FRACGP & Fellowship: How Much Do Doctors Make in Australia?

Australia remains one of the most attractive destinations for medical professionals worldwide. With a well-established healthcare system, high living standards, and competitive pay, many doctors, both local and international, choose to pursue a career as a General Practitioner (GP). 

One of the most common questions among candidates is: What is the average GP salary in Australia, and how does achieving FRACGP & Fellowship influence how much doctors make?

This guide explains the journey to Fellowship, expected salaries at each stage, and tips to maximize your earnings after becoming a GP in Australia.

 

RACGP Exam Prep

 

What is FRACGP & Why It Matters?

The Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (FRACGP) is the official recognition of a doctor as a specialist GP. Achieving this milestone is essential for:

  • Unrestricted Practice: Without FRACGP, international medical graduates often have location restrictions, meaning they must work in rural or outer metropolitan areas.
  • Higher Pay: Practices typically pay a higher percentage of billings to doctors who hold Fellowship.
  • Professional Recognition: FRACGP is required for full specialist registration in Australia.

 

GP Salary in Australia: Before and After Fellowship

The average GP salary in Australia depends significantly on whether a doctor has achieved Fellowship.

Before Fellowship (Pre-FRACGP):

  • Many doctors work under supervision or in training posts.
  • Average earnings: AUD $120,000 to $200,000 annually.
  • Limited to certain geographic areas (Distribution Priority Areas).

After Fellowship (With FRACGP):

  • Eligible to practice anywhere in Australia, including major cities.
  • Higher percentage of billings (commonly 70% or more).
  • Average earnings jump to AUD $250,000 to $350,000 annually, with some GPs exceeding $400,000 in busy practices.

This increase reflects not only unrestricted practice but also the ability to negotiate better contracts and access to more lucrative patient bases.

 

Factors Influencing GP Earnings

Several factors contribute to how much doctors make in Australia as GPs:

1. Practice Location

  • Rural and Remote Areas: Government incentives (rural loading payments, relocation support) make these locations highly lucrative. Doctors can earn 20-50% more than in urban settings.
  • Major Cities: High patient demand but more competition among clinics.

2. Type of Billing

  • Bulk Billing: Patients are not charged out-of-pocket fees. Average consultation generates AUD $40-80.
  • Mixed/Private Billing: Charges a gap fee in addition to Medicare, increasing overall income.

3. Working Hours

  • A full-time GP seeing 30-40 patients daily can bill $300,000-$500,000 annually. Part-time GPs proportionally earn less but still enjoy competitive pay.

4. Special Interests

  • GPs with additional skills (e.g., dermatology, skin cancer surgery, chronic disease management) can charge higher fees and attract more patients.

 

AKT and KFP Q Bank

 

How the RACGP Pathway Affects Salary?

The RACGP examination includes three key components:

1.    AKT (Applied Knowledge Test)

2.    KFP (Key Feature Problem exam)

3.    CCE (Clinical Competency Exam)

Passing these exams is essential to obtain FRACGP & Fellowship. Once achieved, you transition from a supervised doctor to a recognized specialist GP, opening doors to higher-income opportunities.

Many IMGs report a 20-30% increase in income immediately after obtaining Fellowship due to better billing percentages and access to metropolitan practices.

 

How Much Do Doctors Make Compared to Specialists?

Understanding how much doctors make in Australia also involves comparing GPs to other specialties:

  • GPs: Typically AUD $200k-$350k annually.
  • Medical Specialists: Average $350k-$600k+, depending on the field (e.g., cardiology, surgery).
  • Hospital Residents: Entry-level doctors earn $70k-$120k, significantly less than GPs.

While specialists can earn more, GPs benefit from shorter training times, lower stress, and a better work-life balance.

 

Additional Financial Advantages for GPs

Being a GP in Australia offers other perks beyond salary:

  • Tax Flexibility: Many GPs work as independent contractors, allowing them to structure finances efficiently.
  • Business Ownership: Opening or buying into a medical practice can multiply earnings.
  • Government Incentives: Rural practice grants and Medicare incentives boost income further.

 

FRACGP Exam Course

 

Tips to Maximize GP Salary

1.    Complete FRACGP & Fellowship Quickly: The sooner you achieve Fellowship, the sooner you can access unrestricted and higher-paying positions.

2.    Consider Rural Opportunities: Short-term rural contracts can offer significant financial rewards.

3.    Develop a Special Interest: Skin cancer, mental health, and chronic disease management are in high demand.

4.    Choose Mixed Billing Clinics: These practices typically generate higher revenue than bulk-billing only centers.

5.    Efficient Practice Management: Seeing more patients while maintaining quality care increases billings.

 

The GP salary in Australia is among the most competitive worldwide, making general practice a financially secure and fulfilling career. While earnings vary based on location, billing type, and experience, completing FRACGP & Fellowship is the key milestone for maximizing income and achieving full practice rights.

For doctors considering a move to Australia or advancing their careers locally, understanding the RACGP examination pathway and its direct impact on salary is crucial. Whether you choose metropolitan practice or rural incentives, Australia offers abundant opportunities for doctors to thrive both professionally and financially.