Locum work provides medical professionals with an excellent opportunity to enjoy a rewarding career with flexibility and competitive remuneration. For many General Practitioners (GPs), working as a locum allows them to combine professional growth, financial success, and a tailored schedule. But how much can you actually earn as a locum GP in Australia?
With HCA Doctors by your side, navigating these opportunities becomes significantly easier. This guide explores what it means to work as a locum GP, factors influencing earnings, and how you can start a successful locum career.
Understanding Locum GP Earnings in Australia
The income potential for locum GPs varies depending on several factors, including experience, qualifications, location, and type of placement. Here’s a breakdown:
- Average Annual Income
- Full-time GPs can make between $250,000 and $350,000 annually. With experience and an established patient base, earnings can increase, reaching up to $500,000 per year.
- Daily Rates
- Typical daily rates range from $1,200 to $1,600, depending on the number of patients seen and the procedural work involved. These rates are particularly attractive for GPs seeking short-term engagements.
- Hourly Earnings
- GPs with a Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP)-recognised fellowship can earn approximately $150 per hour. For international medical graduates in supervised positions, the rate still remains an appealing $150 per hour or 70% of billings, based on location.
These lucrative rates highlight why many GPs choose locum roles as a way to achieve both financial security and career satisfaction.
Why Locum GPs Earn What They Do
Several factors determine what a locum GP can earn. Understanding these variables is essential for making informed career decisions.
1. Experience and Qualifications
GPs with specialised training or extensive experience typically earn higher rates. Completing additional certifications or courses, such as advanced life support training, can also improve income potential.
2. Location of Work
Where a GP chooses to practise significantly affects their earning capacity. Remote and regional areas often offer higher rates compared to metropolitan locations due to the strong demand in less-serviced communities.
For example:
- GPs in metropolitan areas like Sydney and Melbourne may earn around 65% of billings or $135 per hour.
- Working in less competitive locations can significantly increase hourly rates or daily billings.
3. Number of Patients and Workload
Earnings often correlate with the number of patients seen during a day or the complexity of medical procedures conducted. GPs practising in high-demand clinics or participating in after-hours services frequently see a boost in their income.
4. Flexibility and Demand
Locum GPs are often called upon to address critical staff shortages or cover for permanent practitioners on leave. This high demand ensures not only competitive remuneration but also opportunities to select placements tailored to your preferences.
How to Become a Locum GP in Australia
Starting a career as a locum GP requires dedication, accredited training, and a commitment to continuous professional development. Here’s a brief roadmap:
- Educational Foundation
- Complete an approved university program, such as a Bachelor of Medical Studies/Doctor of Medicine.
- Internship and Registration
- Undertake a one-year accredited internship to become eligible for general registration.
- Residency and Specialty Training
- Gain residency experience and apply for general practice training through the Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) program.
- Fellowship
- Successfully complete fellowship exams through respected organisations, including RACGP, to enhance your standing as a qualified GP in Australia.
Maximising Your Locum GP Income
If you’re looking to enhance your earning potential as a locum GP, consider the following strategies:
- Obtain Additional Certifications
- Completing short qualification courses, particularly those focused on advanced procedural skills, can lead to higher pay. Some courses take as little as two to three days, with parts available online.
- Explore Diverse Roles
- Flexibility in working dates and willingness to take on varied challenges in clinical settings often results in lucrative opportunities.
- Focus on High Demand Areas
- Locum placements in regions with greater patient demand or fewer doctors typically offer higher pay rates.
Why Choose HCA Doctors for Your Locum Career?
Partnering with HCA Doctors means accessing industry-leading expertise and support throughout your locum GP career. The benefits of working with our team include:
- Comprehensive Job Listings
- HCA Doctors maintains one of the most extensive databases of locum and permanent roles across Australia. Whether you prefer positions in bustling urban centres or picturesque regional locations, we’ve got you covered.
- Tailored Placement Assistance
- Our consultants work to align placements with your preferences, lifestyle goals, and skillset. This ensures every placement meets your expectations.
- Hassle-Free Onboarding
- Navigating licensing, certifications, and compliance requirements takes time. HCA Doctors manages these administrative tasks, so you can focus entirely on delivering excellent patient care.
- Relocation Support
- For doctors relocating interstate or internationally, we assist with travel and accommodation arrangements, making your transition seamless.
By choosing to work with HCA Doctors, you’re not just finding a job; you’re building a career enriched with opportunities and supported by experts.
Take the Next Step in Your Locum Journey
Locum work empowers GPs to shape their careers while delivering exceptional medical care across diverse communities. With HCA Doctors, you can unlock the benefits of this fulfilling path, including flexible scheduling, financial stability, and unmatched professional growth.
If you’re ready to start your locum GP career, visit the HCA Doctors website and register today. Explore exciting roles, gain insights from experienced consultants, and take control of your future.
