Which State Pays Junior Doctors the Most? (2025–26)
Australian junior doctors are paid under separate public-hospital awards for each state or territory. While the core job is similar around the country, the base salary, overtime multipliers and allowances vary widely. This guide compares intern pay across the eight jurisdictions using the latest 2025–26 award data and includes an estimate of take-home (after-tax) income once Medicare levy and HECS/HELP repayments are deducted.
Contents
Summary table
| State/Territory | Base salary (intern) | Estimated take-home after tax & HECS | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Queensland (QLD) | $94,670 | $69,437 | Highest base pay and net pay; 38 h week; 6 weeks of annual leave. |
| Western Australia (WA) | $90,864 | $67,420 | 40 h week with higher night/weekend penalties; 5 weeks leave. |
| Northern Territory (NT) | $90,150 | $67,042 | Generous 7-week annual leave and 2.5x public-holiday rate. |
| South Australia (SA) | $88,869 | $66,363 | 38 h week and overtime at 1.5x then 2x; 5 weeks leave. |
| Australian Capital Territory (ACT) | $88,485 | $66,159 | 38 h week; overtime at 1.5x; 5 weeks leave. |
| Tasmania (TAS) | $87,000 | $65,372 | Lower base but 20 days sick leave; ordinary hours 38 h. |
| Victoria (VIC) | $83,409 | $63,469 | 38 h week; 5 weeks leave; highest registrar pay later on. |
| New South Wales (NSW) | $80,570 | $61,964 | Lowest base and net pay; overtime rates 1.5x then 2x. |
Figures are for full-time interns (PGY1) working ordinary hours. “After-tax” estimates include the Medicare levy and assume a HECS/HELP balance; your take-home pay will vary with exact roster, salary packaging and personal circumstances.
Which state pays the most?
On both gross and net measures, Queensland currently tops the table. A starting intern earns around $94,670 per year and takes home roughly $69 k after tax and HECS. Western Australia and the Northern Territory follow closely, offering base salaries above $90 k with net pay around $67 k. These three jurisdictions also offer some of the most generous leave entitlements (six to seven weeks), which effectively increases hourly rates.
At the other end, New South Wales pays the lowest base salary at $80,570 with an estimated take-home of about $62 k. Victoria sits mid-pack in base pay but has a relatively flat intern/resident scale and higher registrar salaries later on.
Beyond base pay: overtime and penalties
Base rates only tell part of the story. Actual take-home pay depends heavily on night shifts, weekend work and overtime. Jurisdictions differ in their penalty structures:
- WA offers the highest night (25%) and weekend loadings and a 1.5x overtime multiplier, increasing to 2x for extended overtime.
- NT pays 2.5x for public holidays and allows seven weeks of annual leave, effectively increasing pay per hour.
- NSW and VIC have more modest penalty rates (e.g. 1.5x for Saturdays and 1.75x for Sundays) and limit intern study leave.
- QLD includes six weeks of annual leave and the highest base pay; penalties are similar to NSW but overtime loadings start at 1.5x.
How to choose a state
If salary is your main driver, Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory stand out on both gross and net measures. However, consider the full package:
- Overtime expectations: Rosters in remote areas may include more after-hours work and extended overtime, which can significantly boost take-home pay but also increase fatigue.
- Cost of living: Higher salaries in the NT and WA may be offset by higher housing and travel costs in Darwin or regional WA. Conversely, NSW’s lower pay may go further if you live in a subsidised hospital residence.
- Career pathways: Some states offer more subspecialty training positions or faster progression to registrar pay scales (e.g. Victoria’s registrar base salary of $126 k).
- Leave and allowances: Longer annual leave (QLD, NT) and additional allowances (e.g. rural loadings, higher meal allowances) can increase total remuneration.
Compare your state
Estimates are indicative; actual take-home varies by roster, salary packaging, and personal circumstances.
Sources & methodology
How these figures were put together
These figures are award-based estimates for full-time interns (PGY1) on ordinary hours. Base salary comes from the current state pay data in the site, and the estimated take-home figure includes Medicare levy and an assumed HECS/HELP balance using the calculator’s current assumptions. This page is not personal financial advice.
For full award details, loadings tables and worked examples, see the individual state pages on AussieClinicians. All data are based on the 2025–26 awards and information available as of March 2026.