expertise and career goals.
However, even as you pursue a higher income, remember to always prioritise your health to not get bogged down or burned out.
If you’re keen on working as an Anaesthetist in Australia, Alecto is here to help.
Get in touch today to find out how we can assist in your job search.
FAQs
How do I become an Anaesthetist in Australia?
Want to know how to become an Anaesthesiologist or Anaesthetist in Australia? First of all, you need to have a Bachelor of Medical Studies/Doctor of Medicine double degree at an accredited Australian university. You may also complete an undergraduate degree in another discipline before applying for a 4-year Doctor of Medicine program as a graduate. This should then be followed by an internship and residency in the public hospital system for two years.
You can then apply to become an ANZCA fellow and meet all the requirements of the five-year specialist training program (also with ANZCA). You also need to pass all examinations, undergo further training, and hold general medical registration with the Medical Board of Australia, after which you’ll need 24 months of pre-vocational medical education and training. You can then participate in the ANZCA Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programme and complete the admission requirements to be granted fellowship.
How do public vs private sector salaries compare for Anaesthetists?
Public hospital anaesthetists in Australia earn competitive salaries. However, private sector anaesthetists generally earn more due to fee-for-service billing. You can earn much more with a private practice where specialists earnings can reach way over AUD $600,000 annually.
How does the salary of an Anaesthetist in Australia compare to those of other medical specialists?
Anesthetists are among the top earners in the Australian medical field. Specialist consultant Anesthetists can earn as much as AUD $600,000 per year, maybe more. This high level of compensation reflects the complexity of their work, the rigorous training required of them, and the major responsibilities they hold.
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