Anaesthetist salary Australia: median weekly earnings and state differences
Anaesthetist salary Australia: median weekly earnings $8,293, index 398. State and industry differences from ABS and Jobs and Skills Australia data.
Anaesthetist salary Australia: median weekly earnings $8,293, annualised $431,236, salary index 398.
What is the anaesthetist salary in Australia?
When you search for anaesthetist salary Australia, the most reliable public figure comes from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) via Jobs and Skills Australia. The median weekly earnings for a full-time non-managerial anaesthetist is $8,293. That works out to an annualised figure of about $431,236 (52 weeks). On the Salary Index, where 100 is the national line of $108,352 per year (ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026), an anaesthetist sits at index 398. That means they earn nearly four times the average full-time adult ordinary-time earnings.
How the index works for anaesthetists
The Salary Index compares any gross annual salary to the national benchmark. For an anaesthetist earning $431,236, the calculation is: (431,236 ÷ 108,352) × 100 = 398. This puts them far above most occupations. For context, the national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $52,255 (index 48.2), and the health care and social assistance industry average index is 97.8. Anaesthetists are a standout within that industry.
State differences in anaesthetist earnings
Where you work as an anaesthetist matters. According to Jobs and Skills Australia, the state distribution of anaesthetists is:
- New South Wales: 31.5%
- Victoria: 21.5%
- Queensland: 17.9%
- Western Australia: 12.7%
- South Australia: 2.2%
- Australian Capital Territory: 1.8%
While the data doesn't break down earnings by state, we can infer from the states index. For example, NSW has a state index of 101.2 (annualised $109,658), while ACT is 109.9 ($119,090). Anaesthetists in higher-index states may earn more, but the profession's high overall earnings mean state differences are less dramatic than for lower-paid roles. However, cost of living and demand vary; regional areas often offer higher pay to attract specialists.
Industry context
Anaesthetists overwhelmingly work in the health care and social assistance industry. The industries index for that sector is 97.8, slightly below the national line. But anaesthetists are a high-earning subset. The mining industry index is 154.7, but anaesthetists are not employed there. Their earnings are driven by the specialised skill and responsibility, not by industry-wide averages.
Award rates vs actual earnings
The Fair Work Ombudsman's Medical Practitioners Award 2020 sets minimum rates. For a specialist (which includes anaesthetists), the minimum weekly rate from 1 July 2026 is $2,570.93 (annual $133,688). Senior specialists at pay point 5 get $3,193.92 per week ($166,084 annual). These are far below the median of $8,293. Why? Because most anaesthetists are not paid under the award. They are covered by enterprise agreements or work in private practice where fees are higher. The award is a floor, not a ceiling. For more on award rates, see pay guides.
Superannuation and tax
Super guarantee is 12% from 1 July 2026, with a maximum contribution base of $270,830. For an anaesthetist earning $431,236, the employer super contribution would be capped at $32,499.60 (12% of $270,830). The remaining earnings above the cap do not attract super. Tax on that income (2026–27 rates) would be significant: 45% on income over $190,000 plus 2% Medicare levy. Take-home pay after tax and Medicare is roughly $240,000–$260,000 depending on deductions. This is a resident estimate using the tax-free threshold and ignoring HELP loans or salary sacrifice.
How to use this information
If you are comparing a job offer or contract offer, use the median as a benchmark. For a more precise figure, you would need to know the specific employer and type of employment. The how the index works page explains how to compare any salary. For other medical roles, see topics for related guides.
Key takeaways
- Median weekly earnings: $8,293 per week (index 398).
- State distribution: concentrated in NSW, VIC, QLD.
- Award minimums are much lower; actual earnings reflect market demand.
- Super capped at $270,830 base.
- Tax rates high due to income bracket.
For the most current data, always refer to Jobs and Skills Australia and the Fair Work Ombudsman pay guide.
Questions people ask
How does an anaesthetist salary in Australia compare to other medical specialists?
Anaesthetists are among the highest-paid medical specialists. The median weekly earnings of $8,293 are above most other specialties. For comparison, the national line (index 100) is $2,083.70 per week. Anaesthetists sit at index 398, meaning they earn nearly four times the average full-time adult ordinary-time earnings.
What factors affect an anaesthetist's salary in Australia?
Key factors include state of practice (NSW and ACT tend to have higher index values), type of employment (public hospital vs private practice), years of experience, and whether they work in metropolitan or regional areas. The median age of anaesthetists is 49, indicating many are experienced. Also, 32% are female, which can affect earnings.
Does the Medical Practitioners Award apply to anaesthetists?
The Medical Practitioners Award 2020 sets minimum rates for interns, registrars, specialists and senior specialists. However, most anaesthetists are not paid under the award; they are often employed under enterprise agreements or work in private practice. The award specialist rate from 1 July 2026 is $2,570.93 per week, but actual anaesthetist earnings are much higher.