Anaesthetist salary: state and industry differences in Australia
Find out the median anaesthetist salary in Australia, how it compares to the national index, and how state distribution and industry affect earnings.
The median full-time anaesthetist salary of $8,293 per week gives a salary index of approximately 398, far above the national line of 100.
What is an anaesthetist salary?
An anaesthetist is a medical specialist who provides anaesthesia for surgical, diagnostic, and other procedures. In Australia, anaesthetists are among the highest-paid professionals. According to Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA), the median full-time weekly earnings for anaesthetists are $8,293 (based on ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025). This annualises to roughly $431,236 before tax.
To put that in perspective, the national line for full-time adult ordinary-time earnings is $2,083.70 per week (index 100). An anaesthetist earning the median weekly amount would have a salary index of 398 – nearly four times the average worker. Even within the Health Care and Social Assistance industry (index 97.8), anaesthetists are a clear outlier.
State differences in anaesthetist employment
While JSA does not publish state-specific earnings for anaesthetists, it does show where they work. The distribution across Australia is:
- New South Wales: 31.5%
- Victoria: 21.5%
- Queensland: 17.9%
- Western Australia: 12.7%
- South Australia: 11.1%
- Tasmania: 2.2%
- Australian Capital Territory: 1.8%
- Northern Territory: not reported
These figures reflect the population and healthcare infrastructure of each state. For example, NSW has the largest share, and its state index is 101.2 (slightly above national average). However, anaesthetists in any state earn far more than the state average wage. The concentration in larger states may also mean more competition for public hospital roles, but private practice opportunities are abundant.
If you are considering a move, note that Western Australia has a higher state index (106.9) and a significant anaesthetist workforce (12.7%). Tasmania and the ACT have smaller numbers, which could mean higher demand per capita.
Industry context
Almost all anaesthetists work in Health Care and Social Assistance. This industry has an overall index of 97.8, slightly below the national line. Yet anaesthetists within it earn multiples of that. The industry includes hospitals, day procedure centres, and community health services. The Medical Practitioners Award 2020 covers most employed anaesthetists, but many also work in private practice or as contractors.
Award minimums vs actual earnings
The Medical Practitioners Award 2020 sets minimum rates for employed anaesthetists. As of 1 July 2026, the minimum annual salary for a Specialist is $121,535 ($2,337.21 per week). This is the floor, not the ceiling. The median of $8,293 per week shows that experienced anaesthetists earn well above the award. Factors like years of experience, after-hours work, and private billing push earnings higher.
For comparison, an intern under the same award earns $66,432 per year. The gap reflects the long training pathway: anaesthetists typically complete medical school, internship, residency, and a five-year specialist training program.
Salary index and the national line
The Salary Index compares any pay figure to the national benchmark of $2,083.70 per week (index 100). For an anaesthetist earning the median of $8,293 per week:
- Index = (8,293 / 2,083.70) × 100 = 398
This means the anaesthetist’s earnings are 298% above the national average. Even after accounting for the 2% Medicare levy and progressive tax, take-home pay is substantial. For example, on $431,236 annual gross, the estimated tax (2026-27 rates, including Medicare levy) would be around $177,000, leaving about $254,000 net. Superannuation guarantee of 12% applies on earnings up to $270,830, so the employer contributes up to $32,500 per year.
How state indices compare
While we don’t have state-specific anaesthetist salaries, the states page shows how each state’s average earnings compare. For instance:
- ACT index 109.9 (highest)
- WA index 106.9
- NSW index 101.2
- VIC index 98.0
- QLD index 97.9
- SA index 94.6
- TAS index 88.6
Anaesthetists in any state will far exceed these indices. The state distribution data suggests that the largest numbers are in NSW and Victoria, where the cost of living is higher, but so are potential earnings from private practice.
Key takeaways
- The median anaesthetist salary is $8,293 per week, index 398.
- The award minimum for specialists is $121,535 per year, but actual earnings are much higher.
- Most anaesthetists work in NSW, Victoria, and Queensland.
- The industry is exclusively Health Care and Social Assistance.
- Superannuation and tax significantly affect take-home pay.
For more on how salaries compare across roles, see the Salary Index homepage or explore industries and pay guides.
Questions people ask
What is the minimum salary for an anaesthetist under the Medical Practitioners Award?
Under the Medical Practitioners Award 2020, the minimum annual salary for a specialist anaesthetist (full-time) is $121,535 as of 1 July 2026. This equates to $2,337.21 per week or $61.51 per hour. However, most anaesthetists earn well above this award floor due to experience, private practice, and location.
How does an anaesthetist salary compare to the national average?
The median full-time anaesthetist salary of $8,293 per week is about four times the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $2,083.70 per week. This gives a salary index of approximately 398, meaning anaesthetists earn nearly 300% above the national benchmark. In contrast, the Health Care and Social Assistance industry index is 97.8, highlighting how anaesthetists are outliers even within their own sector.
What factors affect an anaesthetist's salary in Australia?
Key factors include years of experience, geographic location (states with higher demand or cost of living may offer more), public vs private practice, and whether the anaesthetist works in a hospital or day procedure centre. The award provides a minimum, but many anaesthetists negotiate higher rates or earn additional income from private patients. The state distribution shows higher concentrations in NSW, Victoria, and Queensland, which may influence average earnings.