How much does a General Practitioner actually earn in Australia in 2026? The answer depends heavily on where you work, how many hours you put in, and whether you own your practice. With the GP workforce shortage continuing to bite, understanding what drives GP earnings is crucial for practices trying to attract and retain talent, and for doctors weighing up career options.

The Numbers: From Registrar to Top Earner

GP salaries in Australia span a wide range depending on career stage. Registrars in training earn between $88,702 (GPT1) and $119,859 (GPT3/4) per year based on a 38-hour week. Once fully qualified and practising independently, the picture changes dramatically. Industry data suggests the average full-time GP earns between $360,000 and $380,000 annually, placing general practice among the more lucrative medical careers in Australia.

The top 10% of earners in the profession can earn above $300,000 per year, with rural hospital GPs potentially earning between $150,000 and $350,000+ annually. Locum GPs — those who fill temporary positions — can command day rates of up to $2,200, with rural hospital locums reaching as high as $3,000 per day.

What Drives GP Pay?

Several key factors determine a GP’s earning potential. Location is arguably the biggest driver — rural and remote areas consistently offer higher remuneration packages, partly due to government incentives designed to address the geographic maldistribution of the medical workforce. Experience also plays a major role, with senior GPs and those holding specialist skills commanding significantly higher fees.

The billing model is another critical factor. Under bulk billing arrangements, GPs typically receive 70–75% of the fee charged. In mixed billing practices, the split is generally 60–70%. Non-vocationally registered (non-VR) GPs typically receive 5–10% less than their VR counterparts. Fellows of the RACGP or ACRRM command a higher percentage of their billings.

Regional Variations

GP salaries vary noticeably by state and territory. Based on 2026 data, the highest earning regions include the ACT and NSW where GPs can expect between $295,000 and $320,000 annually. Queensland offers a similar range of $285,000 to $330,000. The Northern Territory, despite its acute workforce shortages, sits slightly lower at $250,000 to $275,000 — though this is often offset by additional incentives and benefits for remote practice.

Why Salary Matters for Recruitment

For practices advertising GP positions, competitive salary packages are one of the most effective tools for attracting quality candidates. With the Department of Health projecting a need for 7,700 additional GPs by 2033, the competition for available doctors is intensifying. Practices that offer transparent billing arrangements, realistic income guarantees, and pathways to partnership or practice ownership are better positioned to attract and retain GPs.

From July 1, 2026, superannuation contributions increased to 12%, adding another layer to total remuneration packages. After-hours work, on-call duties, and specialised services can boost a GP’s earnings by as much as 40%, making flexible roster arrangements a valuable recruitment tool for practices in competitive markets.

Understanding the full picture of GP earnings — from base salaries through to billing percentages and incentive payments — helps both practices and doctors make informed decisions in a challenging recruitment environment.

This article draws on reporting from MedRecruit — read the original here: Highest GP doctor salary in Australia in 2026 – find out how yours compares.