Public vs Private: Which Pays Anaesthetists Better in Australia?
When considering a career in anaesthesia, one of the most frequently asked questions is: “Do anaesthetists earn more in the public or private sector in Australia?” Understanding the difference between public and private pay is crucial for doctors making career decisions, trainees mapping their future, or even overseas professionals considering a move Down Under. In this blog post, we’ll explore the difference of anaesthetist salary in Australia between public and private practice — and which might be the better option for your goals.
Understanding the Two Sectors
Before diving into the numbers, it’s important to distinguish between public and private practice in the Australian healthcare system:
- Public sector: Anaesthetists are usually salaried employees of state or territory-run hospitals. They receive fixed pay based on award structures and enterprise bargaining agreements.
- Private sector: Anaesthetists typically operate as independent contractors or partners in private groups. They bill patients, health funds, or Medicare directly and have more control over their workload and fees.
Public Sector Anaesthetist Salaries
Public hospital anaesthetists follow a structured pay scale, which provides job security, superannuation benefits, paid leave, and predictable hours.
Typical Pay Range (2024 figures):
- Specialist Anaesthetist (Consultant level):
$250,000 – $450,000 per year (depending on seniority and on-call duties) - Trainees/Registrars:
$90,000 – $160,000 per year
This includes base salary, overtime, on-call loadings, and allowances. Some states like Queensland or Western Australia may offer higher pay to attract talent to regional areas.
Pros of Public Sector Pay:
- Guaranteed salary and benefits
- Paid sick leave, long service leave, and holiday pay
- Structured career progression and CME support
Cons:
- Less flexibility in hours
- Pay plateaus over time
- Higher workloads and administrative pressure in public hospitals
Private Sector Anaesthetist Income
In private practice, anaesthetists earn per case or per hour, depending on how they bill. Medicare, private health insurers, and gap fees all factor into the final take-home pay.
Typical Income Range:
- Independent anaesthetist in private practice:
$400,000 – $800,000+ per year - High-volume procedural lists (e.g., orthopaedics, cosmetic surgery) can push income higher.
Billing rates often range from $200 to $500+ per hour, depending on region, specialty, and reputation. Some high-end private anaesthetists working with busy surgeons or cosmetic clinics can exceed $1 million annually.
Pros of Private Practice:
- Higher earning potential
- Flexibility in choosing work schedule
- Autonomy over billing and workload
Cons:
- No guaranteed income
- Must manage your own business (billing, tax, admin)
- No paid leave or super unless self-managed
- Competition for surgical lists in saturated markets
Hybrid Model: The Best of Both Worlds?
Many anaesthetists in Australia work in both public and private sectors — often starting part-time in private while keeping a public hospital position. This hybrid model offers:
- A reliable public income stream
- Extra income from private work
- Access to complex public cases + flexibility of private practice
Final Thoughts: Choosing What Works for You
Whether you’re a trainee aiming for financial stability, or a consultant eyeing higher earnings and autonomy, both sectors offer advantages. If maximising income is your goal, private anaesthesia clearly leads the way — but it comes with business responsibilities and market risk. If you prefer job security, public service, and structured growth, the public hospital system remains a strong and respected pathway.Ultimately, many Australian anaesthetists choose a blend of both, allowing flexibility, variety, and financial reward.
