What is the minimum wage for a GP in Melbourne?

If not covered by an award, the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week) applies. However, many GPs are covered by the Medical Practitioners Award 2020, which sets higher minimums: for example, a Specialist must be paid at least $61.51 per hour ($2,337.21 per week). The actual minimum depends on the employer and classification.

Does the Medical Practitioners Award cover GPs in private clinics?

The award covers medical practitioners employed in hospitals, hospices, community health centres, and similar settings. It may not cover GPs in private clinics if they are self-employed or contractors. If the employer is not covered by another award, the national minimum wage applies. Always check the award coverage with your employer or the Fair Work Ombudsman.

How does the ABS median GP salary compare to the award rate?

The ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (May 2025) reports median hourly earnings of $60 for General Practitioners and Resident Medical Officers, and median weekly earnings of $2,446. This is slightly below the award minimum for a Specialist ($61.51/h) but above the Registrar rates. The median reflects a mix of experience levels and settings.

GP Salary Melbourne: Award Rates, Minimum Wage, and What the Data Shows

The legal minimum for award-free GPs in Melbourne is $26.44 per hour, but award-covered GPs may receive at least $61.51 per hour (Specialist) or lower Registrar rates; the ABS reports median hourly earnings of $60 for General Practitioners and Resident Medical Officers.

GP Salary Melbourne: Understanding the Pay Floor

When researching gp salary melbourne, it is essential to distinguish between the legal minimum, award rates, survey averages, and negotiated salaries. This guide uses current public data from the Fair Work Ombudsman, the Fair Work Commission, and the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) to clarify what a general practitioner in Melbourne can expect as a pay floor.

The Legal Minimum: National Minimum Wage

For any employee not covered by a modern award or enterprise agreement, the national minimum wage applies. From 1 July 2026, the adult rate is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for a 38-hour week. This is the absolute floor set by the Fair Work Commission. Casual employees receive a 25% loading, bringing the casual rate to $33.05 per hour. Superannuation (12% of ordinary time earnings) is paid on top of these amounts.

However, most medical practitioners are covered by an award or agreement that mandates higher rates. The national minimum only applies if no other instrument covers the role.

The Medical Practitioners Award 2020

The Medical Practitioners Award 2020 (MA000031) sets minimum rates for employees in hospitals, hospices, community health centres, and similar settings. The award classifies medical practitioners into Intern, Resident, Registrar, and Specialist roles. For a GP working in a hospital or community health centre, the relevant classification is likely Registrar or Specialist.

Key minimum rates from the award (effective 1 July 2026):

Intern: $33.62 per hour ($1,277.54 per week)
Resident (Pay Point 1): $35.69 per hour ($1,356.33 per week)
Registrar (Pay Point 1): $40.61 per hour ($1,543.23 per week)
Specialist: $61.51 per hour ($2,337.21 per week)

These are legal minimums for award-covered employees. An enterprise agreement or individual contract can set a higher rate, but not lower. The award also includes penalty rates for weekends and public holidays, as shown in the Pay Guide.

Survey Averages: ABS Data

The ABS provides median earnings for General Practitioners and Resident Medical Officers (ANZSCO 2531). According to the Jobs and Skills Australia profile, the median full-time weekly earnings are $2,446, and median hourly earnings are $60. This is based on the Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025. Note that this median includes both GPs and resident medical officers, who may be at different career stages. The median is a useful benchmark but not a legal requirement.

Separating the Figures

Legal minimum (award-free): $26.44/h
Award minimum (Specialist): $61.51/h
Award minimum (Registrar): $40.61/h to $44.21/h depending on pay point
Survey median: $60/h
Negotiated salary: Often above the award minimum, especially for experienced GPs in private practice

If a GP is employed in a private clinic that is not covered by the award, the national minimum applies unless an enterprise agreement sets a higher rate. Many GPs are self-employed contractors, in which case award rates do not apply, and the fee-for-service model determines income.

Superannuation and Other Considerations

Superannuation is an employer payment of 12% on top of ordinary time earnings. For a GP earning the award Specialist rate of $61.51/h, the employer must also contribute $7.38 per hour to super. The total employment cost is higher than the base rate.

For more details on which minimum wage applies to your situation, see our Which minimum wage applies guide. You can also explore Rate tables for other classifications.

Key Takeaways

The national minimum wage of $26.44/h is the floor for award-free GPs.
The Medical Practitioners Award sets higher minimums, with the Specialist rate at $61.51/h.
ABS survey data shows a median of $60/h, reflecting a mix of roles and experience.
Always check the applicable award or agreement, as it can set a higher rate than the national minimum.
Superannuation is paid on top of the base rate.

For further reading, see our Guides on award coverage and Topics related to medical practitioner pay.