What is the minimum hourly rate for an orthopedic surgeon in Australia?

The legal minimum is the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour (from 1 July 2026). However, most orthopaedic surgeons are covered by the Medical Practitioners Award, which sets higher minimum rates depending on experience and classification. For example, a Medical Practitioner Level 1 (intern) has a higher award rate, and specialists like orthopaedic surgeons are classified at higher levels or on individual contracts. Always check the award or your employment agreement.

Is the orthopedic surgeon salary published by the ABS or ATO?

No. The Australian Bureau of Statistics does not publish median weekly earnings for 6-digit occupations like Orthopaedic Surgeon (ANZSCO 253514). The Jobs and Skills Australia profile notes that median earnings are not available for this detailed occupation. The ATO publishes taxable income data by occupation but not at this level of detail. Therefore, any figure you see online is likely an estimate or survey average, not an official median.

How does superannuation affect an orthopedic surgeon's pay?

Superannuation is paid on top of your ordinary time earnings. The super guarantee rate is 12% (from 1 July 2026). So if your base salary is $200,000, your employer must also contribute $24,000 into your super fund. This is separate from your take-home pay and is not included in the hourly or weekly rates quoted in awards or the national minimum wage.

Orthopedic Surgeon Salary in Australia: Legal Minimum vs Award Rates

No official median salary is published for orthopaedic surgeons by the ABS, but the legal minimum is the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour, with higher rates under the Medical Practitioners Award.

What the research says about an orthopedic surgeon salary

When you search for an orthopedic surgeon salary in Australia, you might expect a clear figure from the government. However, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) do not publish a median or average salary for this specific occupation. The Jobs and Skills Australia profile for Orthopaedic Surgeons (ANZSCO 253514) states that median weekly earnings are not available for 6-digit occupations. This means any number you find online is likely a survey estimate, a recruitment site average, or a figure from a private salary report — not an official statistic.

What is available is the legal pay floor. Every national-system employee in Australia must receive at least the national minimum wage. From 1 July 2026, that is $26.44 per hour, $1,004.90 per week for a 38-hour week, or $33.05 per hour for casual workers. But for a specialist surgeon, this floor is almost certainly irrelevant because award or agreement rates are much higher.

The legal minimum vs the award rate

The national minimum wage is the absolute bottom. However, most orthopaedic surgeons are covered by the Medical Practitioners Award 2020 (MA000031). The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes pay guides for this award. The award sets minimum rates for medical practitioners based on experience and role — from intern to specialist. For example, a Medical Practitioner Level 1 (first year out of internship) has a minimum hourly rate well above the national minimum. A specialist orthopaedic surgeon would be classified at a higher level, often Level 9 or above, or may be on an individual contract that exceeds the award.

Importantly, the award rates increased by 4.75% from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026, consistent with the Annual Wage Review decision. But even the lowest ongoing classification in the award cannot fall below the national minimum of $26.44 per hour. The introductory rate (first 6 months) is $25.74 per hour.

If you are an orthopaedic surgeon employed under an enterprise agreement, that agreement may set rates higher than the award. Always check your employment contract or agreement first. The award is a safety net, not a ceiling.

How to compare your hourly rate

If you have an hourly rate — perhaps from a locum position or a contract — you can compare it to the national minimum wage. But remember: for a qualified surgeon, a rate near $26.44 would be far below market value. The Medical Practitioners Award rates for experienced doctors are many times higher. For a practical check:

Find your classification in the Medical Practitioners Award pay guide (available from the Fair Work Ombudsman).
Compare your hourly rate to that award rate. If your rate is lower, your employer may be underpaying you.
Add 12% superannuation on top of your ordinary time earnings — that is an employer cost, not part of your hourly wage.

If you are award-free (rare for surgeons), the national minimum wage applies, but junior rates do not apply to professionals. Apprentice and trainee rates also do not apply.

What about self-employed surgeons?

Many orthopaedic surgeons work in private practice. In that case, you are not an employee and the national minimum wage does not directly apply. Your income comes from fees, Medicare rebates, and private health insurance. The concept of a minimum hourly rate is not relevant in the same way. However, if you employ staff, you must pay them at least the award or minimum wage.

Where to get more information

Which minimum wage applies – find out if you are in the national system or covered by a state award.
Rate tables – see the current national minimum wage and award rates.
Guides – step-by-step help for checking your pay.
How the figures work – understand the sources and rounding.
About this site – our independent approach.
Topics – other occupations and pay questions.

Summary

There is no official orthopedic surgeon salary figure from the ABS or ATO. The legal minimum is $26.44 per hour, but the Medical Practitioners Award sets much higher minimums for doctors. If you have an hourly rate, compare it to the award rate for your level. Superannuation of 12% is paid on top. For the most accurate information, consult the Fair Work Ombudsman's pay guides or your enterprise agreement.