What is the average anaesthetist salary in Australia?

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (May 2025), the median full-time weekly earnings for anaesthetists is $8,293, and the median hourly earnings are $218. This is based on an average of 46 hours per week. For a standard 38-hour week, the equivalent hourly rate would be higher, but the ABS data reflects actual hours worked.

How is casual loading calculated for anaesthetists?

Casual loading is a 25% addition to the base hourly rate, as per the Fair Work Ombudsman. For anaesthetists, who are typically employed on a permanent basis, casual loading is less common. However, if a casual contract applies, the hourly rate would be $218 × 1.25 = $272.50. Superannuation is then paid on top of this loaded rate.

Does superannuation affect the anaesthetist salary calculation?

Superannuation is paid on top of your ordinary earnings. For the 2026–27 year, the super guarantee is 12% of your ordinary time earnings, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. So if your base salary is $8,293 per week, your employer would contribute an additional $995.16 per week in super, but this is not included in your take-home pay.

Anaesthetist Salary Australia: Hourly, Weekly, Fortnightly and Annual Pay with Tax and Super

Based on the latest ABS data, the median anaesthetist salary in Australia is $8,293 per week for full-time work (46 hours), equating to $218 per hour.

Anaesthetist Salary Australia: Hourly, Weekly, Fortnightly and Annual Pay

If you're researching the anaesthetist salary Australia, you've come to the right place. Anaesthetists are among the highest-paid medical professionals in the country. According to the latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and Jobs and Skills Australia, the median full-time weekly earnings for anaesthetists is $8,293, with a median hourly rate of $218. These figures are based on an average of **46 hours per week (full-time), which is above the standard 38-hour standard used in many other occupations.

How to Calculate Your Own Anaesthetist Salary

Our hourly conversion tool uses the formula hourly rate × hours per week × 52 to estimate annual gross pay. For a standard 38-hour week, an anaesthetist earning $218 per hour would be:

Weekly: $218 × 38 = $8,293** (matching the median weekly figure).** But note: the actual average hours for anaesthetists are 46 hours, so the weekly figure is based on that. If you want to use our calculator, you can type your base hourly rate and let the calculator assume 38 hours. For anaesthetists, you may need to adjust hours manually. The the timesheet page allows you to enter any hourly rate and see the 38-hour week, fortnightly, tax and super.

Fortnightly Pay and Tax for Anaesthetists

Using the median weekly figure, the fortnightly pay is $16,586 (weekly × 2). For tax, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) tax tables for 2026–27 apply: tax-free threshold to $18,200, then 15% to $45,000, 30% to $135,000, 37% to $190,000, 45% above. Medicare levy generally 2%. For a weekly salary of $8,293, annual gross is $431,236 (8,293 × 52). Tax on that is approximately $179,000 (using the scale) plus Medicare $8,625. After tax, weekly take-home is around $4,800. Use our take-home pay calculator for a precise estimate.

Casual Loading and Super Paid on Top

For anaesthetists on casual contracts, the 25% casual loading applies. The base hourly rate of $218 becomes $272.50. Superannuation is paid on top of the ordinary earnings (including casual loading if applicable). The super guarantee is 12% of ordinary time earnings, up to the $270,830 maximum contribution base. For a full-time anaesthetist earning $8,293 per week, super is $995 per week, but this is not included in your take-home pay. See our super and packaging guide for more details.

Comparing to National Minimum Wage and Award Rates

For context, the National Minimum Wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week for 38 hours. Casual workers get $33.05 per hour including loading. Anaesthetists are covered by the Medical Practitioners Award, which has much higher rates. Always check the pay guides from the Fair Work Ombudsman for your specific classification.

Important Disclaimer

Annual pay here is hourly rate × hours per week × 52. It assumes the same rate every week, no unpaid overtime, no penalty rates, no allowances, and no salary sacrifice. Super is estimated at 12% of ordinary earnings only, paid on top, and stops at the $270,830 maximum contribution base. Tax is the 2026–27 resident scale with the full tax-free threshold. Medicare uses the 2025–26 single reduction thresholds because the 2026–27 reduction thresholds were not confirmed here. HELP, the Medicare levy surcharge, and salary packaging are not deducted. This is an estimate, not a determination of your pay or tax.

References

Jobs and Skills Australia:
Australian Bureau of Statistics:
Australian Taxation Office:
Fair Work Ombudsman: reference tables for minimum wage and award rates.