Paediatrician salary: awards versus the national minimum wage

What is a paediatrician salary in Australia?

A paediatrician is a medical specialist who diagnoses and treats diseases and disorders in children from birth through adolescence. In Australia, paediatricians work mainly in hospitals, private practices, and community health settings. Understanding a paediatrician salary means looking at award minimums, because the Australian Bureau of Statistics does not publish median earnings for this occupation.

Jobs and Skills Australia reports that around 2,500 people work as paediatricians, with a median age of 41 and a strong female share of 67%. Most work full-time (75%), averaging 46 hours per week. But when it comes to pay, the official data says "median weekly earnings: N/A". That leaves the Medical Practitioners Award as the clearest public reference point.

The Medical Practitioners Award and paediatricians

Paediatricians fall under the Specialist classification in the Medical Practitioners Award 2020. The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes minimum rates for this award. As of July 2026, the minimum annual salary for a full-time specialist is $121,535. That works out to $2,337.21 per week or $61.51 per hour. Senior specialists have four pay points, with the top (pay point 4) at $148,869 per year ($2,862.87 per week).

These are minimums. Many paediatricians in public hospitals are covered by enterprise agreements that pay above the award. Those in private practice set their own fees, which can be significantly higher. But the award gives a solid floor.

How paediatrician salary compares to the national minimum wage

The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, $1,004.90 per week, or $52,255 per year. On the Salary Index, where 100 equals full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $108,352, the national minimum wage scores 48.2. A specialist paediatrician on the award minimum of $121,535 scores 112.2 — more than double the minimum wage and 12% above the national average.

A senior specialist at pay point 4 ($148,869) scores 137.4, meaning they earn 37% above the national benchmark. These figures show that even at the award floor, paediatricians are well above the minimum wage and the average worker.

The role of awards in setting paediatrician pay

Awards are legal documents that set minimum wages and conditions for specific industries and occupations. The Medical Practitioners Award covers interns, residents, registrars, career medical practitioners, and specialists. For paediatricians, the Specialist classification applies. The award also includes penalty rates for Saturday, Sunday, public holiday, and overtime work.

It's important to remember that awards are a safety net. Many doctors are employed under collective agreements that offer higher pay. The pay guides from the Fair Work Ombudsman summarise the award rates, but actual earnings can vary by state, hospital network, and experience.

Paediatrician salary and the health care industry

The health care and social assistance industry has a Salary Index of 97.8, slightly below the national average of 100. But within that industry, medical specialists like paediatricians earn well above the industry average. The award minimum for a specialist is 112.2, and senior specialists can reach 137.4. This highlights how specialised medical roles command a premium over the broader health workforce.

For context, the industries page shows that mining has an index of 154.7, while retail trade is 75.9. Paediatricians sit comfortably above the national line, reflecting the high skill and responsibility of the role.

How the Salary Index works for paediatricians

The Salary Index takes a yearly gross salary and divides it by the national benchmark of $108,352, then multiplies by 100. For a paediatrician on the specialist award minimum:

$121,535 ÷ $108,352 × 100 = 112.2

That means the paediatrician earns 12.2% more than the typical full-time adult worker. If you want to compare your own pay, you can use the same calculation. The index is a useful tool for understanding where a salary sits relative to the national line.

What about superannuation and tax?

From 1 July 2026, the superannuation guarantee is 12%, applied to earnings up to $270,830. For a paediatrician on $121,535, that means an extra $14,584 in super contributions per year. Tax on that salary (2026–27 rates, including the 2% Medicare levy) would be roughly $32,000 for a resident with the tax-free threshold, leaving a take-home of about $89,500. But this is a rough estimate — individual circumstances vary.

Where to find more information

If you're researching paediatrician salaries, start with the topics page for related guides. The Fair Work Ombudsman website has the full Medical Practitioners Award and pay guides. Jobs and Skills Australia provides employment data. Remember that award rates are minimums; actual pay can be higher. The Salary Index helps you benchmark any salary against the national average.