Anaesthetists (Anesthesiologists) Salary in Australia: State and Industry Differences

What is an Anaesthetist

Anaesthetists are medical specialists who provide anaesthesia for surgical, diagnostic and other procedures. They are classified under ANZSCO 2532. The occupation includes anaesthetic registrars training. The keyword "anesthesiologists salary" refers to the same occupation in Australian English.

How Much Do Anaesthetists Earn?

According to Jobs and Skills Australia, the median full-time weekly earnings for anaesthetists are $8,293 (before tax). This is based on the ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025. The median hourly earnings are $218 per hour. Annualised, that is about $431,236 per year. On the Salary Index, where 100 equals full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $108,352 per year, anaesthetists sit at approximately 398. That is nearly four times the national benchmark.

Award Rates vs Market Pay

The Medical Practitioners Award 2020 sets minimum pay for specialists. A Specialist (non-senior) must be paid at least $121,535 per year (index 112.1). Senior specialist pay points range from $129,953 to $150,985, and Principal Specialist $154,062. These are legal floors. Actual market pay for anaesthetists is far higher, as shown by the median $8,293 per week. The award rates are available from the Fair Work Ombudsman's pay guides and the award itself.

State Differences by State

Anaesthetists are concentrated in larger states: New South Wales (31.5%), Victoria (21.5%), Queensland (17.9%), Western Australia (12.7%), and smaller shares in Tasmania, Tasmania, Northern Territory, and Australian Capital Territory. State indices vary from 88.6 in Tasmania to 106.9 in Western Australia and 109.9 in ACT. While state indices reflect overall earnings, anaesthetists pay is high regardless of state. For example, even in a lower state like Tasmania (index 88.6), anaesthetists still earn well above the national line.

Industry Context

Most anaesthetists work in Health Care and Social Assistance, which has an industry index of 97.8. That is slightly below the national average, but anaesthetists are a high-paid specialty within that industry. Other industries like Mining have a higher index (154.7), but anaesthetists are not typical there.

How the Salary Index Works

The index is calculated as yearly gross earnings divided by the national line ($108,352) times 100. For anaesthetists: $431,236 / $108,352 × 100 ≈ 398. This shows how far above or below the national average an occupation sits. The index uses full-time adult ordinary-time earnings, not including super or casual loading.

Super and Tax Considerations

Superannuation guarantee is 12% from July 2026, with a maximum contribution base of $270,830. For anaesthetists, super adds about $51,748 per year in contributions. Tax rates for 2026-27: nil up to $18,200, then 15% to $45,000, 30% to $45,000, 37% to $45,000, 45% above $190,000. Medicare levy 2% applies. Take-home pay after tax and Medicare is about 60% of gross, but individual circumstances vary.

Summary

For the keyword "anesthesiologists salary, the median weekly earnings of $8,000 is $8,293, placing the occupation at index 398. This is far above the national line. Award rates are much lower. State and industry differences affect overall earnings, but anaesthetists are well compensated across Australia.

Where to look next

Place the figure on the Salary Index. Compare states and industries, then read the method if you want to see why 100 is the national line. More pay guides cover neighbouring questions.